Fatty composition comprising tributyrin and use thereof in calf milk replacers

Abstract

The present invention provides a fat composition and its use in compositions for feeding young farmed mammals, particularly for improving the performance and gastrointestinal development of young farmed mammals, the fat composition comprising: a) at least 0.7 wt% tributyrate; b) 25 wt% to 60 wt% fat, such as vegetable fat and / or animal fat; c) 18 wt% to 75 wt% protein, such as milk protein and optionally plant protein; and d) optionally, carbohydrates, such as lactose.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fat compositions applicable to a variety of applications, particularly liquid feeds (e.g., milk replacers) for young farmed animals, and such liquid feeds for young farmed livestock. Background Technology

[0002] Young mammals, such as calves, rely heavily on dairy products in the early stages of life to provide protein, energy, and essential nutrients for growth and health. The energy in dairy products comes from lactose and fat.

[0003] Dairy products naturally contain a balanced amount of fatty acids, covering all three types (short-chain, medium-chain, and long-chain) fatty acids.

[0004] Calf milk replacer (CMR) was initially developed to save on marketable dairy products. However, today it is valued for providing a convenient, safe, stable, and cost-effective source of nutrition for pre-weaned calves. A suitable calf milk replacer should possess physical, chemical, and nutritional properties (flowability, density, uniformity, and palatability) comparable to dairy products. It must provide sufficient energy and nutrients. Therefore, milk replacers are designed to contain the necessary components to provide adequate amounts of protein, fat, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. Furthermore, it should dissolve easily in water for convenient feeding.

[0005] In Europe and other parts of the world, vegetable oils are primarily used in CMR (Cow Meat Mix) because they are cheaper than dairy fats and are a rich source of other fatty acids, such as C12:0 and C16:0. In many other parts of the world, animal fats (such as lard and tallow) are used as the source of fatty acids. However, short-chain fatty acids (such as butyric acid (C4:0)) are absent in the vegetable oils or animal fats used in current CMR, and hexanoic acid (C6:0) is only present in small amounts in coconut oil. Therefore, commercially available CMR is unlikely to contain the optimal amounts of C4:0 and C6:0 required for calf development and health.

[0006] Butyric acid and caproic acid can be supplemented in CMR in different forms (including free fatty acids, salts, or esters). Free C4:0 and C6:0 are water-soluble, colorless, oily liquids. These free fatty acids are volatile, corrosive, and have an unpleasant odor. Therefore, butyric acid and caproic acid are difficult to use in animal feed.

[0007] To facilitate the supplementation of C4:0 and C6:0, C4:0 or C6:0 can be added in the form of solid butyrate and hexanoate or (calcium, sodium, potassium, or magnesium) saponification, or by glyceryl esterification to obtain butyrate glycerides or hexanoate glycerides. Salts offer several advantages over free acids, including less odor and easier control in feed manufacturing operations, as salts are solid and less volatile. Esters are liquid at room temperature, making them easier to supplement in CMRs. Due to its widespread availability and low cost, sodium butyrate is primarily used as a source of dietary C4:0 in commercial CMRs. However, sodium butyrate levels are limited by the odor of butyrate.

[0008] Trials of butyrate supplementation in CMR have shown promising results; however, the amount of butyrate that can be added to milk substitutes is limited by its odor.

[0009] Tributyrate can be added to CMR in place of butyrate. Tributyrate has no unpleasant odor, but it has a bitter taste that may be rejected by calves, thus reducing their feed intake.

[0010] In CMR, the addition level of tributylate has reached 0.6 wt% of dry matter (Murayama et al., 2023, J. Dairy Sci., 106:4599-4607). The authors observed that calves fed milk replacer containing tributylate had increased total dry matter intake after weaning. Calves fed milk replacer with tributylate at 0.6 wt% dry matter content also had greater body weight during and after weaning compared to calves not fed tributylate.

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to provide a fat concentrate suitable for CMR and a CMR comprising such a fat concentrate, which increases pre-weaning weight gain, weaning weight gain, post-weaning weight gain, average daily weight gain before weaning, average daily weight gain during weaning, average daily weight gain after weaning, milk replacer intake, starter feed intake, dry matter intake, reduces energy conversion rate, reduces the incidence and / or severity of diarrhea and / or respiratory disease in young farmed mammals (e.g., calves), and / or improves rumen and / or ileum development in young farmed mammals (e.g., calves), and / or improves fat digestibility and / or insulin sensitivity in young farmed mammals (e.g., calves).

[0012] Alternatively, an object of the present invention is to provide a fat concentrate comprising tributyric acid esters and optionally trihexylic acid esters, which may optionally be combined in desired proportions with commonly used and / or commercially available fat concentrates for CMR to provide a CMR having desired levels of tributyric acid esters and optionally trihexylic acid esters. In particular, the techniques proposed herein enable higher levels of tributyric acid esters in the CMR. Summary of the Invention

[0013] This disclosure provides compositions comprising: a) at least 0.7 wt% tricresyl tartrate; b) 25 wt% to 60 wt% fat; c) 18 wt% to 75 wt% protein, such as milk protein and optionally plant protein; and d) optionally carbohydrates, such as lactose.

[0014] The composition may further include trihexanoic acid glycerides.

[0015] The composition may include vegetable fats, such as palm oil, coconut oil, palm shell oil, rapeseed oil, flaxseed oil, sunflower oil, and MCT oil, and / or the composition may include animal fats, such as lard, tallow, and / or insect fats.

[0016] Proteins may include or be composed of milk proteins. Milk proteins may include or be composed of casein, and / or may include one or more of β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin, serum albumin, immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and transferrin.

[0017] Carbohydrates can include sugars, such as lactose.

[0018] This disclosure also provides portions of complexes comprising a) a fat composition as described herein and b) a second composition comprising: i) 25 wt% to 60 wt% fat, such as vegetable fat and / or animal fat; ii) 18 wt% to 75 wt% protein, such as milk protein and optionally plant protein; and iii) optionally, carbohydrates, such as lactose, wherein preferably the second composition does not include tributyrate.

[0019] This disclosure further provides a composition comprising: 15 wt% to 35 wt%, preferably 15 wt% to 30 wt%, of fat based on dry matter content; 18 wt% to 28 wt% of protein based on dry matter content; 30 wt% to 55 wt%, preferably 35 wt% to 55 wt% of sugar based on dry matter content, said sugar preferably including lactose; and at least 0.7 wt% of tributyrate based on dry matter content.

[0020] The composition may be in powder form or in an aqueous form formed after the powder has been reconstituted in an aqueous solution (e.g., in water).

[0021] The composition may include starch based on a dry matter content of less than about 5 wt% and / or ash based on a dry matter content of less than about 10 wt%.

[0022] The composition may include vegetable fats, such as palm oil, coconut oil, palm shell oil, rapeseed oil, flaxseed oil, sunflower seed oil, or MCT oil.

[0023] The composition may include animal fats, such as lard, tallow, or insect fat.

[0024] In embodiments, milk proteins include or are composed of casein, and / or milk proteins may include whey proteins, such as β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin, serum albumin, immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and / or transferrin.

[0025] The composition may include lactose.

[0026] This disclosure also teaches methods for preparing compositions as taught herein, the methods comprising the step of mixing a fat composition or a complex of portions of the composition taught herein with milk proteins and sugars to obtain said composition.

[0027] This disclosure further provides a method for feeding young mammals, preferably young domesticated mammals (more preferably calves), the method comprising the steps of feeding or administering the compositions taught herein to the young mammals.

[0028] Furthermore, this disclosure provides a method for increasing pre-weaning weight gain, weaning weight gain, post-weaning weight gain, pre-weaning average daily weight gain, weaning average daily weight gain, post-weaning average daily weight gain, milk replacer intake, starter feed intake, dry matter intake, and / or reducing energy conversion efficiency in young mammals, preferably young farmed mammals (e.g., calves), the method comprising the step of administering the composition taught herein to the young mammal.

[0029] This disclosure also provides methods for reducing the incidence and / or severity of diarrhea and / or the incidence and / or severity of respiratory diseases in young mammals (preferably young farmed mammals, such as calves), reducing the number of young farmed mammals (such as calves) receiving delayed vaccinations, and / or reducing the number of young farmed mammals (such as calves) receiving therapeutic interventions, the methods comprising the step of administering the compositions taught herein to the young mammals.

[0030] Furthermore, this disclosure teaches methods for supporting or promoting intestinal development, supporting or promoting rumen development, increasing duodenal and / or ileal villus height, increasing duodenal villus width, increasing duodenal crypt width, increasing the ratio of duodenal and / or ileal villus height to crypt depth, increasing duodenal and / or ileal muscularis propria thickness, increasing rumen polyp height, increasing rumen polyp width, increasing rumen papilla height, increasing rumen papilla width, and / or increasing the rumen submucosa in young mammals (preferably young farmed mammals, such as calves). These methods include the step of administering the compositions taught herein to the young mammals.

[0031] Finally, this disclosure provides a method for improving fat digestibility and / or enhancing insulin sensitivity in young mammals (preferably young farmed mammals, such as calves), the method comprising the step of administering the composition taught herein to the young mammal. Detailed Implementation

[0032] General definition

[0033] Many terms are used in the following description and examples. To ensure clarity and consistency in understanding the specification and claims, including the scope of these terms, the following definitions are provided. Unless otherwise defined herein, all technical and scientific terms used have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. All disclosures of publications, patent applications, patents, and other references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0034] As used herein, the term "fat" refers to any compound that includes fatty acids. Any compound that includes fatty acids includes vegetable fats, animal fats, synthetic fats, fatty acid salts, esterified fatty acids, monoacylglycerols, diacylglycerols, and triacylglycerols. Fats may have been processed, for example, synthesized by esterification of glycerol and fatty acids, as with glyceryl tributyrate and glyceryl trihexanoate, or may have undergone some degree of hydrogenation (e.g., partial or complete hydrogenation), transesterification, etc.

[0035] As used in this article, "animal fat" refers to lipids derived from animals. Animal-derived lipids can be liquid or solid at room temperature. Although many animal parts and secretions can produce oil, in commercial practice, oil is primarily extracted from the tissue fat of livestock such as pigs, chickens, and cattle. Dairy products produce animal fats and oil products (such as butter).

[0036] As used in this article, "plant fat" refers to lipids obtained from plants, such as from seeds, fruits, or other parts of plants. Like animal fats, plant fats are mixtures of triglycerides.

[0037] As used in this article, the term "CMR" refers to calf milk replacer administered to calves. However, CMR is interchangeable with the abbreviation "MR" for "milk replacer," and can refer to milk replacer used on any young mammal (preferably young farmed animals, such as piglets, lambs, or goat lambs).

[0038] Unless otherwise stated herein, weight percentages are calculated as is.

[0039] As used herein, the term “about” indicates a normal tolerance range in the art, such as within two standard deviations of the mean. The term “about” can be understood to encompass values ​​that deviate from the indicated value by a maximum of 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01%.

[0040] As used herein, the terms “including” or “comprising” and their combinations refer to situations where the terms are used in their non-restrictive sense to mean that items following the wording are included, but not excluded, from being specifically mentioned. The terms “including” or “comprising” also encompass the more restrictive verbs “essentially constitute” and “compose of”.

[0041] The indefinite article "a" or "one" refers to an element and does not preclude the possibility of more than one element, unless the context explicitly requires that there be only one element. Therefore, the indefinite article "a" or "one" usually means "at least one".

[0042] Detailed description of the invention

[0043] This patent application has been written in sections. However, these sections should not be read in isolation. Unless otherwise stated, each section should be read in conjunction with the other sections. Various optional and preferred features can be combined with each other, even if they come from different parts of the specification. Similarly, all "aspects" and "implementations" can be combined with each other. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the embodiments are not intended to be separated.

[0044] Fat Composition

[0045] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a fat (concentrate) composition comprising at least 0.7 wt% tributyric acid glyceride, 25 wt% to 60 wt% fat; 18 wt% to 75 wt% or 20 wt% to 75 wt% (e.g., 30 wt% to 75 wt%) protein, preferably milk protein; and optionally carbohydrates, such as lactose.

[0046] The fat compositions taught herein may include 25 wt% to 60 wt% (e.g., 25 wt% to 55 wt% or 25 wt% to 50 wt%, such as 28 wt% to 45 wt%, 30 wt% to 42 wt%, or 30 wt% to 40 wt%) of fat.

[0047] The composition may further include plant protein.

[0048] The fat may include vegetable fats and / or animal fats, and / or may include synthetic fats. In this embodiment, the fat includes vegetable fats. Suitable vegetable fats include, but are not limited to, palm oil, coconut oil, palm shell oil, rapeseed oil, linseed oil, sunflower oil, or MCT oil. Suitable animal fats include, but are not limited to, tallow, lard, and insect fats. The fat may be partially or fully hydrogenated. Those skilled in the art will recognize that any type of fat may be used.

[0049] In one embodiment, the fat includes POP-structured lipids. In another embodiment, the fat includes both POP-structured lipids and OPO-structured lipids.

[0050] In this embodiment, the fat is not a combination of DHA algal oil powder, medium-chain triglycerides, tartrate glycerides, OPO structured lipids, and lecithin.

[0051] In one embodiment, the fat (concentrate) composition comprises less than about 10 wt%, less than about 8 wt%, less than about 6 wt%, less than about 4 wt%, less than about 3 wt%, less than 2.5 wt%, less than 2 wt%, less than 1.5 wt%, less than 1 wt%, or less than 0.5 wt% of DHA algal oil powder. In another embodiment, the fat (concentrate) composition is substantially free of DHA algal oil powder or contains no DHA algal oil powder at all. DHA algal oil powder has a slight fishy odor, which is unattractive to young farmed animals (such as calves and piglets) and can therefore negatively impact feed intake.

[0052] In one embodiment, the composition comprises less than about 2 wt% (preferably less than about 1.8 wt%, less than about 1.6 wt%, less than about 1.4 wt%, less than about 1.2 wt%, less than about 1 wt%, less than about 0.8 wt%, less than about 0.6 wt%, less than about 0.4 wt%, or less than about 0.2 wt%) of DHA. In another embodiment, the composition is substantially DHA-free or DHA-free. DHA has a slight fishy odor, which is unattractive to young farmed animals (such as calves and piglets) and can therefore negatively impact feed intake.

[0053] In an embodiment, the composition comprises less than about 2 wt% (preferably less than about 1.8 wt%, less than about 1.6 wt%, less than about 1.4 wt%, less than about 1.2 wt%, less than about 1 wt%, less than about 0.8 wt%, less than about 0.6 wt%, less than about 0.4 wt%, or less than about 0.2 wt%) of medium-chain triglycerides comprising caprylic acid, decanoic acid, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the composition is substantially free of medium-chain triglycerides comprising caprylic acid, decanoic acid, or a combination thereof, or contains no medium-chain triglycerides comprising caprylic acid, decanoic acid, or a combination thereof.

[0054] The composition is preferably in solid form at room temperature, and more preferably in powder form. The fat composition can be obtained by a method comprising the following steps: heating fat above its melting temperature to obtain fat in liquid form, mixing fat with protein (e.g., milk protein and optionally plant protein) and optionally carbohydrate (e.g., lactose) to obtain a liquid mixture, and spray-drying the liquid mixture to obtain the fat composition taught herein (preferably in powder form).

[0055] The fat compositions taught herein preferably include less than about 20 wt% (more preferably less than 15 wt%, even more preferably less than 12 wt%, such as less than 10 wt% or less than 8 wt%) of water.

[0056] Tributyric acid esters can be present in any desired amount in the fat compositions taught herein. In embodiments, the fat compositions taught herein may include greater than 0.7 wt%, greater than 0.8 wt%, greater than 0.9 wt%, greater than 1 wt%, greater than 1.25 wt%, greater than 1.5 wt%, or greater than 1.75 wt% (preferably greater than 2 wt% or greater than 2.5 wt%, more preferably greater than 3 wt% or greater than 3.5 wt%, and even more preferably greater than 4 wt% or greater than 4.5 wt%) of tributyric acid esters. The maximum amount of tributyric acid esters that may be incorporated into the lipid compositions taught herein will depend on the type of fat present in the fat composition. Any amount of tributyric acid esters may be included as long as the melting temperature of the fat does not become too low. In practice, the amount of tributyric acid esters that may be incorporated into the fat compositions taught herein may be less than 15 wt%, for example, less than 14 wt%, less than 13 wt%, less than 12 wt%, less than 11 wt%, or less than 10 wt%.

[0057] The fat compositions taught herein may further include trihexyglycerides. Trihexyglycerides may be present in any desired amount in the fat compositions taught herein. In embodiments, the fat compositions taught herein may include greater than 0.1 wt% (e.g., greater than 0.2 wt%, greater than 0.3 wt%, greater than 0.4 wt%, greater than 0.5 wt%, greater than 0.6 wt%, greater than 0.7 wt%, greater than 0.8 wt%, greater than 0.9 wt%, preferably greater than 1 wt% or greater than 1.25 wt%, more preferably greater than 1.5 wt% or greater than 1.75 wt%, and even more preferably greater than 2 wt%, greater than 2.5 wt%, or greater than 3 wt%) of trihexyglycerides. The maximum amount of trihexyglycerides that may be incorporated into the fat compositions taught herein will depend on the type of fat present in the fat composition. Any amount of trihexyglycerides may be included as long as the melting temperature of the fat does not become too low. In practice, the amount of trihexanoic acid glycerides that may be incorporated into the fatty compositions taught herein may be less than 15 wt%, for example less than 14 wt%, less than 13 wt%, less than 12 wt%, less than 11 wt%, or less than 10 wt%.

[0058] In this embodiment, the fat includes vegetable fats. Vegetable fats may be selected from the group consisting of: coconut oil, palm oil, flaxseed oil, rapeseed oil, soybean oil, grapeseed oil, olive oil, rice bran oil, and sunflower oil, etc.

[0059] In this embodiment, the fat includes animal fat selected from butter, lard, and insect fat.

[0060] In this implementation, fat does not include milk fat.

[0061] The compositions taught herein may further comprise 18 wt% to 75 wt% or 20 wt% to 75 wt% (preferably 30 wt% to 75 wt%, more preferably 20 wt% to 65 wt%, even more preferably 21 wt% to 60 wt%, 22 wt% to 55 wt%, 23 wt% to 50 wt%, 24 wt% to 45 wt%, or 25 wt% to 40 wt%) of protein. In suitable embodiments, the fat compositions taught herein comprise or consist of milk proteins. In embodiments, the protein comprises milk proteins. In embodiments, the protein further comprises plant proteins. Milk proteins preferably comprise or consist of casein. Optionally, or additionally, milk proteins may comprise one or more of β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin, serum albumin, immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and transferrin. Using byproducts of the dairy industry to provide milk proteins and optional carbohydrates for the fat compositions described herein may be advantageous. Suitable byproducts of the dairy industry include, but are not limited to, skim milk, buttermilk, whey, or any products derived therefrom. Since such products typically also contain lactose, a specific amount of lactose can be incorporated by using such dairy industry byproducts.

[0062] In embodiments, carbohydrates may be present in the fat compositions taught herein. In one embodiment, the carbohydrate comprises lactose. In an embodiment, the fat composition comprises 20 wt% to 40 wt% lactose.

[0063] In a suitable embodiment, the fat composition comprises at least 0.7 wt% tributyric acid glyceride, 25 wt% to 45 wt% fat, 18 wt% to 40 wt% protein and 20 wt% to 40 wt% lactose.

[0064] Partial complex

[0065] This disclosure also provides a complex comprising portions of a first fat composition and a second fat composition, the first fat composition being a fat composition as described above, and the second fat composition being a fat composition as shown above—although the second fat composition is substantially free of or completely free of tributyrate. The second fat composition may be a commercially available fat composition for the purpose of formulating milk replacers (particularly for formulating milk replacers for young, raised mammals, such as calves).

[0066] In an embodiment, the second fat composition comprises: a) 25 wt% to 60 wt% fat, such as vegetable fat and / or animal fat; b) 18 wt% to 75 wt% (e.g., 30 wt% to 75 wt%) protein, such as milk protein and optionally plant protein; and c) optional carbohydrates, such as lactose. The second composition does not include tributyrate.

[0067] The second fat composition may include 25 wt% to 60 wt% (e.g., 25 wt% to 55 wt% or 25 wt% to 50 wt%, such as 28 wt% to 45 wt%, 30 wt% to 42 wt%, or 30 wt% to 40 wt%) of fat.

[0068] The second fat composition may comprise 18 wt% to 75 wt% or 20 wt% to 75 wt% (preferably 30 wt% to 75 wt%, more preferably 20 wt% to 65 wt%, even more preferably 21 wt% to 60 wt%, 22 wt% to 55 wt%, 23 wt% to 50 wt%, 24 wt% to 45 wt%, or 25 wt% to 40 wt%) of protein. The protein preferably comprises milk protein and may further comprise plant protein. In an embodiment, the second fat composition comprises 20 wt% to 40 wt% lactose.

[0069] In a suitable embodiment, the second fat composition comprises 25 wt% to 45 wt% fat, 18 wt% to 40 wt% protein (preferably milk protein and optionally plant protein), and 20 wt% to 40 wt% lactose. The fat and protein can be selected as described above with respect to the first fat composition. The amounts of the first and second fat compositions may depend on the triboglyceride content and optionally trihexyglyceride content of the first fat composition, and the desired triboglyceride and optionally trihexyglyceride content of the milk substitute to be formulated. For example, if the first fat composition comprises 6 wt% triboglyceride and the desired triboglyceride content of the milk substitute is 1 wt%, then using 1 part of the first fat composition and 5 parts of the second fat composition may be advantageous. Alternatively, if the desired triboglyceride content of the milk substitute is 0.5 wt%, then using 1 part of the first fat composition and 11 parts of the second fat composition may be advantageous.

[0070] In this way, the tributylate and optionally trihexylate content of the milk substitute can be adjusted to any desired amount. Furthermore, it is possible to produce limited batches of fat compositions comprising tributylate and optionally trihexylate, and to combine them with cheaper and / or commercially available fat compositions.

[0071] Dairy substitute composition

[0072] In another aspect, this disclosure teaches a (milk substitute) composition comprising:

[0073] i) Based on dry matter content, 15wt% to 35wt% fat;

[0074] ii) Based on dry matter content, 18 wt% to 28 wt% protein;

[0075] iii) Based on dry matter content, 30 wt% to 55 wt% (preferably 35 wt% to 55 wt%) of sugar, wherein the sugar preferably includes lactose.

[0076] The composition comprises at least 0.7 wt% glyceryl tribanilate.

[0077] The composition may be a powder suitable for reconstitution into an aqueous solution or water to form a milk substitute. Alternatively, the composition may be a liquid milk substitute composition.

[0078] In an embodiment, the composition further comprises trihexanoic acid glyceride.

[0079] The composition is suitable for use as a milk replacer for non-human young mammals (preferably young farmed animals such as calves, lambs, goats, or piglets).

[0080] Calf milk replacer (CMR) or milk replacer (MR) provides a convenient way to feed young non-human mammals, such as young farmed mammals, for example, preruminant calves. Calf milk replacer (CMR) and milk replacer (MR) can be stored long-term as powders and mixed with water before feeding. Young farmed mammals (such as calves) can be fed with milk products anywhere and at any time without the need to purchase liquid whole milk. Therefore, the compositions taught herein can be in powder form, or in an aqueous form after the powder has been reconstituted in an aqueous solution (such as water). Commercial products are typically powders suitable for reconstitution with water on a farm.

[0081] Milk substitutes can be formulated from dairy processing byproducts, animal and / or vegetable fats, and added vitamins and minerals. Butter byproducts are skim milk, primarily composed of lactose and all milk proteins. However, skim milk has only half the energy value of whole milk. Whey, a cheese byproduct, consists only of lactose, albumin, and globulin, and has even lower nutritional value. When these dairy processing byproducts are used as the base for milk substitutes, additional fat is required.

[0082] Based on dry matter content, the compositions taught herein may include 15 wt% to 35 wt% (e.g., 15 wt% to 32 wt% or 15 wt% to 30 wt%, such as 15 wt% to 28 wt%, 15 wt% to 27 wt%, or 15 wt% to 26 wt%, preferably 16 wt% to 24 wt%, more preferably 17 wt% to 23 wt%, and even more preferably 18 wt% to 22 wt%) of fat. The fat may include animal fat and / or vegetable fat. In embodiments, the fat includes vegetable fat. Suitable vegetable fats include, but are not limited to, palm oil, coconut oil, palm shell oil, rapeseed oil, flaxseed oil, sunflower oil, or MCT oil. Suitable animal fats include, but are not limited to, tallow, lard, and insect fat.

[0083] Based on dry matter content, the compositions taught herein may further comprise 18 wt% to 28 wt% (preferably 19 wt% to 27 wt%, more preferably 20 wt% to 26 wt% or 20 wt% to 25 wt%) of protein. The protein preferably comprises milk-derived proteins (“milk proteins”), such as proteins from whey, skim milk, and buttermilk powder. Spray-dried milk powder or whey powder is a preferred source for milk substitute powders. In embodiments, milk proteins comprise or consist of casein. In embodiments, milk proteins comprise one or more of β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin, serum albumin, immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and transferrin.

[0084] Based on the dry matter content, the composition also contains 30 wt% to 55 wt% (preferably 35 to 55 wt%) of sugar, which preferably comprises or consists of lactose, and the sugar is preferably at least partially derived from processed dairy products.

[0085] In an embodiment, the composition comprises starch based on a dry matter content of less than about 5 wt% and / or ash based on a dry matter content of less than about 10 wt%.

[0086] In one embodiment, the fat includes POP-structured lipids. In another embodiment, the fat includes both POP-structured lipids and OPO-structured lipids.

[0087] In this embodiment, the fat is not a combination of DHA algal oil powder, medium-chain triglycerides, tartrate glycerides, OPO structured lipids, and lecithin.

[0088] In one embodiment, the fat (concentrate) composition comprises less than about 10 wt%, less than about 8 wt%, less than about 6 wt%, less than about 4 wt%, less than about 3 wt%, less than 2.5 wt%, less than 2 wt%, less than 1.5 wt%, less than 1 wt%, or less than 0.5 wt% of DHA algal oil powder. In another embodiment, the fat (concentrate) composition is substantially free of or contains no DHA algal oil powder. DHA algal oil powder has a slight fishy odor, which is unattractive to young farmed animals (such as calves and piglets), and therefore can negatively impact feed intake.

[0089] In some embodiments, the composition contains less than about 2 wt%, preferably less than about 1.8 wt%, less than about 1.6 wt%, less than about 1.4 wt%, less than about 1.2 wt%, less than about 1 wt%, less than about 0.8 wt%, less than about 0.6 wt%, less than about 0.4 wt%, or less than about 0.2 wt% DHA. In other embodiments, the composition is substantially DHA-free or contains no DHA. DHA has a slight fishy odor and is not attractive to young farmed animals (such as calves and piglets), thus negatively impacting feed intake.

[0090] In an embodiment, the composition comprises less than about 2 wt% (preferably less than about 1.8 wt%, less than about 1.6 wt%, less than about 1.4 wt%, less than about 1.2 wt%, less than about 1 wt%, less than about 0.8 wt%, less than about 0.6 wt%, less than about 0.4 wt%, or less than about 0.2 wt%) of medium-chain triglycerides comprising caprylic acid, decanoic acid, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the composition is substantially free of medium-chain triglycerides comprising caprylic acid, decanoic acid, or a combination thereof, or contains no medium-chain triglycerides comprising caprylic acid, decanoic acid, or a combination thereof.

[0091] In one embodiment, the composition includes an antioxidant to reduce the deterioration of fats during storage.

[0092] The compositions taught herein may include glyceryl tartrate and glyceryl trihexanoate.

[0093] In an embodiment, based on the dry matter content of the composition, the composition comprises at least 0.7 wt%, at least 0.8 wt%, or at least 0.9 wt% of glyceryl tribanilate.

[0094] In an embodiment, based on the dry matter content of the composition, the composition includes at least 0.1 wt% (e.g., at least 0.2 wt%, at least 0.3 wt%, at least 0.4 wt%, at least 0.5 wt%, or at least 0.6 wt%) of trihexyglyceride.

[0095] In a suitable embodiment, the composition comprises at least 0.7 wt%, at least 0.8 wt%, or at least 0.9 wt% of glyceryl tribanilate based on the dry matter content of the composition, and at least 0.1 wt% (e.g., at least 0.2 wt%, at least 0.3 wt%, at least 0.4 wt%, at least 0.5 wt%, or at least 0.6 wt%) of glyceryl trihexanoate based on the dry matter content of the composition.

[0096] Tributyric acid glyceride and (and if present) trihexylic acid glyceride are part of the fat content of the composition. In suitable embodiments, tributyric acid glyceride and optionally trihexylic acid glyceride are incorporated into the composition taught herein as part of a fat concentrate (e.g., the fat concentrate taught herein). Thus, in embodiments, the composition taught herein comprises a fat concentrate as described herein.

[0097] Especially when in powder form, the long-term storage of CMR or MR powders can be important. Therefore, CMR and MR powders should be properly packaged to prevent the ingress of air and moisture. CMR and MR powders can be vacuum-sealed in plastic bags and then placed in light-proof bags.

[0098] The compositions taught herein may be provided with written instructions on how to reconstitute the powdered composition in an aqueous solution (e.g., in water) to obtain the aqueous form of the compositions taught herein. Furthermore, the written instructions may include further information regarding feeding amounts and / or feeding frequencies. Therefore, the compositions taught herein can be used as milk replacers for young mammals (preferably young farmed mammals).

[0099] This disclosure also provides a method for preparing compositions as described herein, the method comprising the step of mixing a fat composition or a complex of portions of the composition taught herein with a protein and a sugar to obtain the composition.

[0100] The methods taught in this article and the uses of the products

[0101] This disclosure provides a method for feeding young non-human mammals (preferably young farmed mammals), the method comprising the step of administering the (milk substitute) composition taught herein to the young non-human mammal (preferably the young farmed mammal, such as a calf, lamb, piglet, or goat lamb).

[0102] This disclosure also relates to a method for increasing pre-weaning weight gain, weaning weight gain, post-weaning weight gain, average daily weight gain before weaning, average daily weight gain during weaning, average daily weight gain after weaning, milk replacer intake, starter feed intake, dry matter intake, and / or reducing energy conversion rate in young mammals (preferably young farmed mammals, such as calves), the method comprising the step of administering the compositions taught herein to the young mammals.

[0103] Additionally, this disclosure provides methods for reducing the incidence and / or severity of diarrhea and / or the incidence and / or severity of respiratory diseases in young mammals (e.g., young farmed mammals), reducing the number of young farmed mammals (e.g., calves) receiving delayed vaccinations, and / or reducing the number of young farmed mammals (e.g., calves) receiving therapeutic interventions. The methods include the step of administering the compositions taught herein to the young mammals.

[0104] Furthermore, this disclosure teaches methods for supporting or promoting intestinal development, supporting or promoting rumen development, increasing duodenal and / or ileal villus height, increasing duodenal villus width, increasing duodenal crypt width, increasing the ratio of duodenal and / or ileal villus height to crypt depth, increasing duodenal and / or ileal muscularis propria thickness, increasing rumen polyp height, increasing rumen polyp width, increasing rumen papilla height, increasing rumen papilla width, and / or increasing the rumen submucosa in young mammals (preferably young farmed mammals, such as calves). These methods include the step of administering the compositions taught herein to the young mammals.

[0105] Furthermore, this disclosure provides a method for improving fat digestibility and / or enhancing insulin sensitivity in young mammals (preferably young farmed mammals), the method comprising the step of administering the composition taught herein to the young mammal.

[0106] Young mammals are preferably young non-human mammals, and more preferably young domesticated mammals, such as young preruminant mammals, such as calves (e.g., dairy calves or beef calves), lambs or goat lambs, or young monogastric mammals (e.g., piglets).

[0107] The (milk substitute) compositions taught herein may be applied at any time and in any amount that a person skilled in the art would consider suitable for feeding the young mammals (preferably the young domesticated mammals, such as calves, piglets, lambs, or goats).

[0108] The present invention is further illustrated by the following embodiments, but is not limited thereto. Through the foregoing discussion and examples, those skilled in the art can determine the essential characteristics of the invention, and various changes and modifications can be made to adapt it to various uses and conditions without departing from its teachings and scope. Therefore, various modifications to the invention, in addition to those shown and described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the claims.

[0109] Example

[0110] Example 1

[0111] Twenty-four male Holstein-Friesian calves (weight 46.5 ± 4.06 kg (mean ± standard deviation)) aged 36 to 96 hours were collected from a nearby commercial dairy farm. A standardized colostrum management protocol was used at their source dairy farm, which included three feedings of colostrum within the first 24 hours: 3.0 L to 4.0 L in the first hour after birth, followed by two 2.0 L feedings each. Based on arrival date and age, the calves were assigned to eight blocks of three calves each, and within each block, calves were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: standard milk replacer (MR) or a milk replacer containing tartrate (TB) and trihexanoate (TC). The calves were monitored for 84 days in three feeding phases: pre-weaning (P1), weaning (P2), and post-weaning (P3). In P1, from arrival to day 42 post-arrival, calves were fed random MR (meat intake). In P2, calves were gradually weaned, with the maximum daily feed intake of MR decreasing from 10.0 L on day 43 post-arrival to 2.0 L on day 70. Finally, in P3, from day 71 to day 84 post-arrival, calves were fully weaned and fed only solid feed: starter feed and straw.

[0112] Processing and feeding

[0113] Treatments consisted of two different experimental diets (n=12 for each treatment): 1) a milk replacer (MR) containing 30% fat (DM matrix), comprising a blend of 58% palm oil, 32% coconut oil, and 10% flaxseed oil (“CON”); and 2) a milk replacer from treatment 1, comprising TB (3.36 wt% of fat) and TC (2.49 wt% of fat) in the fat concentrate (“TB+TC”). TB and TC were included at 6 wt% and 4 wt% of the fat concentrate, respectively. The remaining fat in the initial fat concentrate of the TB+TC treatment was reduced by 10%. All MRs consisted of 62.5% skim milk powder, 29.5% vegetable oil, 6.0% sweet whey powder, and 2.0% premix (vitamins, minerals, and additives), with a casein to whey ratio of 3.85. The MR diets were fed from arrival of the calves until day 70 post-arrival. The milk substitute concentration is 135.0 g / L to reflect the commercial recommendation for MR with high fat content (>23% DM) and to make it closer to the percentage of solids in WM.

[0114] Calf reared in indoor group pens. Within each pen, calves received their respective milk replacer (MR) treatments via electronic identification, had free access to feed via an automated milk dispenser capable of distributing two different MR treatments, received starter feed via an automated feeder, received chopped wheat straw via an automated feeder, and received water via an automated water bowl. Milk replacer intake was monitored daily based on weekly blood milk weight (BW) to ensure at least 80% of the calf's milk replacer (ME) requirements were met. From arrival to day 42, feeding was set at a maximum of 2.0 L every 30 minutes; from day 43 to day 70, calves received 0.5 L every 1.5 hours, gradually increasing to 2.0 L (at 6-hour intervals). Throughout the trial, starter feed, chopped wheat straw, and water were available for free access.

[0115] Measurement

[0116] The automated feeding system electronically records daily feed and water intake. Calves are weighed upon arrival and weekly thereafter, and their weight is recorded. Weighing dates vary depending on the specific date of arrival within a week to minimize age-related variations. Farm technicians monitor the animals' overall health daily and record treatment interventions (number of calves treated at least once) for respiratory diseases, diarrhea, and other conditions (including ear and umbilical infections). All calf treatments are performed according to standard operating procedures.

[0117] calculate

[0118] The metabolizable energy (ME) content and intake of MR and starter feed were calculated. The ME value of the milk replacer was calculated using the following formula: ME (Mcal / kg) = [0.057 × CP (%) + 0.092 × CFAT (%) + 0.0395 × lactose (%)] × 0.93 (NRC (National Research Council), 2001). The metabolizable energy value of the starter feed was calculated based on the DE (Mcal / kg) of the same starter feed used in previous studies at the same location (Amado et al., 2022). Subsequently, the ME content was calculated using the NRC (2001) formula for calf starter feed. The ME (MJ / kg) of MR and starter feed was calculated by multiplying the ME (MJ / kg) by 4.184 (NRC, 2001). Total ME intake was calculated by adding the ME intake of MR and starter feed. ME intake from straw was not considered. ECR is calculated by dividing MR and total ME intake (MJ / kg) of starter feed by ADG (kg).

[0119] result

[0120] The results of growth performance are shown in Table 1. Overall body weight (BW) showed an interaction between treatment and time (P<0.01), indicating that calves in the TB+TC group had higher body weights than those in the CON group. At different feeding stages, the TB+TC group tended to have higher BW than the CON group during P1 (P=0.07), and the TB+TC group had higher body weights than the CON group during P2 (P=0.02) and P3 (P=0.02). Throughout the experiment, the TB+TC group had higher body weights and average daily growth (ADG) than the CON group (P<0.01). Differences in ADG only occurred in P2, with ADGs of 16% and 15% respectively (P=0.03), and calves fed TB+TC had higher ADGs than those fed CON. Overall energy conversion ratio (ECR) tended to be higher in the CON group than in the TB+TC group (P=0.08). ECRs were similar across the different treatment groups at each feeding stage.

[0121] Table 1. Feeding with different milk substitutes before weaning (P1), during weaning (P2), and after weaning (P3). 1 Mean performance, milk replacer (MR) intake, solid intake, and water intake (least squared mean) of male Holstein calves (n=12 per treatment)

[0122]

[0123] 1In the pre-weaning stage (P1), calves have free access to raw feed from arrival until day 42 post-arrival. In P2, calves are gradually weaned from day 43 to day 70 post-arrival. In P3 (including day 71 to day 84 post-arrival), calves are fully weaned and fed only solid feed. The overall stage is defined as from day 0 to day 84 post-arrival. Water, straw, and starter feed are all available for free access.

[0124] 2 Treatments included: CON = MR with 30% fat (DM matrix), comprising a blend of 32% palm oil, 59% coconut oil, and 10% linseed oil (CON; n=12); TRI = CON group MR, comprising TB (3.36% of FA) and TC (2.49% of FA) in the fat concentrate (TRI; n=12). The treatment concentration was 135.0 g DM / L.

[0125] 3 T = Processing effect; W = Weekly effect; T*W = Interaction effect between processing and week.

[0126] 4 The arrival at BW was used as a covariate in the analysis.

[0127] Furthermore, the study found that calves receiving TB+TC CMR had a lower percentage of diarrhea treatments (13% vs 20%) compared to calves receiving control CMR, and also a lower percentage of respiratory disease treatments (6% vs 13%) compared to calves receiving control CMR.

[0128] Compared with CON, the fat digestibility of TB+TC treatment tends to be improved.

[0129] Rumen and small intestine histomorphology

[0130] Images of the rumen, duodenum, and ileum were examined. Morphometry analysis of the duodenum, rumen, and ileum included measurements of villus height, villus width, crypt height, crypt width, polyp thickness, and muscularis propria thickness. Villus height was measured from the villus tip to the villus-crypt junction. Villus width was measured vertically at the midpoint of the villus height. The height and width of polyps and papillae were measured in the same manner. Cryptorchid depth was measured from the villus-crypt junction to the muscularis mucosae. Cryptorchid height was measured as close to the villus-crypt junction as possible. Muscularis propria thickness measurements included the outer muscularis propria, which contains both circular and longitudinal muscles. The results are presented in Table 2.

[0131] Table 2. Villus height, villus width, crypt height, crypt depth, and muscle layer thickness in the duodenum, ileum, and rumen of male Holstein Friesian calves fed with different milk replacer treatments (from arrival to 35.4 days ± 0.3 days, twice daily).

[0132]

[0133] Abbreviations: VH, Vulcan height; CD, crypt depth; SA, surface area.

[0134] Unless otherwise specified, all units are in μm.

[0135] Treatments included two types of milk replacers (MR): MR (CON) containing vegetable oil but without C4:0 and C6:0, and MR (TB+TC) containing vegetable oil and including tartrate and trihexanoate, fed at 135 g / L.

[0136] The results of duodenal, ileal, and rumen parameters are shown in Table 2. Compared with calves receiving CON CMR, calves receiving CMR including TB and TC showed significantly improved rumen development. Furthermore, compared with calves receiving CON CMR, calves receiving CMR including TB and TC showed a significant increase in ileal villus height.

[0137] Calf receiving CMR, including TB and TC, also showed improved insulin sensitivity compared to calves receiving CON CMR.

[0138] Example 2

[0139] Beef calves received standard CMR from day 0 to day 14, and from day 14 onwards, were fed CON CMR or CMR supplemented with 1 wt% tribatid based on dry matter content (“CMR+TB”). Each treatment used 15 calves.

[0140] The study found that, compared to calves receiving CON CMR, the number of calves receiving CMR+TB who required delayed vaccination due to treatment intervention was lower (7% for CMR+TB vs. 33% for CON CMR). Furthermore, the study found that, compared to calves receiving CON CMR, the proportion of calves receiving CMR+TB who underwent treatment intervention was lower (76% for CMR+TB vs. 96% for CON CMR). Moreover, compared to CON CMR calves, CMR+TB calves had a lower incidence of diarrhea (32% vs. 45%), and the treatment duration for CMR+TB calves was shorter (3.5 days vs. 6 days), indicating that diarrhea was significantly less severe in CMR+TB calves than in CON CMR calves.

Claims

1. A composition comprising: a) At least 0.7 wt% of glyceryl tribanilate; b) 25wt% to 60wt% fat; c) 18 wt% to 75 wt% protein, preferably milk protein and optionally plant protein; d) Optional carbohydrates, such as lactose.

2. The composition according to claim 1, further comprising trihexanoic acid glyceride.

3. The composition according to claim 2, comprising vegetable fat.

4. The composition according to claim 3, wherein the vegetable fat includes palm oil, coconut oil, palm shell oil, rapeseed oil, flaxseed oil, sunflower seed oil, or MCT oil, etc.

5. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protein comprises or is composed of milk proteins.

6. The composition according to claim 5, wherein the milk protein comprises one or more of casein, β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin, serum albumin, immunoglobulin, lactoferrin, and transferrin.

7. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carbohydrate comprises sugar, such as lactose.

8. A partial complex, the complex comprising: a) The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7; as well as b) The second composition comprises: i) 25wt% to 60wt% fat, for example, vegetable fat and / or animal fat; ii) 18 wt% to 75 wt% of protein, such as milk protein and optionally plant protein; iii) Optionally, carbohydrates, such as lactose, The second composition does not include glyceryl tribanilate.

9. A composition comprising: i) Based on dry matter content, 15 wt% to 35 wt%, preferably 15 wt% to 30 wt% of fat; ii) Based on dry matter content, 18 wt% to 28 wt% protein; iii) Based on the dry matter content, 30 wt% to 55 wt%, preferably 35 wt% to 55 wt% of sugar, said sugar preferably including lactose; Based on the dry matter content, the composition comprises at least 0.7 wt% glyceryl tribanilate.

10. The composition according to claim 9, in powder form or in an aqueous form formed by redissolving the powder in an aqueous solution, such as water.

11. The composition according to any one of claims 9 or 10, comprising starch based on a dry matter content of less than about 5 wt% and / or ash based on a dry matter content of less than about 10 wt%.

12. The composition according to any one of claims 9 to 11, comprising vegetable fat.

13. The composition according to claim 12, wherein the vegetable fat includes palm oil, coconut oil, palm shell oil, rapeseed oil, flaxseed oil, sunflower seed oil, or MCT oil, etc.

14. The composition according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the protein comprises or is composed of milk proteins.

15. The composition of claim 14, wherein the milk protein comprises one or more of casein, β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin, serum albumin, immunoglobulin, lactoferrin, and transferrin.

16. The composition according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein the sugar comprises or is composed of lactose.

17. A method for feeding young mammals, preferably young farmed mammals, even more preferably calves, the method comprising the step of feeding the young mammals the composition according to any one of claims 9 to 16.

18. A method for preparing a composition according to any one of claims 9 to 16, the method comprising the step of mixing a fat composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or a complex of the portion according to claim 8 with a protein and a sugar to obtain the composition.

19. A method for increasing pre-weaning weight gain, weaning weight gain, post-weaning weight gain, pre-weaning average daily weight gain, weaning average daily weight gain, post-weaning average daily weight gain, milk replacer intake, starter feed intake, dry matter intake, and / or reducing energy conversion efficiency in young farmed mammals such as calves or piglets, the method comprising the step of administering the young mammal a composition according to any one of claims 9 to 16.

20. A method for reducing the incidence and / or severity of diarrhea and / or respiratory disease in young farmed mammals, reducing the number of young farmed mammals receiving delayed vaccinations and / or reducing the number of young farmed mammals receiving therapeutic interventions, said young farmed mammals such as calves or piglets, said method comprising the step of administering to said young farmed mammals, preferably to said calves, the composition according to any one of claims 9 to 16.

21. A method for supporting or promoting intestinal development, supporting or promoting rumen development, increasing duodenal and / or ileal villus height, increasing duodenal villus width, increasing duodenal crypt width, increasing the ratio of duodenal and / or ileal villus height to crypt depth, increasing duodenal and / or ileal muscularis propria thickness, increasing rumen polyp height, increasing rumen polyp width, increasing rumen papilla height, increasing rumen papilla width, and / or increasing rumen submucosa in young farmed mammals such as calves or piglets, the method comprising the step of administering to the young farmed mammal a composition according to any one of claims 9 to 16.

22. A method for improving fat digestibility and / or enhancing insulin sensitivity in young farmed mammals, preferably calves or piglets, the method comprising the step of administering the young mammal a composition according to any one of claims 9 to 16.

23. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein the young domesticated mammal is selected from the group consisting of calves, piglets, lambs and goat lambs.

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