New use

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of reducing methane emissions from ruminants. Specifically, this invention relates to the administration of at least 0.5 g of ascorbic acid per animal per day to ruminants to reduce methane production resulting from the digestive activities of said ruminants.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of reducing methane emissions from ruminants. Specifically, this invention relates to the administration of at least 0.5 g of ascorbic acid per animal per day to ruminants to reduce methane production resulting from the digestive activities of said ruminants.

[0002] The present invention also relates to an animal premix consisting essentially of (a) astaxanthin, and optionally one or more of (b-1) fat-soluble vitamins, (b-2) water-soluble vitamins, (b-3) trace minerals and (b-4) macro minerals, and (c) a carrier. The present invention also relates to the use of said premix for reducing methane generation caused by the digestive activity of ruminants. Background Technology

[0003] The temperature of the air surrounding the Earth is rising, a process known as global warming. One of the main focuses to mitigate this warming effect is reducing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases are emitted from a variety of sources, both natural and anthropogenic; however, the two most concerning sources are agriculture and the fossil fuel industry. In agriculture, ruminants, particularly cattle, are major contributors to biogenic methane formation, and it is estimated that preventing methane formation by ruminants could almost stabilize atmospheric methane concentrations.

[0004] Methane emissions from ruminant livestock farming are byproducts of intestinal fermentation of plant biomass in the ruminant digestive system, produced by methanogenic archaea. Over the past decade, various attempts have been made to reduce methane production in ruminants. Despite the varying approaches, the most popular method to date has been feed additives, which work by either reducing or inhibiting methane production by methanogenic archaea in the rumen fluid.

[0005] Anacardic acid is a phenolic lipid, a chemical compound found in cashew nut shells. It is the acidic form of urushiol. Anacardic acid is a yellow liquid. It is also a naturally occurring bioactive compound with antifungal, antibacterial, antitermite, and molluscicidal activities. It can function as a therapeutic agent against obesity, cancer, inflammatory diseases, and oxidative damage. Chemically, anacardic acid is a mixture of several closely related organic compounds. Each compound consists of salicylic acid substituted with alkyl chains having 15 or 17 carbon atoms. The alkyl groups can be saturated or unsaturated; anacardic acid is a mixture of saturated and unsaturated molecules. The specific mixture depends on the plant species. Summary of the Invention

[0006] It has now been surprisingly found that using at least 0.5 g / animal / day of ascorbic acid can substantially reduce methane formation produced by the digestive activities of the ruminants.

[0007] Therefore, the use of astragalus acid has great potential in mitigating climate change by significantly reducing methane emissions generated during the digestive activities of ruminants.

[0008] Therefore, in a first embodiment, the present invention provides the use of at least 0.5 g of ascorbic acid per animal per day for reducing methane formation caused by the digestive activities of ruminants.

[0009] In a second embodiment, the present invention also provides a method for reducing methane production caused by the digestive activity of ruminants, the method comprising orally administering to the animal at a dose of at least 0.5 g of astaxanthin per animal per day.

[0010] In a third embodiment, the present invention relates to a (ruminant) premix comprising astragalic acid, and optionally one or more of (b-1) fat-soluble vitamins, (b-2) water-soluble vitamins, (b-3) trace minerals and (b-4) macrominerals and (c) a carrier.

[0011] It should be fully understood that, in all embodiments of the invention, the methane reduction achieved by applying astaxanthin is preferably at least 10%, more preferably at least 20%, and most preferably at least 30% compared to the control (i.e., ruminants not supplemented with astaxanthin).

[0012] Therefore, the present invention also relates to the use of astaxanthin at a dose of at least 0.5 g / animal / day, wherein methane production in ruminants is reduced by at least 10% compared to a control. Detailed Implementation

[0013] Preferably, in all embodiments of the invention, the effective amount of astragalic acid applied to ruminants is selected from the range of 0.5 to 200 g astragalic acid / animal / day, more preferably from 1 to 150 g astragalic acid / animal / day, and most preferably from 5 to 100 g astragalic acid / animal / day, for example from 10 to 100 g astragalic acid / animal / day, 15 to 100 g astragalic acid / animal / day, or 20 to 100 g astragalic acid / animal / day.

[0014] Astragalus acid is preferably applied to ruminants as a pure (alone) chemical compound (i.e., purity ≥ 95% (HPLC)) or via animal premix, and then dispersed throughout the animal feed (ration) using any of a variety of common mixing techniques.

[0015] Such premixes are well known to those skilled in the art. Such premixes primarily comprise the active ingredient, namely astaxanthin, a carrier, and other nutrients optionally selected from, for example, vitamins, trace minerals, and macrominerals.

[0016] A premix is ​​a preferred homogeneous mixture of one or more trace components with a diluent and / or a carrier. Premixes are used to promote the uniform dispersion of trace components in larger mixtures.

[0017] The particularly advantageous premix according to the invention consists essentially of (a) astaxanthin, and optionally one or more of (b-1) fat-soluble vitamins, (b-2) water-soluble vitamins, (b-3) trace minerals and (b-4) macro minerals and (c) a carrier.

[0018] Commonly used carriers in this field include soybean grits, clay, (corn) sugar, silica, starch, and similar products.

[0019] The premix can be prepared by methods known in the art itself.

[0020] The premix is ​​still novel. Therefore, other aspects of the invention include (ruminant) premixes containing ascorbic acid, and their use in all uses and methods according to the invention.

[0021] Preferred animal premixes include the following: astaxanthin, carrier, and optionally one or more components selected from vitamins, trace minerals, and macro minerals.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, the premix of the present invention is substantially composed of (a) astaxanthin, a carrier, and one or more of (b-1) fat-soluble vitamins, (b-2) water-soluble vitamins, (b-3) trace minerals and (b-4) macro minerals.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the premix is ​​a mineral premix, a vitamin premix containing vitamins and optionally minerals, or a pellet.

[0024] In addition to astragalus acid, the premix of the present invention preferably contains at least one fat-soluble vitamin, and / or at least one water-soluble vitamin, and / or at least one trace mineral, and / or at least one macro mineral. In other words, the premix of the present invention comprises astragalus acid and at least one other component selected from the following: fat-soluble vitamins, water-soluble vitamins, trace minerals, and macro minerals.

[0025] Major minerals can be added to the feed separately. Therefore, in one specific embodiment, the premix includes astaxanthin and at least one other component selected from fat-soluble vitamins, water-soluble vitamins, and trace minerals.

[0026] Here is a list of examples of the non-exclusivity of these components: Examples of fat-soluble vitamins are vitamin A, vitamin D3, vitamin E, and vitamin K, such as vitamin K3.

[0027] Examples of water-soluble vitamins are vitamin B12, biotin and choline, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, niacin, folic acid and pantothenates, such as Ca-D-pantothenate.

[0028] Examples of trace minerals are manganese, zinc, iron, copper, iodine, selenium, manganese, and cobalt.

[0029] Examples of essential minerals are calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and sodium.

[0030] As described above, premix is ​​one example of a feed additive. It should be understood that astaxanthin can be administered to animals in other different forms. For example, astaxanthin can also be contained in pellets, which are placed in the rumen and continuously release a defined amount of astaxanthin at a defined dose over a defined time period.

[0031] In all embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that the large pills are administered orally, by simple feeding, or by manual application.

[0032] Methane emissions from ruminants can be readily measured in the metabolic chamber of individual animals using methods known in the art (Grainger et al., 2007 J. Dairy Science; 90: 2755-2766). Alternatively, assessment can be performed at the barn level using emerging techniques with laser beams (McGinn et al., 2009, Journal of Environmental Quality; 38: 1796-1802), sulfur hexafluoride, SF6 alone, or the GreenFeed system. Alternatively, methane production by milk-producing ruminants can also be assessed by measuring the fatty acid profile in milk according to WO 2009 / 156453.

[0033] The present invention also relates to the use of feed additives according to the invention, the feed additive comprising one or more other active substances that exhibit similar effects in rumen methane formation, the active substances being selected from diallyl disulfide, garlic oil, allyl isothiocyanate, deoxycholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid and its derivatives.

[0034] Other components that can be given together with astragalus acid include, for example, propylene glycol mononitrate (3-nitrooxyprop-1-ol), yeast, oregano extract, tannins and tannic acid, and essential oils such as thymol, 3-methylphenol, limonene, vanillin, guaiacol, and eugenol.

[0035] It is currently envisioned that diallyl disulfide, garlic oil, allyl isothiocyanate, deoxycholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid, and their derivatives be administered independently at dosages, for example, ranging from 0.01 to 500 mg of active substance (ppm) per kilogram of feed. These compounds are either commercially available or readily prepared by those skilled in the art using processes and methods well known in the prior art.

[0036] Propylene glycol mononitrate (3-nitrooxypropane-1-ol) is preferably administered to ruminants at a rate of 0.025 to 5 g 3-nitrooxypropane / animal / day, more preferably 0.05 to 4 g 3-nitrooxypropane / animal / day, and most preferably 0.125 to 3 g 3-nitrooxypropane / animal / day. Other suitable effective amounts are selected from the range of 0.25 to 3 g 3-nitrooxypropane / animal / day or 0.5 to 3 g 3-nitrooxypropane / animal / day.

[0037] The ruminant mammals according to the present invention include cattle, goats, sheep, giraffes, bison, European bison, yaks, buffalo, deer, camels, alpacas, llamas, wildebeest, antelopes, pronghorn, and blue takin.

[0038] For all embodiments of the invention, domestic cattle, sheep, and goats are preferred species. For the purposes of the invention, the most preferred species is domestic cattle. This term includes domestic cattle of all breeds, as well as cattle of all production types, particularly dairy and beef cattle. It should be fully understood that the terms dairy and beef cattle encompass animals of all ages and physiological stages of life, as well as those produced using systems such as penning, semi-penning, and grazing.

[0039] The present invention is further described through the following embodiments, which should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0040] Example In vitro testing for methane productionA modified version of the Hohenheim Forage value Test (HFT) can be used to test the effect of a specific compound on rumen function simulated by the in vitro system.

[0041] principle: The feed mixture, along with rumen fluid and a suitable buffer solution, was loaded into a syringe. The solution was incubated at 39°C. After 8 hours, the amount (and composition) of the generated gas phase was measured and converted into the formula.

[0042] Reagents: Macro-element solutions: 6.2 g potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4) 0.6 g magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (MgSO4*7H2O) 9 ml concentrated phosphoric acid (1 mol / L) Dissolve in distilled water to a volume of 1 L (pH approximately 1.6). Buffer solution: 35.0 g sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) 4.0 g ammonium bicarbonate ((NH4)HCO3) Dissolve in distilled water to a final volume of 1 L. Trace element solution: 13.2 g calcium chloride dihydrate (CaCl2*2H2O) 10.0 g manganese(II) chloride tetrahydrate (MnCl2*4H2O) 1.0 g cobalt(II) chloride hexahydrate (CoCl2*6H2O) 8.0 g ferric chloride (III) (FeCl3 * 6H2O) Dissolve in distilled water to a final volume of 100 ml. Sodium salt solution: 100 mg sodium salt Dissolve in distilled water to a final volume of 100 ml. Reducing solution: First, add 3 ml of sodium hydroxide (c = 1 mol / L), then add 427.5 mg of sodium sulfide hydrate (Na2S*H2O) to 71.25 ml of H2O. This solution must be prepared shortly before it is added to the culture medium solution. process: Sample weighing: The feed ingredients (i.e., TMR (44% concentrate, 6% hay, 37% corn silage, and 13% forage silage)) were sieved to 1 mm and accurately weighed into 64 syringes. Four syringes served as substrate controls to demonstrate gas generation in the absence of the test compound. The remaining syringes contained the test substance, with four syringes in each group.

[0043] Preparation of culture medium solution: Mix the components in the Woulff bottle in the following order: 711 ml water 0.18 ml trace element solution 355.5 ml buffer solution 355.5 ml macro-element solution The prepared solution was heated to 39°C, then 1.83 ml of sodium salt solution was added, and the reducing solution was added at 36°C.

[0044] When the indicator turns colorless, add rumen fluid.

[0045] Extraction of rumen fluid: With continuous stirring and CO2 gas introduction, 750 ml of rumen fluid was added to approximately 1,400 ml of culture medium solution.

[0046] Syringe filling, incubation, and determination of gas volume and VFA value: Diluted rumen fluid (24 ml) was added to a glass syringe. The syringe was then incubated at 39°C with gentle stirring for 8 hours. After 8 hours, the volume of the generated gas was measured, and the percentage of methane in the gas phase was determined by gas chromatography.

[0047] result The fermented food was artificial TMR (44% concentrate, 6% hay, 37% corn silage, and 13% forage silage). Astragalus acid was used at three different concentrations of 100 µM, 150 µM, and 200 µM.

[0048] The results are presented in Table 1 below.

[0049] Table 1: Methane Reduction Effect of Ascorbic Acid

Claims

1. At least 0.5 g of ascorbic acid per animal per day is used to reduce methane formation produced by the digestive activities of ruminants.

2. The use according to claim 1, wherein the astaxanthin is applied to the ruminant in an amount selected from the range of 0.5 to 200 g astaxanthin / animal / day, preferably from the range of 1 to 150 g astaxanthin / animal / day, and most preferably from the range of 10 to 100 g astaxanthin / animal / day.

3. The use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ruminant is selected from cattle, preferably from domestic cattle, and most preferably from beef cattle or dairy cattle.

4. The use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the astragalus acid is supplemented in the form of a pure (alone) chemical compound or in the form of an animal premix.

5. The use according to claim 4, wherein the premix comprises astragalic acid, a carrier, and optionally one or more components selected from vitamins, trace minerals, and macrominerals.

6. The use according to claim 5, wherein the vitamin is selected from fat-soluble vitamins and water-soluble vitamins.

7. The use according to claim 5, wherein the premix is ​​substantially composed of one or more of (a) astaxanthin, a carrier, and (b-1) fat-soluble vitamins, (b-2) water-soluble vitamins, (b-3) trace minerals and (b-4) macro minerals.

8. A method for reducing methane production from the digestive activity of ruminants, the method comprising orally administering to the animal at a dose of at least 7.5 g of astaxanthin per animal per day.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the amount of astaxanthin is selected from the range of 0.5 to 200 g astaxanthin / animal / day, preferably from the range of 1 to 150 g astaxanthin / animal / day, and most preferably from the range of 10 to 100 g astaxanthin / animal / day.

10. An animal premix comprising (a) astaxanthin, a carrier, and optionally one or more ingredients selected from vitamins, trace minerals and macrominerals.

11. The animal premix according to claim 10, wherein the vitamin is selected from fat-soluble vitamins and water-soluble vitamins.

12. The animal premix according to claim 10, wherein the premix is ​​substantially composed of astaxanthin, a carrier, and one or more of (b-1) fat-soluble vitamins, (b-2) water-soluble vitamins, (b-3) trace minerals and (b-4) macrominerals.

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