Perinatal cow feed and preparation method and application thereof

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of animal feed, and particularly discloses a perinatal cow feed as well as a preparation method and application thereof. The perinatal cow feed provided by the application comprises the following raw materials in parts by weight: roughage 40-60 parts, energy concentrate 20-35 parts, protein supplement 10-25 parts, functional additive 1-5 parts, mineral substance 1-2 parts and vitamin 1-3 parts; the functional additive is a mixture of holy berry extract, ergothioneine and epiberberine in a weight ratio of 10:(2-5):(0.1-1); further, the roughage is subjected to microbial fermentation and enzymolysis treatment. The perinatal cow feed provided by the application can quickly restore the postpartum physiological function of the cow, reduce postpartum diseases of the cow, shorten the postpartum estrus interval, improve the survival rate and health degree of the calf, and promote the growth and development of the calf.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of animal feed technology, specifically to a peripartum cow feed and its preparation method and application. Background Technology

[0002] In the beef cattle farming industry, the integrated sow-cattle feeding strategy aims to meet the dual nutritional needs of both the cow and the calf, ultimately achieving the following results: healthy postpartum cows, one calf per year, and a long productive lifespan; and healthy calves at birth and with a high weaning weight. The peripartum period (two months before calving to two and a half months after calving) is the most critical period, and the quality of the cow's nutritional supply directly affects the cow's reproductive capacity and the calf's growth and development.

[0003] Currently, some farmers, in an effort to reduce costs, feed their stall-fed cows primarily dry corn stalks and corn. However, dry corn stalks are high in fiber but low in energy and protein; while corn is high in energy, it is insufficient in protein. Neither of these diets can meet the nutritional needs of peripartum cows, leading to negative energy balance, metabolic disorders, and oxidative stress. This, in turn, causes postpartum illnesses, delayed estrus, low calf birth weight, and high mortality rates in cows. While existing technologies include adding protein, vitamins, and minerals to the feed, these methods have not fundamentally and systematically solved the widespread problems of postpartum illnesses, delayed estrus, low calf birth weight, and high mortality rates in peripartum cows.

[0004] Therefore, developing a peripartum cow feed that can synergistically improve the health of cows during the peripartum period from multiple perspectives while promoting the growth and development of calves is of great practical significance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to overcome the problem that existing cattle feeds cannot meet the nutritional needs of periparturient cows and the healthy growth needs of newborn calves, this application provides a periparturient cow feed, its preparation method and application.

[0006] Firstly, this application provides a peripartum cow feed, employing the following technical solution: A peripartum cow feed comprises the following raw materials in parts by weight: 40-60 parts roughage, 20-35 parts energy concentrate, 10-25 parts protein supplement, 1-5 parts functional additives, 1-2 parts minerals and 1-3 parts vitamins. The functional additive is a mixture of chasteberry extract, ergothioneine and epiberberine in a weight ratio of 10:(2-5):(0.1-1).

[0007] This application introduces protein supplements and functional additives into traditional feed to obtain a nutritionally balanced peripartum cow feed. This feed can be fed simultaneously to peripartum cows and lactating calves, which can quickly restore the postpartum physiological function of cows, shorten the postpartum estrus interval, and improve the postpartum estrus mating rate and lifelong reproductive performance. It can also improve the intestinal health of calves by transferring active ingredients through breast milk, thereby increasing the survival rate and overall health of calves.

[0008] In this application, the functional additive uses a mixture of chasteberry extract, ergothioneine, and epiberberine in a specific weight ratio. Through the complementary and synergistic effects of these three components, it not only solves the reproductive problems of cows during the peripartum period but also achieves calf health care through the delivery of nutrients from breast milk, realizing the simultaneous conditioning and integrated feeding of mother and calf. Specifically, chasteberry extract is a natural component extracted from the fruit of the chasteberry plant. It can target and regulate the dopamine receptors in the cow's pituitary gland through iridoids and flavonoid components, steadily downregulate the high prolactin levels during the peripartum period, optimize the endogenous balance of estrogen and progesterone, accelerate the discharge of lochia and uterine tissue repair after calving, effectively shorten the estrus interval of cows after calving without pregnancy, improve the quality of follicle development and conception rate, and alleviate oxidative stress and reproductive inflammation damage during parturition. In addition, its active ingredients can be transported to the calf through breast milk, exerting intestinal antibacterial and antioxidant effects, repairing the calf's intestinal mucosal barrier, reducing the incidence of diarrhea in newborn calves, and simultaneously improving the quality of milk production in cows and the immunity of calves, achieving dual care for both mother and calf. Ergothioneine possesses strong cellular antioxidant and mitochondrial protective effects, which can scavenge a large number of free radicals in cows during the peripartum period, alleviate parturition stress and oxidative damage, and reduce the incidence of uterine inflammation and mastitis. It can also be transferred to calves through breast milk, enhancing their antioxidant capacity, increasing stress resistance, and reducing the occurrence of weak and stunted calves. Berberine has natural broad-spectrum antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, inhibiting the proliferation of harmful bacteria in cows, accelerating the discharge of postpartum lochia, and purifying the reproductive environment. It also inhibits the growth of pathogenic Escherichia coli and other harmful bacteria in the calf's intestines, repairs the calf's intestinal mucosal barrier, reduces the incidence of diarrhea in calves, and fundamentally improves calf survival rate and herd health.

[0009] Optionally, the peripartum cow feed includes the following raw materials in parts by weight: 40-60 parts roughage, 20-35 parts energy concentrate, 10-25 parts protein supplement, 2-4 parts functional additives, 1-2 parts minerals, and 1-3 parts vitamins.

[0010] Optionally, the functional additive is a mixture of chasteberry extract, ergothioneine and epiberberine in a weight ratio of 10:(3-4):(0.3-0.8).

[0011] Optionally, the roughage is selected from one or more of corn stalks, corn silage, oat grass, and alfalfa; the energy concentrate is selected from one or more of corn, corn flour, sorghum, wheat bran, and rice bran; and the protein supplement is selected from one or more of soybean meal, cottonseed meal, rapeseed meal, and peanut meal.

[0012] Optionally, the roughage is subjected to microbial fermentation and enzymatic hydrolysis.

[0013] In this application, the roughage processing method is as follows: cut the roughage into 2-5cm pieces, add water to adjust the moisture content to 50-65%; then, according to the dry weight of the roughage, add 0.1-0.5wt% compound fermentation agent, 0.05-0.2wt% compound enzyme preparation, 2-5wt% soluble carbon source, and 0.3-0.8wt% urea; mix the materials evenly, compact and seal them in fermentation bags or silage pits; ferment at 25-35℃ for 7-15 days; after fermentation, it can be used directly; or it can be dried at a low temperature below 60℃ until the moisture content is ≤12%, and then crushed for later use.

[0014] This application utilizes compound fermentation agents and compound enzyme preparations to perform microbial fermentation and enzymatic hydrolysis on roughage. The resulting fermentation products are rich in organic acids, small peptides, vitamins, and probiotic metabolites, which can improve the nutritional quality of the feed and enhance its palatability, thereby significantly increasing feed intake and digestibility, and thus significantly improving the health of cows and calves and enhancing the growth performance of calves.

[0015] In the compound fermentation agent of this application, *Candida utilis* can synthesize high-quality microbial protein under the action of urea, increasing the crude protein content; *Phanerochaete chrysosporium* can efficiently degrade lignocellulose, break down the fiber structure, and release fermentable sugars; *Pediococcus pentosus* can rapidly convert sugars into lactic acid, achieving rapid acidification, inhibiting mold, and degrading fumonisins, providing a better fermented feed basis for the functional performance of chasteberry extract, ergothioneine, and epiberberine; in addition, the residual agent after the above fermentation can enter the digestive tract of cows, colonize the rumen and intestines, continuously improve the rumen microecology, inhibit the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, and enhance the intestinal barrier function, thereby synergistically working with functional additives to jointly ensure the peripartum health of cows and the growth and development of calves.

[0016] Optionally, the compound fermentation agent is a mixture of Candida utilis, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, and Pediococcus pentosaceus; the compound enzyme preparation is cellulase and xylanase in a weight ratio of 1:(0.3-0.8); and the soluble carbon source is glucose or sucrose.

[0017] Optionally, the compound fermentation agent is Candida utilis, Proteus vulgaris, and Pediococcus pentosaceus in a weight ratio of (1-2):(0.5-1):(1-2).

[0018] Optionally, the compound fermentation agent is Candida utilis, Proteus vulgaris, and Pediococcus pentosaceus in a weight ratio of (1.5-2):(0.5-1):(1-2).

[0019] Optionally, the mineral is selected from one or more of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, zinc and selenium; the vitamin is selected from one or more of vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin E.

[0020] Secondly, this application provides a method for preparing peripartum cow feed, comprising the following steps: pretreating roughage; mixing components other than roughage evenly to obtain a concentrate mixture; and then mixing the pretreated roughage and concentrate mixture evenly to obtain peripartum cow feed.

[0021] Thirdly, this application provides an application of peripartum cow feed in integrated breeding of beef cattle and calf. The peripartum cow feed is fed to the cow from 2 months before calving to 2.5 months after calving, twice a day, with free access to feed.

[0022] In summary, this application has the following beneficial effects: 1. The peripartum cow feed provided in this application uses a specific ratio of chasteberry extract, ergothioneine, and epiberberine as functional additives. These additives synergistically regulate the cow's endocrine system, eliminate oxidative stress, and inhibit pathogens, effectively reducing the incidence of postpartum uterine inflammation, mastitis, and other diseases, and significantly improving the peripartum health of cows. Furthermore, this peripartum cow feed can accelerate uterine repair, significantly shorten the postpartum estrus interval, improve reproductive efficiency, and help achieve one calf per year, extending the cow's productive lifespan.

[0023] 2. The peripartum cow feed provided in this application has active ingredients that can be transferred to calves via breast milk after being ingested by the cow, thereby enhancing the health of calves, increasing their birth weight and weaning weight, and reducing mortality.

[0024] 3. This application uses a process of microbial fermentation and enzymatic hydrolysis to further process roughage, which can effectively degrade crude fiber, synthesize microbial protein, and improve palatability. This significantly increases the feed intake and digestibility of cows, thereby further improving the health of cows and calves, enhancing the growth performance of calves, and ultimately achieving integrated and efficient feeding of cows and calves. Detailed Implementation

[0025] This application provides a peripartum cow feed, comprising the following raw materials in parts by weight: 40-60 parts roughage, 20-35 parts energy concentrate, 10-25 parts protein supplement, 1-5 parts functional additive, 1-2 parts minerals, and 1-3 parts vitamins; wherein the functional additive is a mixture of chasteberry extract, ergothioneine, and epiberberine in a weight ratio of 10:(2-5):(0.1-1). Further, the functional additive is a mixture of chasteberry extract, ergothioneine, and epiberberine in a weight ratio of 10:(3-4):(0.3-0.8).

[0026] The method for preparing peripartum cow feed provided in this application includes the following steps: (1) Cut the roughage to a length of 2-5cm; furthermore, the roughage is also subjected to microbial fermentation and enzymatic hydrolysis, specifically: add water to the cut roughage to adjust the moisture content to 50-65%; then, according to the dry weight of the roughage, add 0.1-0.5wt% of compound fermentation agent, 0.05-0.2wt% of compound enzyme preparation, 2-5wt% of soluble carbon source and 0.3-0.8wt% of urea; mix the materials evenly, compact and seal them in fermentation bags or silage pits; ferment at 25-35℃ for 7-15 days; after fermentation, it can be used directly; or it can be dried at a low temperature below 60℃ until the moisture content is ≤12%, and then crushed for later use; (2) Mix all components except roughage evenly to obtain a concentrate mixture; (3) Then mix the pretreated roughage and concentrate evenly to obtain peripartum cow feed.

[0027] In this application, the chasteberry extract was purchased from Ningxia Xiangcao Biotechnology Co., Ltd., with a content of 90%; ergothioneine (CAS number 207-843-5) was purchased from Jiangsu Huace Biotechnology Co., Ltd.; epiberberine (CAS number 6873-09-2) was purchased from Chengdu Desite Biotechnology Co., Ltd.; *Candida utilis* was purchased from Wuhan Prof Biotechnology Co., Ltd., and after being cultured by our company, it was finally obtained as a lyophilized powder with a viable count of approximately 10 billion CFU / g; *Phanerochaete chrysosporium* was purchased from Ruichu Biotechnology (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd., with the product number SMHCC D13411, and after being cultured by our company, it was finally obtained as a lyophilized powder with a viable count of approximately 10 billion CFU / g; *Pediococcus pentosaceus* was purchased from Guangdong Mingtong Biotechnology Co., Ltd., in lyophilized powder form, with a viable count of 1.24 × 10⁻⁶. 11 CFU / g; Bacillus subtilis was purchased from Shandong Lifan Chemical Co., Ltd., in freeze-dried powder form, with a viable count of 5 × 10⁻⁶. 11 cfu / g; cellulase activity ≥10000 U / g, xylanase activity ≥50000 U / g; raw materials, reagents, solvents, etc. used in this application can all be obtained commercially.

[0028] The present application will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments and performance testing. Example 1

[0029] Example 1 provides a peripartum cow feed.

[0030] The difference in the above embodiments lies in the amount of functional additives added, as shown in Table 1 below.

[0031] The method for preparing peripartum cow feed provided in Example 1 includes the following steps: (1) Weigh 50kg of corn stalks and cut them to a length of 2-5cm; (2) Weigh 30 kg of rice bran, 20 kg of soybean meal, 3 kg of functional additives (a mixture of chasteberry extract, ergothioneine and epiberberine in a weight ratio of 10:3:0.5), 0.8 kg of dicalcium phosphate, 0.3 kg of zinc sulfate, 0.2 kg of copper sulfate, 1.2 kg of vitamin A, 0.3 kg of vitamin D, and 0.5 kg of vitamin E, mix them evenly to obtain a concentrate mixture; (3) Mix the above roughage and concentrate mixture evenly to obtain periparturient cow feed. Example 2

[0032] Example 2 provides a peripartum cow feed.

[0033] The difference between the above embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the amount of functional additive added is 1 kg. Example 3

[0034] Example 3 provides a peripartum cow feed.

[0035] The difference between the above embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the amount of functional additive added is 5 kg. Examples 4-10

[0036] Examples 4-10 each provide a peripartum cow feed.

[0037] The difference between the above embodiments and Embodiment 1 is that the proportions of the functional additives are as shown in Table 1 below.

[0038] Table 1. Proportions of functional additives used in Examples 1 and 4-10 Example 11

[0039] Example 11 provides a peripartum cow feed.

[0040] The difference between the above embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the corn stalks in step (1) are also subjected to microbial fermentation and enzymatic hydrolysis, and the specific steps are as follows: (1) Weigh 50kg of corn stalks, cut them to a length of 2-5cm, and add water to adjust the moisture content to 60%. Then, according to the dry weight of the roughage, add 0.3wt% of compound fermentation agent (Candida utilis and Pediococcus pentosus in a weight ratio of 2:1), 0.1wt% of compound enzyme preparation (cellulase and xylanase in a weight ratio of 1:0.5), 3wt% of sucrose, and 0.5wt% of urea. Mix the materials evenly, compact and seal them in a fermentation bag or silage pit, and ferment at 30℃ for 12 days. After fermentation, it can be used directly; or it can be dried at a low temperature below 60℃ until the moisture content is ≤12%, and then crushed for later use. Examples 12-15

[0041] Examples 12-15 each provide a peripartum cow feed.

[0042] The difference between the above embodiments and Embodiment 11 is that the composition and ratio of the compound fermentation agent are shown in Table 2 below.

[0043] Table 2. Composition and proportions of the compound fermentation agents in Examples 11-15 Comparative Example 1

[0044] Comparative Example 1 provides a peripartum cow feed.

[0045] The difference between the above comparative example and Example 1 is that the functional additive is a mixture of chasteberry extract and epiberberine in a weight ratio of 10:3.5. Comparative Example 2

[0046] Comparative Example 2 provides a peripartum cow feed.

[0047] The difference between the above comparative example and Example 1 is that the functional additive is a mixture of chasteberry extract and ergothioneine in a weight ratio of 10:3.5. Comparative Example 3

[0048] Comparative Example 3 provides a peripartum cow feed.

[0049] The difference between the above comparative example and Example 1 is that the functional additive is a mixture of ergothioneine and epiberberine in a weight ratio of 12:2. Comparative Example 4

[0050] Comparative Example 4 provides a peripartum cow feed.

[0051] The difference between the above comparative example and Example 1 is that the functional additive is a mixture of chasteberry extract, ergothioneine and epiberberine in a weight ratio of 1:1:1. Comparative Example 5

[0052] Comparative Example 5 provides a peripartum cow feed.

[0053] The difference between the above comparative example and Example 1 is that the functional additive is a mixture of lysine, tea polyphenols and mannan oligosaccharides in a weight ratio of 10:3:0.5. Comparative Example 6

[0054] Comparative Example 6 provides a peripartum cow feed.

[0055] The difference between the above comparative example and Example 1 is that the amount of functional additive added is 0. Comparative Example 7

[0056] Comparative Example 7 provides a peripartum cow feed.

[0057] The difference between the above comparative example and Example 1 is that the amount of functional additive added is 7 kg. Performance testing

[0058] 1. 220 healthy cows in late pregnancy with similar weight and parity were selected and randomly divided into 22 groups (experimental group 1-15 and control group 1-7, 10 cows in each group).

[0059] 2. Cows in experimental groups 1-15 and control groups 1-7 were fed the feed of Examples 1-15 and Comparative Examples 1-7 respectively from 2 months before calving to 2.5 months after calving; feeding was conducted at 09:00 and 16:00 daily, with free access to feed and water. Other feeding and management conditions were the same for both groups of cows.

[0060] 3. During the experiment, the following tests were performed, and the results are shown in Table 3 below.

[0061] (1) Postpartum morbidity and reproductive performance of cows: After calving, cows continued to be fed, and the number of disease occurrences (fever, anorexia, mastitis, postpartum paralysis, lochia retention, metritis) of the experimental cows was checked and counted daily for 30 days. If the same cow had multiple diseases on the same day, it was still counted as one disease occurrence. Finally, the morbidity rate was calculated based on the number of diseases. The morbidity rate calculation formula is: morbidity rate = {total number of diseases occurring in the group within 30 days / (10 cows × 30 days)} × 100%; In addition, the estrus status of cows was observed during daily feeding, and the time of the first estrus after calving was recorded. The average estrus time of each treatment group was also calculated.

[0062] (2) Calf weight and mortality rate: After the cows gave birth, the calves were weighed and recorded as the birth weight. The average birth weight of the calves in each treatment group was calculated. After 75 days, the calves were weighed again and recorded as the weaning weight. The average weaning weight of the calves in each treatment group was calculated. At the same time, the calf mortality rate from birth to weaning was calculated.

[0063] Table 3. Test results of cows and calves in experimental groups 1-15 and control groups 1-7

[0064] According to the test results in Table 3, after feeding the cows in experimental groups 1-15 with the peripartum cow feed of Examples 1-15, the postpartum morbidity rate of the cows was 2.7-16.7%, the first estrus time was 30.1-45.5 days, the birth weight of the calves was 33.2-46.2 kg, and the calf mortality rate was 0. In control groups 1-3, cows fed the same peripartum cow feed as control groups 1-3 (lacking any one functional additive) experienced postpartum morbidity rates of 32.4-36.9%, first estrus duration of 64.4-68.2 days, and calf birth weights of only 28.7-30.4 kg. In control groups 4-5, cows fed the same peripartum cow feed as control groups 4-5 (with poorly formulated functional additives) experienced postpartum morbidity rates of 22.7-31.0%, first estrus duration of 58.3-64.9 days, and calf birth weights of only 30.2-31.8 kg. In control group 6, cows fed the same peripartum cow feed as control group 6 (without functional additives) experienced postpartum morbidity rates of 48.3%, first estrus duration of 72.5 days, calf birth weights of only 27.6 kg, and a calf mortality rate of 10%. In the control group (7 cows), after being fed the peripartum cow feed of the control group (7 cows) with a functional additive dosage as high as 7 parts, the postpartum morbidity rate of the cows was as high as 20.3%, the first estrus period was as long as 51.6 days, and the birth weight of the calves was only 32.5 kg. Therefore, it can be seen that the mixture of chasteberry extract, ergothioneine and epiberberine in the weight ratio of 10:(2-5):(0.1-1) used in this application as a functional additive, and the dosage is controlled within the range of 1-5 parts, can not only quickly restore the postpartum physiological function of cows, reduce postpartum diseases, and shorten the postpartum estrus interval, but also improve the survival rate and health of calves and promote calf growth and development.

[0065] Further comparison of experimental groups 1-10 revealed that experimental groups 1, 3, 5, and 8-9 further improved the peripartum cow feed by controlling the weight ratio of chasteberry extract, ergothioneine, and epiberberine in the functional additives within the range of 10:(3-4):(0.3-0.8) and controlling the amount of functional additives added to 3-5 parts. This resulted in a lower postpartum morbidity rate of 8.3-9.7% (<10%), a shorter first estrus time of 36.2-38.5 days (<40 days), and a calf birth weight of 36.4-38.5 kg (≥36 kg).

[0066] Further comparison of experimental groups 1 and 11-15 revealed that after feeding the cows in experimental groups 14-15 the peripartum cow feed of Example 14-15 (in which the roughage was fermented by a compound fermentation bacteria of Candida utilis, Proteobacterium chrysosporium and Pediococcus pentosaceus in a weight ratio of (1.5-2):(0.5-1):(1-2)), the postpartum morbidity rate of the cows was only 2.7-3.3%, the first estrus time was only 30.1-31.5 days, and the birth weight of the calves was as high as 44.9-46.2 kg. This indicates that the microbial fermentation and enzymatic hydrolysis of roughage in this application can further improve the nutritional quality and digestibility of the feed, thereby improving the health of the cows and the growth performance of the calves.

[0067] Although the present invention has been described in detail above with general descriptions and specific embodiments, modifications or improvements can be made to it, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, all such modifications or improvements made without departing from the spirit of the present invention fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A peripartum cow feed, characterized in that, The ingredients include the following parts by weight: 40-60 parts roughage, 20-35 parts energy concentrate, 10-25 parts protein supplement, 1-5 parts functional additives, 1-2 parts minerals and 1-3 parts vitamins. The functional additive is a mixture of chasteberry extract, ergothioneine and epiberberine in a weight ratio of 10:(2-5):(0.1-1).

2. The peripartum cow feed according to claim 1, characterized in that, The peripartum cow feed comprises the following ingredients in parts by weight: 40-60 parts roughage, 20-35 parts energy concentrate, 10-25 parts protein supplement, 2-4 parts functional additives, 1-2 parts minerals, and 1-3 parts vitamins.

3. The peripartum cow feed according to claim 1, characterized in that, The functional additive is a mixture of chasteberry extract, ergothioneine and epiberberine in a weight ratio of 10:(3-4):(0.3-0.8).

4. The peripartum cow feed according to claim 1, characterized in that, The roughage is selected from one or more of corn stalks, corn silage, oat grass and alfalfa; the energy concentrate is selected from one or more of corn, corn flour, sorghum, wheat bran and rice bran; and the protein supplement is selected from one or more of soybean meal, cottonseed meal, rapeseed meal and peanut meal.

5. The peripartum cow feed according to claim 1, characterized in that, The roughage is treated with microbial fermentation and enzymatic hydrolysis.

6. The peripartum cow feed according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mineral is selected from one or more of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, zinc and selenium; the vitamin is selected from one or more of vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin E.

7. The method for preparing peripartum cow feed according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The roughage is pretreated; the components other than the roughage are mixed evenly to obtain a concentrate mixture; the pretreated roughage and concentrate mixture are then mixed evenly to obtain peripartum cow feed.

8. The application of peripartum cow feed as described in any one of claims 1-6 in integrated maternal and calf rearing of beef cattle, characterized in that, The peripartum cow feed is given to cows from two months before calving to two and a half months after calving, twice a day, with free access to feed.

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