Novel animal feed additive composition

Abstract

An animal feed additive composition comprising: a) 45-65% by weight of glyceryl butyrate relative to the total weight of a) + b), the glyceryl butyrate comprising at least 75% by weight of tributyrin; and b) 35-55% by weight of glyceryl valerate relative to the total weight of a) + b), the glyceryl valerate comprising at least 30% by weight of monoglyceride valerate.

Description

[0001] Invention Field This invention relates to a glyceride-based animal feed additive composition for promoting gastrointestinal function in animals, thereby providing several beneficial effects, such as not only promoting gastrointestinal growth, improving feed conversion ratio and growth performance, but also improving the development of appropriate microbiota in the gut, reducing gastrointestinal dysbiosis and the growth of harmful microbiota, and stimulating the growth of beneficial microbiota. Background of the Invention It is well known in the art that different short-chain and medium-chain fatty acids have positive effects on animal health and general performance. Utilizing glycerides of short-chain and medium-chain fatty acids is a technique for targeted delivery of these acids into the animal's gastrointestinal tract. Several advantages do exist associated with the delivery of these acids in the form of glycerides. Some acids, such as propionic acid, butyric acid, and valeric acid, are corrosive and / or have an irritating, unpleasant odor, posing challenges in handling, safety, manufacturing, and transportation. The glycerides do not have these problems associated with odor or corrosivity. Delivery of short-chain and medium-chain fatty acids to animals in the form of glycerides is also a good method for delivering fatty acids to the lower region of the animal's gastrointestinal tract. Free short-chain fatty acids may indeed be absorbed to a certain extent in the upper region of the gastrointestinal tract and will reach the cecum or large intestine at concentrations far below the expected effective dose. On the other hand, glycerides will largely reach these regions, and most of the fatty acids will be released and thus absorbed in these regions.

[0003] Another environmental and economic aspect is known in the industry as feed conversion ratio. Simply put, giving animals as much feed as possible should result in growth. Resources are spent on producing animal feed, including the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, the consumption of water and fertilizers, and the use of pesticides and herbicides during the growth of the plants used. Harvesting, transportation, and preparation will cause further release of carbon dioxide and resource consumption. Given the above, it is important to achieve efficient use of the prepared animal feed, i.e., an efficient feed conversion ratio, as this will reduce the amount required and therefore also reduce the environmental impact.

[0004] In the feed industry, it has been common practice for many years to administer antibiotics to animals' daily feed as a preventative treatment. This practice is banned in many countries because, over time, it leads to the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, which are very difficult to treat when affecting animals or humans. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid the use of antibiotics whenever possible. Invention Overview The applicant notes that feed additives that improve the gastrointestinal function of animals and, in particular, bring several benefits to the animal's microbiome will have a positive effect on animal health and general performance, while also reasonably helping the industry to fundamentally reduce the use of antibiotics.

[0006] It has now been found that feed additive compositions based on the combination of butyrate and valerate are suitable for improving gastrointestinal function in animals, and in particular for improving the development of the appropriate gut microbiota, reducing gastrointestinal dysbiosis and the growth of harmful microbiota, and stimulating the growth of beneficial microbiota in the animals.

[0007] In particular, in a first aspect, the present invention relates to an animal feed additive composition comprising: a) 45%-65% by weight of butyrate relative to the total weight of a)+b), said butyrate comprising at least 75% by weight of tributyrate; and b) 35%-55% by weight of glyceryl valerate relative to the total weight of a)+b), wherein the glyceryl valerate comprises at least 30% by weight of glyceryl monovalerate.

[0008] Surprisingly, the animal feed additive composition is suitable for targeted delivery of the short-chain fatty acids into the animal's gastrointestinal tract, thus promoting gastrointestinal function not only by promoting intestinal growth, improving feed conversion ratio, and enhancing the animal's growth performance, but also by improving the development of an appropriate gut microbiota, reducing gastrointestinal dysbiosis and the growth of harmful microorganisms, and stimulating the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the animal. Due to these properties, the animal feed additive composition according to the invention is particularly suitable for improving the health and performance of the youngest animals, bringing them several benefits, including, for example, growth performance.

[0009] In another aspect, the present invention relates to granular feed additives for animal nutrition, wherein the animal feed additive composition according to the invention is loaded on a granular carrier.

[0010] Most of the advantages of the granular feed additive according to this aspect of the invention have been disclosed with respect to its use according to the first aspect of the invention, and will not be repeated here. Furthermore, the granular feed additive allows the animal feed additive composition to be treated as dry matter.

[0011] In another aspect, the present invention relates to animal feed additive compositions or granular feed additives according to the above-described aspects of the present invention for promoting gastrointestinal function in animals.

[0012] Advantageously, the use of this aspect of the invention brings at least one beneficial effect in animals fed with the animal feed additive composition according to the first aspect of the invention, said beneficial effect being selected from the group consisting of: - Promotes gastrointestinal growth - Improve feed conversion rate - Improve growth performance - Improve the development of the appropriate gut microbiota, - Reduce gastrointestinal microbial imbalance - Reduce the growth of harmful microbial communities, and - Stimulates the growth of beneficial microbiota.

[0013] The advantages of this aspect of the invention have been disclosed with respect to the first aspect of the invention and will not be repeated here. Invention Details In a first aspect, the present invention relates to an animal feed additive composition comprising: a) 45%-65% by weight of butyrate relative to the total weight of a)+b), said butyrate comprising at least 75% by weight of tributyrate; and b) 35%-55% by weight of glyceryl valerate relative to the total weight of a)+b), wherein the glyceryl valerate comprises at least 30% by weight of glyceryl monovalerate.

[0015] Surprisingly, the feed additive composition according to the invention, based on a combination of butyrate and valerate, is suitable for targeted delivery of the short-chain fatty acids into the animal's gastrointestinal tract, thus promoting gastrointestinal function not only by promoting gastrointestinal growth, improving feed conversion ratio and the animal's growth performance, but also by improving the development of appropriate gut microbiota, reducing gastrointestinal dysbiosis and the growth of harmful microbiota, and by stimulating the growth of beneficial microbiota in the animal.

[0016] In this way, the feed additive compositions according to the invention have been shown to improve the gastrointestinal function of animals and, in particular, to bring several benefits to their microbiome, to have several positive effects on animal health and general performance, while also desirablely helping the industry to fundamentally reduce the use of antibiotics.

[0017] Because of all these properties, the animal feed additive compositions according to the invention are particularly suitable for improving the health and performance of the youngest animals, bringing them several benefits, including, for example, growth performance.

[0018] Within the framework of this specification and in the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numerical entities representing quantities, parameters, percentages, etc., shall be understood to be preceded by the term "about" in all cases. As used herein, the term "about" will be understood by those skilled in the art and will vary to some extent depending on the context in which it is used. As used herein, when referring to measurable values ​​such as quantities, durations of time, and similar values, the term "about" means including variations of ±20% or ±10% (inclusive of ±5%, ±1%, and ±0.1%) from the specified value, because such variations are suitable for carrying out the disclosed methods.

[0019] Furthermore, the entire range of digital entities includes all possible combinations of maximum and minimum values, as well as all possible intermediate ranges, except for those specifically noted below.

[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein generally have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0021] As used in this article, the articles “a” and “an” refer to one or more (i.e., at least one) grammatical object of that article. By instance, “an element” means one or more elements.

[0022] The present invention may contain one or more of the features disclosed below in one or more of the above aspects.

[0023] According to the present invention, the animal feed additive composition comprises a combination of butyrate glyceryl ester (component a) and valerate glyceryl ester (component b).

[0024] In the animal feed additive composition according to the invention, the butyrate accounts for 45% to 65% by weight, preferably 50% to 60% by weight, and even more preferably 53% to 58% by weight, relative to the total weight of the sum of the butyrate and valerate, and the valerate accounts for 35% to 55% by weight, preferably 40% to 50% by weight, and even more preferably 42% to 47% by weight.

[0025] Within the framework of this specification and in the appended claims, the total weight of the sum of glyceryl butyrate (component a) and glyceryl valerate (component b) is also referred to as "the total weight of a) + b).

[0026] According to the present invention, the butyrate glyceride comprises at least 75% by weight, preferably at least 80% by weight, even more preferably at least 85% by weight, and even more preferably at least 90% by weight of tributyrate glyceride.

[0027] Preferably, the butyrate contains less than 25% by weight, more preferably less than 20% by weight, even more preferably less than 15% by weight, and still more preferably less than 10% by weight of diglyceride.

[0028] Preferably, the butyrate contains less than 12% by weight, more preferably less than 8% by weight, even more preferably less than 6% by weight, and still more preferably less than 5% by weight of glyceryl monobutyrate.

[0029] According to the present invention, valerate contains at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 45%, even more preferably at least 50%, even more preferably at least 60%, and even more preferably at least 70% valerate by weight.

[0030] Preferably, the valerate contains less than 70% by weight, more preferably less than 60% by weight, even more preferably less than 55% by weight, even more preferably less than 50% by weight, even more preferably less than 40% by weight, and even more preferably less than 30% by weight.

[0031] Preferably, the valeric acid glyceride contains less than 25% by weight, more preferably less than 12% by weight, even more preferably less than 8% by weight, even more preferably less than 6% by weight, even more preferably less than 5% by weight, and even more preferably less than 3% by weight.

[0032] Preferably, in the animal feed additive composition according to the invention, the molar ratio of butyric acid / valeric acid in free or esterified form is in the range of 1.5 to 2.5, more preferably from 1.8 to 2.2.

[0033] Preferably, the animal feed additive composition according to the invention further comprises 1%-15% by weight, more preferably 1%-10% by weight, even more preferably 2%-8% by weight, and still more preferably 3%-7% by weight, relative to the total weight of a)+b).

[0034] Preferably, the essential oil is selected from the group consisting of: cinnamaldehyde, carvacrol, thyme oil, inulin, garlic oil, betaine, saponins, D-limonene, orange oil, and combinations thereof.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the animal feed additive composition according to the invention comprises 3%-4.5%, more preferably 3.4%-4.2% by weight of cinnamaldehyde and / or carvacrol, and 1%-2.5%, more preferably 1.5%-2.2% by weight of D-limonene relative to the total weight of a)+b).

[0036] It is known in the art that glycerol fatty acid esters can exhibit a tendency to hydrolyze over time, particularly in the presence of water and ions. Therefore, fatty acid glycerides can release some of their fatty acids and glycerol through hydrolysis, while the corresponding triglycerides, diglycerides, and monoglycerides remain in equilibrium. By adding an acid scavenger, the amounts of free glycerol and free fatty acids can be advantageously maintained at levels well below the desired limits for animal feed additive compositions.

[0037] Preferably, the animal feed additive composition according to the invention comprises an acid scavenger, more preferably from 1% to 5% by weight, even more preferably from 1.5% to 3% by weight, even more preferably from 1.8% to 2.7% by weight, and even more preferably from 2% to 2.5% by weight, relative to the total weight of a)+b).

[0038] Preferably, the acid scavenger is selected from the group consisting of: magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, calcium oxide, calcium stearate, zinc stearate, and combinations thereof. In this way, the content of glycerol, as well as the content of free valeric acid and free butyric acid, can be easily controlled.

[0039] Preferably, the animal feed additive composition according to the invention comprises less than 4% by weight, more preferably less than 3.5% by weight, and even more preferably less than 3% by weight, relative to the total weight of a)+b), said free short-chain fatty acids selected from the group consisting of valeric acid and butyric acid. In this way, the handling, safety, manufacturing and transportation challenges, as well as the targeted delivery of the fatty acids of the feed composition to the animal's gastrointestinal tract, are desirablely optimized.

[0040] Preferably, the animal feed additive composition according to the invention comprises less than 4% by weight, more preferably less than 3.5% by weight, and even more preferably less than 3% by weight relative to the total weight of a)+b).

[0041] Preferably, the animal feed additive composition according to the invention further comprises a buffer, more preferably 1%-15% by weight of the buffer relative to the total weight of a)+b).

[0042] Preferably, the buffer is selected from the group consisting of alkali metal formates, alkali metal acetates, alkali metal propionates, or combinations thereof.

[0043] Preferably, the alkali metal is selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium, calcium, and combinations thereof.

[0044] In another aspect, the present invention relates to granular feed additives for animal nutrition, wherein the animal feed additive composition according to the invention is loaded on a granular carrier.

[0045] Most of the advantages of the granular feed additive according to this aspect of the invention have been disclosed with respect to its use according to the first aspect of the invention, and will not be repeated here. Furthermore, the granular feed additive allows the animal feed additive composition to be treated as dry matter.

[0046] In granular feed additives, the animal feed additive composition according to the invention can be loaded onto a granular carrier using any technique known to those skilled in the art for this purpose (e.g., by absorption).

[0047] Preferably, in the granular feed additive according to this aspect of the invention, the granular carrier is silicon dioxide.

[0048] Preferably, in the granular feed additive according to this aspect of the invention, the granular carrier comprises particles having an average particle size of 20-70 micrometers.

[0049] Preferably, in the granular feed additive according to this aspect of the invention, the animal feed additive composition is loaded on the granular carrier at a weight ratio of 50%-80% animal feed additive composition to 20%-50% granular carrier.

[0050] In another aspect, the present invention relates to animal feed additive compositions or granular feed additives according to the above-described aspects of the present invention for promoting gastrointestinal function in animals.

[0051] In other words, the present invention also relates to a method for promoting the gastrointestinal function of an animal by administering an animal feed additive composition or granular feed additive according to the present invention to the animal.

[0052] Advantageously, the use or method according to this aspect of the invention brings about at least one beneficial effect in animals fed with the animal feed additive composition according to the invention, said beneficial effect being selected from the group consisting of: - Promotes gastrointestinal growth - Improve feed conversion rate - Improve growth performance - Improve the development of the appropriate gut microbiota, - Reduce gastrointestinal microbial imbalance - Reduce the growth of harmful microbial communities, and - Stimulates the growth of beneficial microbiota.

[0053] The advantages of the uses or methods according to this aspect of the invention have been disclosed with respect to the first aspect of the invention and will not be repeated here.

[0054] Preferably, the harmful microbial community comprises at least one microorganism belonging to a genus selected from the group consisting of: *Prevotella* (…). Prevotella ), Sartella spp. Sutterella ), Campylobacter spp. Campylobacter ), Fusobacterium family ( Fusobacteriaceae ) and Enterobacteriaceae ( Enterobacteriaceae ).

[0055] Preferably, the beneficial microbial community comprises at least one microorganism belonging to a genus selected from the group consisting of: Prevotaceae (…). Prevotellaceae ), Lahnospiraceae Family Trichophyceae ( Lachnospiraceae ), Rumenococci ( Ruminococcaceae Lactobacillus family ( Lactobacillaceae ) and Bifidobacterium spp. Bifidobacterium ).

[0056] According to this aspect of the invention, animal feed additive compositions or granular feed additives are used or applied to promote gastrointestinal function in animals, preferably mammals, more preferably monogastric mammals, and even more preferably pigs.

[0057] The animal feed additive compositions disclosed herein are particularly suitable for young animals whose intestines are still developing, due to the beneficial effects they can have on the development of a balanced and healthy gut microbiota. Indeed, it is known that the gut microbiota needs to adapt to the type of nutrients consumed. For example, suckling piglets will have and will need to have a different gut microbiota than weaned piglets that consume solid feed. The development of a healthy gut microbiota, along with the development of intestinal structures such as a balanced villus / crypt ratio, is crucial for the future growth performance of piglets. The animal feed additive compositions of the present invention have been shown to improve both of these characteristics, thereby creating a better start to life for piglets.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, when the animal is a pig, it is a weaned piglet or nursery pig, or even more preferably in the pre-grower phase. In this way, the animal feed additive composition or pelleted feed additive according to the invention has been shown to help the animal adapt its gut microbiota from a nursing diet to a solid feed diet, especially, but not exclusively, when the animal is in the pre-grower phase.

[0059] When used or applied to weaned piglets or nursery pigs, the animal feed additive composition may be appropriately applied in either of two regimens. The first regimen is initiated when young piglets are weaned at approximately 3-4 weeks of age and continues until the pigs are in the early growth stage at approximately 2-3 months of age.

[0060] The second approach is known in the industry as creep feeding, which means that suckling piglets are introduced to solid feed early on and continue until they are about 2-3 months old. In this approach, piglets are gradually weaned, and lactation ends at about 1-2 months of age.

[0061] In both alternatives, the animal feed additive composition of the present invention can be advantageously added to solid feed, wherein the animal feed additive composition will improve the adaptability of sow milk to solid feed in terms of intestinal microbiota and intestinal integrity.

[0062] Preferably, in the use or method according to the invention, the animal feed additive composition or granular feed additive is applied to the animal at an amount of 0.25 g / kg feed to 1.5 g / kg feed, more preferably at an amount of 0.4 g / kg feed to 1.5 g / kg feed, and even more preferably at an amount of 0.6 g / kg feed to 1.2 g / kg feed.

[0063] Further features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of some preferred embodiments of the invention through the following non-limiting examples.

[0064] Implementation Scheme Examples To demonstrate this concept, separate field studies were conducted. These three studies will be presented separately as follows: - Example 1 with Tables 1a-1d - Example 2 with Tables 2a-2d - Example 3, which includes Tables 3a-3d.

[0065] Example 1 laboratory animals This experiment used 320 crossbred DLY (Large White × Landrace × Duroc) weaned piglets (castrated males and females, weaned at approximately 28 days of age, with an average weight of 8 kg per piglet), and they were assigned to experimental treatments based on sex (half male and half female) and weaning weight (each piglet was weighed and grouped based on similar average weights). The piglets' vaccination history was recorded. Before the study began, the animals were examined for signs of disease or injury. Any animal appearing unwell was removed from the study. Animals were assigned to their treatment groups using a randomized, fully block design. All enclosures in which the animals were housed were uniquely labeled.

[0066] Each animal is observed daily in its enclosure by an animal watcher, who will record its appearance, the appearance of its excrement, or any changes in its behavior. If an animal is in poor condition, it will be observed more frequently.

[0067] Table 1a shows the experimental treatments. The compositions prepared in Table 1b. The diets for each group were calculated to be nutritionally equivalent and met or exceeded the nutritional requirements recommended for pigs by the NRC (2012). Diet (pellets) and water were readily available.

[0068] All diets were prepared under the direct supervision of qualified personnel. The test product was premixed with milled grains and then added to the final mixture to ensure good homogeneity. To avoid cross-contamination, control diets were prepared before the diets containing the test product, and clean batches (e.g., grains) were used before and between the preparation of the diets used for the experiment, according to internal cleaning standard operating procedures.

[0069] Store all food in a cool (<20°C) and dry place before use.

[0070] Experimental Procedure Performance parameters: Piglet body weight at weaning date (approximately 28 days old), 2 weeks post-weaning (PW, approximately 38 days old), and end date (PW 4 weeks, or approximately 52 days old). Average weight gain (ADG), feed intake (ADFI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) for each stage have been calculated.

[0071] Record general health information daily (diarrhea rate, etc.).

[0072] result Table 1c Effects of the feed additive composition according to the present invention on the growth performance of weaned piglets ADFI = Average Daily Feed Intake (g / day) ADG = Average daily growth (grams / day) FCR = Feed Conversion Rate in conclusion It is clearly shown that piglets fed with the animal feed additive composition according to the invention exhibit significantly better daily growth performance than the control group. Furthermore, more nutrients in the feed are efficiently absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract of piglets fed with the animal feed additive composition according to the invention. This means that the environmental footprint of the feed used will be improved, and the production economy for pig farmers will also be improved. The above data indicate that, compared with control group A, the villus / crypt ratio is improved in groups B and C, and the gut microbiota adapts to solid feed more quickly after weaning.

[0073] After 28 days, compared with control group A, group B showed a 13% improvement in average body weight gain. For group C, the corresponding improvement was 7.5% compared with control group A. After 28 days, compared with control group A, group B showed an 11.5% improvement in feed conversion ratio, while group C showed a 10% improvement.

[0074] Of particular note were the increases in average feed intake and average body weight over the first 16 days, with group B showing a 4.6% improvement in average daily feed intake and group C a 4% improvement. Average daily growth was even more impressive, with group B exhibiting a 15% higher average daily growth than control group A. The corresponding improvement in group C was 12.4%.

[0075] Table 1d Effect of the composition on the diarrhea rate of weaned piglets in conclusion The data clearly show that diarrhea is more common in the first two weeks after weaning, which is the initial phase in which changes occur in the villus / crypt ratio and the composition of the gut microbiota adapted to solid feed, shifting from the microbiota adapted to a previous lactated diet. The data also clearly show that groups B and C had a significantly lower incidence of diarrhea compared to control group A.

[0076] Example 2 At least 384 weaned piglets (male and female) from the MG Agropecuária crossbreed (Landrace x Large White dam line and Pietrain sire line) were used in the experiment. The animals were obtained from three consecutive batches of piglets, delayed by one week. They were weaned at approximately 24 days of age, with an average weaning weight of approximately 6.5 kg. From weaning until four days post-weaning (the acclimatization period), the piglets were fed a unique diet (the same creep feed used during lactation). The animals were assigned to single-sex pens (replications), so each treatment consisted of an equal number of homogeneous replicates (regarding sex and initial weight).

[0077] Before the study begins, the animals are checked for signs of disease, health, and injury. Any animal that appears to be in poor condition is removed from the study. If this reduces the number of pigs to below the number required for the study, a fresh batch of animals is then introduced. All enclosures in which the animals are housed are uniquely labeled (room number, enclosure number, and treatment code).

[0078] Use a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 experimental treatments.

[0079] Table 2a Feed composition Table 2b shows the experimental treatments. The compositions prepared in Table 2c. result Table 2d Effects of different esterified fatty acids on the growth performance of weaned piglets ADFI = Average Daily Feed Intake (g / day) ADG = Average daily growth (grams / day) FCR = Feed Conversion Rate in conclusion It is clearly shown that piglets fed with the animal feed additive composition according to the invention exhibit significantly better daily growth performance than the control group. Furthermore, more nutrients in the feed are efficiently absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract of piglets fed with the animal feed additive composition according to the invention. This means that the environmental footprint of the feed used will be improved, and the production economy for pig farmers will also be improved. The above data indicate that, compared with control group A, the villus / crypt ratio is improved in groups B and C, and the gut microbiota adapts to solid feed more quickly after weaning.

[0080] After 28 days, compared with control group A, group B showed a 9.6% improvement in average body weight gain. For group C, the corresponding improvement compared with control group A was 4.5%.

[0081] After 28 days, compared with control group A, group B showed a 6.5% improvement in feed conversion rate, while group C showed a 2.5% improvement.

[0082] Of particular note were the increases in average feed intake and average body weight over the first 14 days, with group B showing an 11.7% improvement in average daily feed intake. Average daily growth was even more impressive, with group B exhibiting a 49.6% higher average daily growth than control group A. Group C showed a corresponding improvement of 24.7%.

[0083] Example 3 A completely randomized block design was used to randomly divide a total of 240 28-day-old Duroc × Landrace × Large White weaned piglets into 5 groups, with 6 replicates per group and 8 pigs per replicate. The experiment lasted for 28 days and followed the experimental design defined in Table 3b; the diets were as follows: CON - basal diet, ZnO - basal diet supplemented with 2,000 mg / kg ZnO, EFA_500, EFA_750 and EFA_1000 - basal diets supplemented with 500 mg / kg, 750 mg / kg and 1,000 mg / kg of the compositions according to the present invention (see Table 3c). The diet formulations (Table 3a) conform to the recommendations of Chinese standard (GB / T 39235-2020, Nutritional Requirements for Piglets weighing 8-25 kg). The basal diets did not contain antibiotics, ZnO or other growth-promoting additives.

[0084] On days 0, 14, and 28, piglet weight was measured and average daily gain (ADG) was calculated. Feed intake was recorded for each pen throughout the experiment to calculate average daily feed intake (ADFI). The feed-to-weight ratio (F / G) was calculated based on ADG and ADFI as follows: ADG = (final weight - initial weight) / number of days in the experiment; ADFI = feed consumption / (number of piglets per group × number of days in the experiment); F / G = average daily feed intake / average daily weight gain. Diarrhea assessment in piglets from day 0 to day 28: Fecal consistency was observed and recorded daily for each piglet during the experiment to calculate the diarrhea rate (DI) as follows: Diarrhea rate (%) = (number of diarrhea episodes per piglet during the experiment) / (number of piglets per group × number of days in the experiment) × 100%.

[0085] Table 3a - Feed Composition Table 3b shows the experimental treatments. Table 3c EFA-formulated compositions Table 3d Results a~b Different superscript letters in the same row indicate significant differences between different groups. P < 0.05).

[0086] Table 3d shows the piglet body weight results at different time points. Compared with CON, both ZnO and the composition according to the invention had significantly higher average daily gain (ADG) and significantly lower diarrhea rate on days 0-14 (P<0.05). In all the administration regimens tested, the composition according to the invention also showed a significant reduction in feed-to-gain ratio (F / G) (P<0.05). On days 15-28, compared with CON, EFA_500, EFA_750, and EFA_1000 significantly increased ADG and reduced diarrhea rate (P<0.05), alleviating post-weaning diarrhea.

[0087] It has been clearly demonstrated that even when applied at a rate of 0.5 kg / ton, the animal feed additive composition according to the invention provides the same (if not better) results for piglets as when applied at a level of 2 kg / ton, which is four times higher. This shows not only that the composition according to the invention is not merely a substitute for ZnO, but also that it brings an improvement in the amount of feed additive to be used.

Claims

1. An animal feed additive composition comprising: a) 45%-65% by weight of butyrate relative to the total weight of a)+b), said butyrate comprising at least 75% by weight of tributyrate; and b) 35%-55% by weight of glyceryl valerate relative to the total weight of a)+b), wherein the glyceryl valerate comprises at least 30% by weight of glyceryl monovalerate.

2. The animal feed additive composition according to claim 1, wherein the butyrate comprises at least 80% by weight of tricresyl tributyrate.

3. The animal feed additive composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the valerate glyceride comprises at least 40% monovalerate glyceride by weight.

4. The animal feed additive composition according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the animal feed additive composition further comprises 1%-15% by weight of essential oil relative to the total weight of a)+b).

5. The animal feed additive composition according to claim 4, wherein the essential oil is selected from the group consisting of: cinnamaldehyde, carvacrol, thyme oil, inulin, garlic oil, betaine, saponins, D-limonene, orange oil, and combinations thereof.

6. The animal feed additive composition according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the animal feed additive composition comprises an acid scavenger.

7. The animal feed additive composition according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the animal feed additive composition comprises less than 4% by weight of free short-chain fatty acids relative to the total weight of a)+b), said free short-chain fatty acids being selected from the group consisting of valeric acid and butyric acid.

8. The animal feed additive composition according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the animal feed additive composition comprises less than 4% by weight of glycerol relative to the total weight of a)+b).

9. The animal feed additive composition according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the composition further comprises a buffer.

10. A pelleted feed additive for animal nutrition, comprising an animal feed additive composition according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the animal feed additive composition is loaded on a pelleted carrier.

11. The granular feed additive for animal nutrition according to claim 10, wherein the granular carrier is silicon dioxide.

12. The animal feed additive composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or the granular feed additive for animal nutrition according to claim 10 or 11, for promoting gastrointestinal function in animals.

13. The animal feed additive composition for use or the granular feed additive for animal nutrition according to claim 12, wherein the use produces at least one beneficial effect in the animal, said beneficial effect being selected from the group consisting of: - Promotes gastrointestinal growth - Improve feed conversion rate - Improve growth performance - Improve the development of the appropriate gut microbiota, - Reduce gastrointestinal microbial imbalance - Reduce the growth of harmful microbial communities, and - Stimulates the growth of beneficial microbiota.

14. The animal feed additive composition for use or the granular feed additive for animal nutrition according to claim 13, wherein the harmful microbial community comprises at least one microorganism belonging to a genus selected from the group consisting of: *Prevotella* (…). Prevotella ), Sartella spp. Sutterella ), Campylobacter spp. Campylobacter ), Fusobacterium family ( Fusobacteriaceae ) and Enterobacteriaceae ( Enterobacteriaceae ).

15. The animal feed additive composition for use or the granular feed additive for animal nutrition according to claim 13, wherein the beneficial microbial community comprises at least one microorganism belonging to a genus selected from the group consisting of: Prevotaceae (…). Prevotellaceae ), Lahnospiraceae Family Trichophyceae ( Lachnospiraceae ), Rumenococci ( Ruminococcaceae Lactobacillus family ( Lactobacillaceae ) and Bifidobacterium spp. Bifidobacterium ).

16. The animal feed additive composition or granular feed additive for use in animal nutrition according to any one of claims 12-15, wherein the animal is a mammal.

17. The animal feed additive composition for use or the granular feed additive for animal nutrition according to claim 16, wherein the mammal is a monogastric mammal.

18. The animal feed additive composition for use or the granular feed additive for animal nutrition according to claim 17, wherein the monogastric animal is a pig.

19. The animal feed additive composition for use or the granular feed additive for animal nutrition according to claim 18, wherein the pig is a weaned piglet or a nursery pig.

20. The animal feed additive composition for use or the granular feed additive for animal nutrition according to claim 19, wherein the weaned piglets or nursery pigs are in the early growth stage.

21. The animal feed additive composition for use or the granular feed additive for animal nutrition according to any one of claims 12-20, wherein the animal feed additive composition is applied to the animal at an amount of 0.25 g / kg feed to 1.5 g / kg feed.

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