USE OF ANIMAL FEED, DRINKING WATER OR ANIMAL FEED ADDITIVE CONTAINING CANADINE AND / OR CANADINE DERIVATIVE AS WELL AS BERBERRUBINE

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the use of an animal feed additive to optimize the meat-to-fat ratio in farm animals. State of the art

[0002] Foods of animal origin are an important part of the human diet. In the last 20 years, there has been a particularly high demand for meat with a high muscle-to-fat ratio, as this type of meat is considered especially healthy. It contains less fat, especially cholesterol, which is considered a health concern, but a higher proportion of protein.

[0003] The decline in fat content is most pronounced in pork. While 100 grams of pork tenderloin contained almost 9 grams of fat in 1991, today it contains just 2 grams.

[0004] A high proportion of muscle meat and a low fat content are used as the basis for various quality measures of meat. For example, so-called "butcher's pigs" must have a muscle meat content of at least 60% and a backfat thickness of no more than 12 to 14 mm. Depending on the meat thickness, a maximum of 16 to 20 mm of backfat is permitted to still qualify for trade class E (55% and above), while 22 to 26 mm of backfat, again depending on the meat thickness, represents the boundary between trade class U (50 to 55%) and class R (45 to 50%). The backfat thickness has a very high influence on the classification of the meat into the various trade or quality classes, as it is weighted 4.5 times more heavily than the meat thickness in the currently valid formula. Therefore, if the backfat thickness increases by 2 mm, the meat thickness must increase by 9 mm to avoid a deterioration in the meat classification.

[0005] However, the methods used so far to achieve an optimal, i.e., high, meat-to-fat ratio are associated with several disadvantages. They often result in a significant loss of usable animal material and / or increased production costs.

[0006] For example, it's possible to prepare meat cuts in such a way that the surrounding fat is trimmed away beforehand. However, the trimmed fat has a significantly lower market value, so the costs for the feed used to build it up are considered lost or at least suboptimally utilized. Fat located within the muscle tissue cannot be removed in this way at all.

[0007] Another way to produce meat with the desired high meat-to-fat ratio is to use breeds specifically optimized for this purpose. However, this can have several disadvantages: existing barns or husbandry systems may be unsuitable for these breeds, the breeds themselves may be expensive or prone to disease, and / or not suited to the prevailing climate. Adapting housing systems to the needs of these specific breeds can be very costly and reduces the farmer's flexibility in responding to changing customer demands.

[0008] Another option is to slaughter very young animals that have barely developed any fat. However, this can lead to the animals being slaughtered before they reach the age at which they have achieved optimal growth (measured by the amount of meat produced per unit of feed). Production efficiency decreases, and costs increase.

[0009] Providing additional outdoor space can increase the proportion of muscle meat, but it also significantly increases production costs.

[0010] Another approach involves adjusting the feed to achieve a high meat-to-fat ratio and / or the lowest possible fat content, within the genetic limits of the breed. For example, feeds with a particularly high protein and amino acid content, especially lysine, are used. Additionally, the energy content of the feed can be reduced during the finishing phase to prevent the animals from becoming overweight. However, this approach also has its limitations, such as the price of feed components and additives, and the specific physiological requirements of each animal species.

[0011] German patent application DE 10 2015 214641 A1 describes a method for preparing a composition, the method comprising: providing an isoquinoline alkaloid; determining an amount of the at least one isoquinoline alkaloid which, when diluted in a specific amount of water, yields a physiologically active aqueous solution of the isoquinoline alkaloid; providing an acid; determining an amount of the acid which, when dissolved in the specific amount of water, reduces the pH of that specific amount of water to below 6.8; providing the composition, wherein the composition contains the at least one isoquinoline alkaloid and the acid, wherein the weight ratio of the at least one isoquinoline alkaloid to the acid in the composition corresponds to the weight ratio of the determined amount of the at least one isoquinoline alkaloid and the determined amount of the at least one acid.

[0012] An online publication regarding the product "Phytonics Kidney Comp," found on July 31, 2022, at https: / / www.medpets.de / phytonics-kidney-comp (2017-09-29, XP055947591), describes a dietary supplement that supports the kidneys and urinary tract of cats, dogs, or horses. It contains Canadian orange root, goldenrod, asparagus, birch, berry bush, barberry, cat's whiskers, bentonite-montmorillonite, cat's claw, and 25% alcohol.

[0013] The study "Verification of the performance-enhancing efficacy of the phytogenic additive Sangrovit in fattening pigs" H. Lindermayer investigates the phytogenic additive Sangrovit in fattening pigs. Sangrovit is based on extracts from Macleaya species, which, according to phytochemical literature, can contain not only sanguinarine / chelerythrine but also other alkaloids such as canadine. Technical problem and basic solutions

[0014] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing uses for an alternative or improved animal feed or drinking water or a corresponding animal feed additive.

[0015] The problems underlying the invention are each solved by the features of the independent claim. Embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. The embodiments and examples listed below can be freely combined with one another, provided they are not mutually exclusive.

[0016] The invention relates to the use of an animal feed, drinking water or animal feed additive containing Canadin and / or containing a Canadin derivative and Berber rubin according to claim 1.

[0017] Several trials have shown that feeding livestock such as pigs feed containing Canadin or Canadin derivatives has a decidedly positive effect on the muscle-to-fat ratio and fat content: the fat content decreases significantly, while the muscle content increases. This provides farmers with an additional tool to modify the muscle-to-fat ratio, either as an alternative to or in addition to existing methods, or to reduce the fat content, thereby improving meat quality. For example, by adding Canadin to the feed during the finishing phase, farmers could ensure that the animals continue to receive feed with a standard energy content and thus reach slaughter weight faster than animals that received energy-reduced feed during this phase, without reducing the lean meat content in the carcass.Alternatively, by adding Canadin or a Canadin derivative to energy-reduced feed during the finishing phase, the farmer could achieve a particularly high proportion of lean meat, a particularly low fat content, and a particularly high muscle-to-fat ratio in the animals at the end of the fattening period. This ratio would be higher than could be achieved by feeding energy-reduced feed alone.

[0018] Compared to at least some of the methods known in the prior art, the administration of feed or drinking water containing Canadin or Canadin derivatives offers the particular advantage of greater flexibility: the applicant has found that Canadin or Canadin derivatives increase the muscle-to-fat ratio in a large number of animal species, including, for example, cattle, pigs, chickens, and others. To achieve a desired high muscle-to-fat ratio, it is therefore not necessary to select a specific breed for fattening and adapt the husbandry conditions accordingly. Rather, depending on the anticipated demand from customers, the farmer can flexibly control and adjust the lean meat and fat content of the animals by adding Canadin within a few months.

[0019] Furthermore, the farmer can react flexibly to various unforeseen situations during the fattening period. For example, towards the end of the fattening period, a significant proportion of the animals in a barn may become infected with a pathogen that weakens the affected animals. In such a situation, it is not advisable to administer energy-reduced feed, as the infected animals need energy to fight the pathogen. However, feed distribution in large barns is centralized. If the animals not infected with the pathogen are given high-calorie feed, there is a risk that the healthy animals will become obese, i.e., have an undesirably high fat content.In such a situation, the livestock owner must weigh the risk of further worsening the health of already infected animals and increasing the risk of the pathogen spreading to other animals by administering energy-reduced feed for finishing, against the risk of helping infected animals by administering high-energy feed but impairing the meat quality of uninfected animals. In such situations, administering feed or drinking water containing Canadin or a Canadin derivative, optionally in combination with medication to treat an animal disease (such as coccidiosis, diarrhea, Newcastle disease, etc.), can ensure high meat quality even in situations where high-energy feed is necessary due to the presence or suspicion of disease.In other situations where there is a risk that the meat quality will be too low in terms of the fat and muscle content of the slaughtered animals, e.g. due to the sex, breed of the animals, age, health status or the feed used, feed or drinking water containing Canadin can ensure that a significant shift in the muscle-to-fat ratio occurs in favor of the muscle content and to the lesser extent of the fat content.

[0020] Canadine, also known as tetrahydroberberine or under CAS number 522-97-4, is a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid (BIA) from the structural subgroup of protoberberine alkaloids. Like other protoberberine alkaloids, canadine contains a benzylisoquinoline structural unit. Therefore, canadine belongs to the group of alkaloids.

[0021] A canadin derivative, as used here, is understood to be a physiologically compatible substance derived from canadin as the parent compound, meaning it contains the basic structure of canadin but also one or more additional functional groups. In particular, a canadin derivative may be a methylated form of canadin with an identical or similar effect on the meat and fat content of an animal as canadin. For example, a canadin derivative may be a singly or multiply methylated variant of canadin. Specifically, a canadin derivative may be singly methylated canadin, especially N-methylcanadine. For example, N-methylcanadine may be (S)-N-methylcanadine with the CHEBI number 16512.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the animal feed or drinking water has a concentration of at least 0.16 µg of Canadin and / or Canadin derivative per kg of animal feed or drinking water, preferably at least 1.6 µg of Canadin and / or Canadin derivative per kg of animal feed or drinking water, e.g. from 1 µg to 50 µg of Canadin and / or Canadin derivative per kg of animal feed or drinking water.

[0023] According to another embodiment, it is an animal feed additive which, when added as intended to animal feed or drinking water, results in animal feed or drinking water with a concentration of at least 0.16 µg Canadin and / or Canadin derivative per kg of animal feed or drinking water, preferably at least 1.6 µg Canadin and / or Canadin derivative per kg of animal feed or drinking water, e.g. from 1 µg to 50 µg Canadin and / or Canadin derivative per kg of animal feed or drinking water.

[0024] For example, the animal feed additive may be a powder or granules containing canadin and / or a canadin derivative, optionally one or more other alkaloids, and typically other substances such as fillers, minerals, vitamins, and / or flavorings. The animal feed additive may also contain plant material, such as ground plant parts like leaves or stems, and / or plant extracts, which typically contain the alkaloids. The fillers facilitate dosing and homogeneous mixing of the animal feed additive with a significantly larger quantity of animal feed or water, allowing the final concentration of active ingredients to be adjusted to the animals' needs and the specific application. The animal feed additive may also be in liquid form.The latter is particularly advantageous when the additive is to be mixed with water to provide drinking water containing Canadin of a specific concentration. For example, the Canadin and / or Canadin derivative can be kept in solution by lowering the pH value of the liquid feed additive (e.g., using organic acids such as citric acid).

[0025] According to one embodiment, the animal feed, the animal feed additive or the drinking water contains Berber ruby.

[0026] This embodiment is based on the surprising observation that the use of a combination of Canadin and / or a Canadin derivative in combination with Berberrubin can be particularly advantageous, as Berberrubin appears to enhance the effect of the Canadin or Canadin derivative. Administering a combination of both substances resulted in a significantly greater improvement in the muscle-to-fat ratio than was observed with the administration of Canadin alone. The shelf life of the meat also improved.

[0027] For example, berber rubine can be present in animal feed, feed additives, or drinking water in the form of plant material. This plant material could include, for example, material from the plants Thalictrum aquilegifolium, Berberis heteropoda, branches of Berberis actinacantha, or stems of Berberis darwinii or Berberis valdiviana. Berber rubine can also be found in sufficient concentrations in Berberis vulgaris, Thalictrum polygamum, Fibraurea chloroleuca (Berberidaceae, Ranunculaceae, Menispermaceae), Macleya cordata, and other plants, or it can be obtained in the form of an extract. This extract could, for example, be an aqueous-ethanolic extract of plant material.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the ratio of the canadin component (canadin and / or canadin derivative) to berber rubin in the animal feed, animal feed additive and / or in the drinking water is in the range of 1:5 to 5:1, e.g. in the range of 1:1.2 to 1.2:1.

[0029] According to embodiments of the invention, the animal feed, feed additive, or drinking water contains dried parts of the Maclaeaya cordata plant, e.g., leaves and / or roots, flowers, capsules, and / or parts of the stem. In particular, the flowers and capsules, but also the roots, contain canadin and especially a high proportion of N-methylcanadin. By combining leaves with varying proportions of flowers, capsules, and / or roots, the desired concentration of canadin and N-methylcanadin can be easily adjusted depending on the intended use and the plant's active ingredient content. The dried parts are preferably ground into a powder beforehand to simplify dosing and mixing.

[0030] The animal feed or drinking water contains at least 1 µg of Berber ruby ​​per kg of feed or drinking water, and in particular at least 10 µg of Berber ruby ​​per kg of feed or drinking water. However, the Berber ruby ​​concentration can also be higher, e.g., in the range of 1-400 µg of Berber ruby ​​per kg of feed or drinking water.

[0031] The animal feed additive has a Berber ruby ​​concentration such that, when added as directed to animal feed or drinking water, it results in feed or drinking water containing at least 1 µg of Berber ruby ​​per kg of feed or drinking water, and in particular at least 10 µg of Berber ruby ​​per kg of feed or drinking water. Concentrations of 1–400 µg of Berber ruby ​​per kg of feed or drinking water are also possible.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the animal feed or drinking water or the animal feed additive used for their production may contain further alkaloids such as sanguinarine and / or chelerythrine, which may have various positive effects, e.g. an improvement in feed utilization.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the animal feed, feed additive, or drinking water is intended for administration to farm animals, pets, or companion animals. These animals may include, in particular, poultry, pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and / or rabbits.

[0034] According to some embodiments, the canadin contained in the animal feed, drinking water or animal feed additive is synthetically or biotechnologically, in particular microbiotechnologically, produced canadin.

[0035] For example, canadin can be synthesized in several steps from a disubstituted phenylethylamine and a disubstituted benzaldehyde, as described, for example, in Li W et al., "Total Synthesis of (-)-Canadine, (-)-Rotundine, (-)-Sinactine, and (-)-Xylopinine Using a Last-Step Enantioselective Ir-Catalyzed Hydrogenation", Journal Organical Chemistry 2021 Jun 18;86(12):8143-8153. doi: 10.1021 / acs.joc.1c00602. Epub 2021 Jun 2. PMID: 34076443. The use of synthetic canadin has the advantage of facilitating precise dosing. When using plant material, additional steps for concentration, purification, and / or determination of the canadin concentration in the plant material may be necessary.

[0036] In other embodiments, it is Canadin, which is present as a component of plant material, in particular a plant extract, in which animal feed, drinking water or animal feed additive.

[0037] For example, the animal feed, feed additive, or drinking water may contain plant material from the Canadian orange root or a plant of the Papaveraceae family, such as Corydalis yanhusuo and Corydalis turtschaninovii. According to another example, the plant material may come wholly or partially from the white plume poppy (Macleaya cordata), particularly from the above-ground parts, i.e., stems and / or leaves.

[0038] According to embodiments, the animal feed or drinking water contains at least 10 mg of Macleaya cordata leaves per kg of animal feed or drinking water, in particular at least 100 mg of Macleaya cordata leaves per kg of animal feed or drinking water. Preferably, the animal feed or drinking water is free of other plant organs of Macleaya cordata (such as roots, stems, flowers, etc.) or contains these other plant organs in an amount of less than 20%, in particular less than 10%, e.g., less than 5% or less than 1% of the quantity of Macleaya cordata leaves per kg of animal feed or drinking water. The composition of the animal feed additive and the quantity of Macleaya cordata leaves in the additive are selected such that, with the intended dosage, a corresponding animal feed or drinking water is obtained. This can be advantageous because M.M. cordata leaves contain a comparatively high concentration of N-methyl-canadin in particular, and the leaves make up a large part of the biomass of M. cordata plants and are easy to process (e.g. pulverize) and can be distributed homogeneously.

[0039] According to some embodiments, the canadin derivative contained in the animal feed, drinking water, or animal feed additive is a synthetically, biotechnologically, and / or microbiotechnologically produced canadin derivative. For example, a manufacturing process for N-methyl-canadin is described in European patent application EP3221461A1.

[0040] According to embodiments of the invention, the animal feed, drinking water or animal feed additive contains a mixture of Canadin and the Canadin derivative.

[0041] According to embodiments of the invention, the animal feed, drinking water, or animal feed additive contains a mixture of synthetic and / or biotechnologically produced Canadin and / or Canadin of plant origin. Additionally or alternatively, the animal feed, drinking water, or animal feed additive can be a mixture of the synthetic and / or biotechnologically produced Canadin derivative and / or the Canadin derivative of plant origin. For example, a desired concentration of the active ingredient can be precisely adjusted by means of a mixture of synthetic and plant-based active ingredients, thus compensating for natural fluctuations in the active ingredient content of plants. However, it is also possible, for example, by appropriately selecting the proportions of different plant organs (leaves, stems, roots, flowers, etc.), to obtain a desired concentration of the active ingredient on a purely plant basis.

[0042] According to some embodiments, the canadin, the canadin derivative and / or the berber rubin is present in the animal feed, drinking water or animal feed additive as a physiologically compatible salt, in particular as chloride or sulfate.

[0043] Administering the alkaloid in salt form can have the advantage of stabilizing it. This is thought to be because the salt anion prevents the binding of hydroxyl ions, which can inactivate the alkaloid.

[0044] According to some embodiments, the animal feed, drinking water or animal feed additive is intended to reduce the fat content in the animal body and / or carcass.

[0045] According to some embodiments, the animal feed, drinking water or animal feed additive is intended to increase the muscle-to-fat ratio in the meat of animals.

[0046] According to some embodiments, the animal feed, drinking water or animal feed additive is intended to increase the shelf life of the meat of slaughtered animals.

[0047] According to some embodiments, the animal feed, drinking water or animal feed additive is intended for the preventive or acute treatment of oxidative stress in the tissue of animals, especially during fattening.

[0048] As mentioned above, in one aspect the invention relates to the use of an animal feed, drinking water or animal feed additive according to one of the embodiments described here for reducing the fat content in the carcass of the animals.

[0049] In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of an animal feed, drinking water or animal feed additive according to one of the embodiments described herein for increasing the muscle-to-fat ratio in the meat of animals and / or in the carcass of animals.

[0050] In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of an animal feed, drinking water or animal feed additive according to one of the embodiments described herein for reducing the fat content in the meat of animals and / or in the carcass of animals.

[0051] In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of an animal feed, drinking water or animal feed additive according to one of the embodiments described herein for increasing the shelf life of the meat of slaughtered animals.

[0052] In a further aspect, the invention relates to the use of animal feed, drinking water, or animal feed additive according to one of the embodiments described herein for the preventive or acute treatment of oxidative stress in the tissue of animals, particularly during fattening. In particular, said animal feed, drinking water, or animal feed additive can be used for the preventive or acute treatment of pathological, i.e., medically treatable, oxidative stress in the tissue of animals.

[0053] Oxidative stress refers to a metabolic state in which an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leads to damage of the affected cells. These reactive oxygen species are produced during metabolic processes such as the respiratory chain. Examples of such compounds are the superoxide anion radical (O₂·-), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and the hydroxyl radical (·OH). Normally, a cell is able to neutralize a certain amount of reactive oxygen species. For this purpose, reducing substances are produced and stored. Oxidative stress, therefore, is an imbalance between oxidizing and reducing substances that overwhelms this normal cellular repair and detoxification function, and consequently, all cellular and extracellular macromolecules can be damaged.

[0054] The consequences of high-grade oxidative stress include lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and DNA damage. These three processes are considered contributing factors to the aging process and a decline in health. Some forms of high-grade oxidative stress are considered pathological physiological conditions requiring veterinary treatment, as they restrict the growth and performance of animals to a similarly significant degree as many well-known animal diseases such as avian influenza, calf diarrhea, or coccidiosis.

[0055] Severe, and especially pathological, oxidative stress occurs when cellular metabolism is significantly disrupted. This can be caused, for example, by a nutrient-poor diet, poor husbandry conditions, infections, inflammation, and other health problems.

[0056] In some embodiments, the animal feed, drinking water, or animal feed additive is used to improve various meat parameters such as fat content, the ratio of fat to muscle, shelf life, etc. The use of the animal feed, drinking water, or animal feed additive as a medicinal product is described but not included in the invention.

[0057] Problems such as obesity, muscle weakness, or a generally poor state of health due to high levels of oxidative stress in tissues can be signs of aging or caused by poor or unbalanced nutrition. Medical applications are particularly beneficial for pets and companion animals, but can also be successfully used in livestock farming, for example, in the fattening of pigs, cattle, and poultry.

[0058] Another aspect describes a container holding the animal feed additive, which also includes an information carrier, such as a printed label or sticker, or which is provided together with the information carrier (e.g., package insert). It is also possible that the information carrier contains a link (URL, e.g., a URL encoded in a QR code) to dosage instructions provided electronically, e.g., as a website.The information carrier (and / or the referenced electronic information carrier) specifies a dosage, i.e., a specification of the amount of animal feed additive that must be added to a certain quantity of animal feed or drinking water when used as intended, in order to obtain animal feed or drinking water with a concentration of Canadin and / or Canadin derivative and / or Berber rubine as described herein for embodiments of the invention. The container may be, for example, a bucket, a can, a bag, a sack, or even significantly smaller or larger containers, depending on whether the quantity is intended for medical use to treat individual pets or for regular feed additive use by larger livestock farms.

[0059] In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of an animal feed additive according to one of the embodiments described herein for the production of animal feed or drinking water for the preventive or acute treatment of oxidative stress in the tissue of animals to improve the quality of the meat of slaughtered animals.

[0060] In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of an animal feed additive according to one of the embodiments described herein for the production of animal feed or drinking water for reducing the fat content in the animal body.

[0061] In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of an animal feed additive according to one of the embodiments described herein for the production of animal feed or drinking water for increasing the muscle-to-fat ratio and / or reducing the fat content in the meat of animals.

[0062] According to certain embodiments, the use of the animal feed additive, animal feed, or drinking water is characterized in that, with a specific dosage of the animal feed additive, animal feed, and / or drinking water, at least 0.016 µg of Canadin and / or a Canadin derivative per kg of body weight is administered daily, e.g., at least 0.16 µg of Canadin and / or a Canadin derivative per kg of body weight, e.g., at least 1 µg of Canadin and / or a Canadin derivative per kg of body weight. Typically, the amount of Canadin and / or a Canadin derivative administered per day does not exceed 4.8 µg of Canadin and / or a Canadin derivative per kg of body weight. The comparatively high concentration of Canadin or a Canadin derivative of around 5 µg per kg of body weight can be used, in particular, for the treatment of pathological physiological conditions or a significantly elevated level of oxidative stress. Even higher doses are harmless.For example, it has been observed that Canadin and / or Canadin derivative can be administered to treat particularly high oxidative stress in amounts exceeding 5 µg, e.g., exceeding 1 mg, e.g., even exceeding 50 mg of Canadin and / or Canadin derivative per day and kg of the animal's body weight, without any undesirable side effects occurring.

[0063] It has been observed that the aforementioned small amounts of canadin and / or canadin derivatives are suitable for improving the muscle / fat ratio and reducing the level of oxidative stress in the animals' tissues (which is relevant for the shelf life and quality of the meat).

[0064] If the aforementioned feed, drinking water or feed additive is used for the treatment of pathological, i.e., medically treatable, metabolic conditions, e.g., for the treatment of pathological oxidative stress, the concentration of Canadin and / or Canadin derivative per kg of live weight per day can also be significantly higher, e.g., so that the concentration is at least twice, at least five times, or at least ten times higher than the minimum concentration values ​​mentioned above.

[0065] According to embodiments, the animal feed or drinking water contains at least 0.16 µg of Canadin and / or a Canadin derivative per kg of animal feed or drinking water, in particular at least 1.6 µg of Canadin and / or a Canadin derivative per kg of animal feed or drinking water. Typically, the animal feed or drinking water contains 0.1 to 50 µg of Canadin and / or a Canadin derivative per kg of animal feed or drinking water. The concentration of Canadin in the animal feed additive is preferably selected such that, when used as intended and added to feed or drinking water, the animal feed or drinking water with the aforementioned Canadin and / or Canadin derivative concentrations is produced.

[0066] According to the invention, the animal feed or drinking water contains Berber ruby.

[0067] Also described here is animal feed or drinking water containing at least 0.01 µg of Berber ruby ​​per kg of animal feed or drinking water, in particular containing at least 0.1 µg of Berber ruby ​​per kg of animal feed or drinking water.

[0068] Furthermore, an animal feed additive is described whose Berber ruby ​​concentration is chosen such that, when added as intended to animal feed or drinking water, the resulting animal feed or drinking water contains at least 0.01 µg Berber ruby ​​per kg of animal feed or drinking water, in particular at least 0.1 µg Berber ruby ​​per kg of animal feed or drinking water.

[0069] Under "Plant material"Here, "plant material" refers to material that is wholly or partially of plant origin. For example, this plant material could be parts of plants, such as powdered leaves or stems. It could also be liquid material, such as a plant extract, particularly an alcohol-based plant extract, such as an ethanol-based plant extract. Brief description of the characters

[0070] In the following, embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail by way of example only, with reference to the drawings in which they are contained. These show: Figure 1: a table with results of a feeding trial with pigs; Figure 2: a bar chart to represent the result of the feeding trial according to Figure 1 Figure 3: A table presenting the results of another feeding trial with broiler chickens; Figure 4: A bar chart presenting the results of the table in Figure 3Figure 5 is a bar chart illustrating the effect of different canadin concentrations on the protein and fat content of chicken breast meat; Figure 6 is a bar chart illustrating the effect of different amounts of canadin on malondialdehyde (MDA) and oxidative stress, respectively; Figure 7 shows the effect of canadin on the breast and leg muscles of the experimental animals; Figure 8 shows the structural formula of canadin; and Figure 9 shows the structural formula of (S)-N-methylcanadin. Detailed description

[0071] The following descriptions refer to various experiments in which a feedstuff according to the invention was used. The corresponding advantages and effectiveness also apply analogously to drinking water with a corresponding amount or concentration of alkaloids, as well as to an animal feed additive for the production of said animal feed.

[0072] Figure 1 shows a table with the results of a feeding trial.

[0073] 995 fattening pigs, including both male and female animals, were divided into four approximately equal groups. A control group, designated as the "control," was fed a wheat-based basal diet (without added canadin) for 30 days until the day of slaughter. The group designated as the "Canadin" group received a fattening feed from the 30th day before slaughter that had the same composition as the feed of the control group, but additionally contained N-methyl-canadin at a concentration of 35 µg N-methyl-canadin per kg of feed. Berber ruby ​​was not included in the Canadin group's feed. The group designated as the "Berber ruby" group received a fattening feed from the 30th day before slaughter that had the same composition as the feed of the control group, but additionally contained Berber ruby ​​at a concentration of 35 µg Berber ruby ​​per kg of feed.Canadin was not included in the feed of the Berber rubin group. The group designated as the "combination" group received a fattening feed during the 30 days prior to slaughter that had the same composition as the feed of the control group, but additionally contained a combination of N-methyl-canadin and Berber rubin at a concentration of 35 µg N-methyl-canadin per kg of feed and 35 µg Berber rubin per kg of feed.

[0074] The animals were fed ad libitum with their respective group's feed until slaughter day; they could consume as much food as they wanted. After slaughter, various parts of the carcass were measured, and the results were recorded in a table.

[0075] As a result, the use of N-methyl-canadin-containing feed in pigs led to a higher slaughter weight (110 kg - 112 kg). Back fat thickness was significantly reduced (14.5 mm - 13 mm, -10.3%). The muscle-to-fat ratio increased significantly due to increased muscle growth and the reduction in fat content. Muscle growth was observed in the loin (+2.7%), and the rib attachment increased significantly (+2%). Muscle thickness, measured in mm, increased slightly. Overall, more muscle mass (protein) was produced with a reduced fat content.

[0076] The aforementioned positive effects were also observed in the Berberrubin group.

[0077] It was observed that the positive effects of N-methyl-canadin were significantly enhanced synergistically by the additional administration of berberrubin. For example, backfat thickness decreased approximately twice as much (-25.1%) when feeding a combination of N-methyl-canadin and berberrubin compared to a feed containing only N-methyl-canadin.

[0078] The control group served as the basis for calculating the percentage differences. In the experiment presented here, N-methylcanadin and berberrubin were administered in a 1:1 ratio. Further experiments have shown that other ratios also significantly enhance the effect of canadin or N-methylcanadin, for example, a ratio of canadin (or its derivative) to berberrubin of 1:1.2 to 1.2:1, or even 1:5 to 5:1.

[0079] The two alkaloids were present in the feed in the form of salts, namely as canadine chloride and berberrubine chloride.

[0080] The experiment shows that feeding N-methyl-canadin to fattening pigs approximately one month before slaughter significantly reduces backfat density and also increases the lean meat content. Body areas such as the loin and ribs, which already have a high muscle mass, grow considerably better under the influence of N-methyl-canadin than without its addition. Thus, N-methyl-canadin-containing animal feed leads to an improvement, specifically an increase, in the muscle-to-fat ratio in pigs. This positive effect is significantly enhanced by the additional administration of Berberrubin.

[0081] Figure 2 shows the results of the with regard to Figure 1The described feeding trial is presented as a bar chart, showing the relative changes compared to the control group ("difference") in percentages. The synergistic effect of the combined administration of N-methyl-canadin and berberrubin on reducing fat content while simultaneously increasing muscle content is clearly evident. For example, N-methyl-canadin alone reduced backfat by 10.3%, berberrubin alone by 4.9%, but the combination of both substances resulted in a reduction of over 25%. A synergistic effect was also observed with regard to increasing lean meat content. The chart also shows that N-methyl-canadin and berberrubin each produce corresponding positive effects on their own.

[0082] Figure 3Figure 1 shows a table presenting the results of another feeding trial with chickens. 26,400 Cobb 500 chickens were divided into three equally sized groups ("control," "Canadin," and "Candin+Berberrubin"). All three groups were fed ad libitum for 49 days. The feeding was carried out in three phases ("starter" days 1 to 10, "grower" days 11 to 24, "finisher" days 25 to 49) according to the changing nutritional requirements of the chickens during their development. One-day-old chicks were used. The diet consisted of corn, soybean meal, pureed wheat, and the respective alkaloid additive.

[0083] The feed in the Canadin group contained an additional 35 µg of Canadin per kg of feed, but no Berber ruby. The feed in the Canadin+Berber ruby ​​group contained 35 µg of Canadin per kg of feed as well as an additional 35 µg of Berber ruby ​​per kg of feed.

[0084] Afterwards, the chickens were slaughtered and various organs or parts of the carcass were examined more closely with regard to their fat and muscle content.

[0085] The Canadin group achieved particularly better slaughter results in the breast, wing, and fillet areas. Intraperitoneal fat content was significantly lower in both the Canadin group and the Canadin+Berberrubin group than in the control group. Specifically, the fat content was 2.5% in the control group, 1.8% in the Canadin group, and only 1.5% in the Canadin+Berberrubin group. This corresponds to a difference of 28% in fat content between the Canadin and control groups. Thus, a significant improvement in the meat-to-fat ratio was observed in both chickens and pigs. In the Canadin+Berberrubin group, an additional 17% reduction in fat content was achieved compared to the Canadin group.

[0086] Overall, as with pigs, it can be observed that canadin or N-methyl-canadin leads to a higher proportion of muscle meat with reduced fat content, i.e., a higher proportion of lean meat, and that this effect is enhanced by berber rubin.

[0087] Figure 4 shows a bar chart to represent the in Figure 3 shown results of the experiment with the broiler chickens.

[0088] Figure 5 shows the results of another experiment with broiler chickens in the form of a bar chart.

[0089] Three hundred and sixty one-day-old chicks were used. The diet consisted of pureed corn, soy flour, wheat, and an additive. The experiment comprised three growth / feeding phases: "starter" (days 1 to 10), "grower" (days 11 to 24), and "finisher" (days 25 to 42); three experimental groups—control and two concentrations—each with 120 animals per trial. Feeding (ad libitum) was based on a basal diet, which was supplemented according to the specific needs of each group.

[0090] A control group was fed a basic feed adapted to the respective growth phase without added canadin (and without added other alkaloids). The basic feed for all groups consisted primarily of corn, soybean meal, and wheat. Depending on the group, the feed may also contain the appropriate amount of alkaloids. The group designated as "Canadin I" received a basic feed with the same composition as the control group's feed, but containing additional canadin at a concentration of 50 µg per kg of feed. Berber ruby ​​was not included in the feed of any of the three groups. The group designated as "Canadin II" received a basic feed with the same composition as the control group's feed, but containing canadin at a concentration of 35 µg per kg of feed, less than in the "Canadin I" group.

[0091] The animals were fed ad libitum with the respective feed for their group until the day of slaughter; they could therefore consume as much food as they wanted. After slaughter, various measurements were taken on the carcasses.

[0092] For example, the protein and fat content of the breast fillets of broiler chickens was determined. In the Canadin-I group, a significantly reduced fat content and a considerably increased muscle content were observed compared to the control group.

[0093] The same effect was observed in the Canadin-II group, but it was less pronounced than in the Canadin-I group. Thus, it was shown that the beneficial effect of Canadin increases with its concentration.

[0094] Figure 6 This shows that Canadin can be used to treat oxidative stress. This can, for example, lead to improved shelf life.

[0095] To determine oxidative stress in a tissue, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in that tissue is generally measured. MDA is therefore a biomarker for the degree of oxidative stress. Elevated MDA levels in tissue during an organism's lifetime can indicate unfavorable living conditions, such as improper feed, disease, or poor husbandry. After slaughter, however, the MDA level can also serve as an indicator of the decline in meat quality during storage. During storage, the MDA content of the tissue increases due to the penetration of atmospheric oxygen and ongoing biochemical reactions within the tissue. A high MDA level is therefore an indicator that the meat has been stored for a long time.

[0096] In the pectoral muscles of broilers from the in Figure 4In the described feeding trial, the MDA value was determined after slaughter. In each of the three groups, the MDA value was determined for half of the animals after one day of storage in a refrigerator (subgroup "D1"), and for the other half of the animals after three days of storage in a refrigerator (subgroup "D3").

[0097] In the control group, the MDA level increased significantly during refrigeration. This indicates the presence of free oxygen radicals in the pectoral muscles of the control group and suggests a decrease in the carcass's shelf life or aging.

[0098] In the breast fillets of broiler chickens in the "Canadin I" and "Canadin II" groups, however, this increase was considerably lower up to the third day ("D3"). This shows that the administration of Canadin significantly reduced the amount of reactive oxygen species in the breast muscle of the broiler chickens and thus the shelf life of the carcass. It should be noted that the MDA concentration at slaughter is subject to some variability among the different animals, so for shelf life, the relative increase in MDA concentration measured on the third day (D3) compared to the value measured on the first day of storage (D1) or on the day of slaughter is particularly relevant. While the MDA value of the control increased by over 80% from D1 to D3, the MDA value in the two Canadin groups only increased by about 16%.

[0099] A reduction in oxidative stress through the administration of feed according to embodiments of the invention thus not only promotes animal health, but also leads to a significant improvement in shelf life.

[0100] Figure 7 This shows the results of a further experiment with 300 broiler chickens, which were divided into two approximately equal groups. The control group received a basic feed without any additional physiologically active additives. The Canadin group received the basic feed, which additionally contained 35 µg of Canadin per kg of feed. Feeding according to this regime was carried out during the weaning period of the broiler chickens (43-49 days after hatching) (ad libitum).

[0101] Subsequently, all animals were slaughtered and various parameters were determined. The weight of the carcass, eviscerated and excluding offal, and the weight of the breast and leg muscles were measured. The dressing yield and the weight of the breast muscles were significantly higher in the Canadin group compared to the control group.

[0102] The Figures 8 and 9 The structural formulas of canadin and (S)-N-methylcanadin are shown. It was found that both substances exhibit the desired effects, in particular reducing the fat content in the carcass and increasing the proportion of muscle meat.

[0103] Further, supplementary trials WV1, WV2, and WV3 were conducted to investigate the efficacy of canadin alone and in combination with berber rubin. The active ingredients methyl canadin and berber rubin, used in all three trials, were obtained by chromatographic purification of an extract of white plume poppy.

[0104] In experiment WV1, 600 pigs were divided into 7 approximately equal groups. All groups received the same basic feed throughout the entire last month before slaughter, but the groups differed in the amount of canadin (methyl-canadin) or berberrubin administered. Group GK: Control group, received neither canadin nor berber rubin. Group GCA: 5 µg canadin per kg of feed (no berber rubin). Group GCB: 10 µg canadin per kg of feed (no berber rubin). Group GBA: 20 µg berber rubin per kg of feed (no canadin). Group GBB: 40 µg berber rubin per kg of feed (no canadin). Group GCBA: 5 µg canadin and 20 µg berber rubin per kg of feed. Group GCBB: 10 µg canadin and 40 µg berber rubin per kg of feed.

[0105] After slaughter, the thickness of the back fat, loin, ribs, and the lean meat content of the total meat were determined. The results of the experiment are as follows: tissue GK control GCA Canada GCB Canada GBA Berber ruby GBB Berber ruby GCBA Canadian / Berber ruby: GCBB Canadian / Berber ruby 5 µg 10 µg 20 µg 40 µg 5 µg / 20 µg 10 µg / 40 µg Back fat [mm] 14,00 12,60 12,80 12,70 12,60 11,2 11,00 Lean meat [%] 53,80 55,40 56,05 55,05 55,32 57,73 58,20 Loin [mm] 56,00 57,60 57,82 57,95 58,25 59,98 59,92 Ribs [cm2] 364,5 371,80 372,20 373,02 373,87 383,10 384,32

[0106] This corresponds to a percentage increase or decrease relative to the control group of: tissue GK control GCA Canada GCB Canada GBA Berber ruby GBB Berber ruby GCBA Canadian / Berber ruby: GCBB Canadian / Berber ruby 5 µg / 20 µg 10 µg / 40 µg (K) %* %* %* %* %* %* Back fat [mm] 100 -10 -8,57 -9,28 -10 -20 -21,43 Lean meat [%] 100 +2,9 +4,18 +2,3 +2,82 +7,30 +10,82 loin 100 +2,85 +3,25 +3,48 +4,02 +7,10 +7,00 [mm] Ribs [cm2] 100 +2,0 +2,11 +2,34 +2,57 +5,10 5,44

[0107] Here, too, a synergistic, super-additive effect of the two substances was observed: for example, a reduction in back fat of -8.57% was observed in the GCB group, -10% in the GBB group, but -21.43% in the GCBB group. The lean meat content increased significantly more in the GCBA and GCBB groups than would have been expected based on the effects of individual substances observed in the GCA and GBA groups and the GCB and GBB groups, respectively.

[0108] In a further attempt WV2Six hundred broiler chickens were divided into seven approximately equal groups. All groups received the same basic feed (pelleted complete feed) throughout the entire start, growth, and end phases of fattening; however, the groups differed in the amount of canadin (methyl canadin) or berber rubin administered. Group GK: Control group, received neither canadin nor berber rubin. Group GCA: 25 µg canadin per kg feed (no berber rubin). Group GCB: 50 µg canadin per kg feed (no berber rubin). Group GBA: 50 µg berber rubin per kg feed (no canadin). Group GBB: 100 µg berber rubin per kg feed (no canadin). Group GCBA: 25 µg canadin and 50 µg berber rubin per kg feed. Group GCBB: 50 µg canadin and 100 µg berber rubin per kg feed.

[0109] After slaughter, the weight of various parts of the carcass was determined (as a percentage of the total weight). The results of the experiment are as follows: Tissue (each % of the GK control GCA Canada GCB Canada GBA Berber ruby GBB Berber ruby GCBA GCBB (Total weight) Canadian / Berber ruby Canadian / Berber ruby 25 µg 50 µg 50 µg 100 µg 25 µg / 50 µg 50 µg / 100 µg Breast [%] 20,7 21,3 21,5 21,6 21,8 22,3 22,4 Leg [%] 21,1 21,2 21,6 21,9 21,7 22,4 22,5 Fillet [%] 4,0 4,2 4,3 4,5 4,6 4,7 5,0 Wings [%] 8,4 8,9 9,1 9,15 9,2 9,4 9,5 Liver [%] 1,7 1,8 1,8 1,8 1,8 1,8 1,8 Heart [%] 0,5 0,5 0,5 0,55 0,5 0,5 0,6 Fat (ip) [%] 2,3 -2,0 -2,0 -2,0 -1,9 -1,8 -1,4

[0110] Values ​​in relation to the control group (= 100%) Tissue (each % change compared to GK) GK control GCA Canada GCB Canada GBA Berber ruby GBB Berber ruby GCBA Canadian / Berber ruby GCBB Canadian / Berber ruby 25 µg 50 µg 50 µg 100 µg 25 µg / 50 µg 50 µg / 100 µg Breast [%] 100 +2,90 +3,86 +4,34 +5,31 +7,7 +8,21 Leg [%] 100 ±0 +2,37 +3,79 +2,84 +6,16 +6,64 Fillet [%] 100 +5,00 +7,50 +11,25 +11,50 +17,50 +25,00 Wings [%] 100 +5,96 +8,33 +8,93 +9,52 +11,90 +13,10 Liver [%] 100 +5,88 +5,88 +5,88 +5,88 +5,88 +5,88 Heart [%] 100 ±0 ±0 ±0 ±0 ±0 ±0 Fat (ip) [%] 100 -13,04 -13,04 -13,10 -17,39 -21,74 -39,13

[0111] Here too, a significant effect on the muscle content (corresponding to the proportion of breast and tenderloin in particular) as well as on the fat content was observed. The proportion of breast and tenderloin meat was significantly increased, while the fat content decreased significantly with the administration of Canadin and / or Berberrubin. In the GCBB group, the fat content decreased by over 39% relative to the control group.

[0112] In a further attempt WV3Five hundred broiler chickens were divided into seven approximately equal groups and received group-specific feed according to the experimental description for experiment WV2. After slaughter, the weight of various parts of the carcass (as a percentage relative to the total weight) was determined. The results of the experiment are as follows: GK control GCA Canada GCB Canada GBA Berber ruby GBB Berber ruby GCBA Canadian / Berber ruby GCBB Canadian / Berber ruby 25 µg 50 µg 50 µg 100 µg 25 µg / 50 µg 50 µg / 100 µg Protein content in breast meat [%] 23,9 24,8 24,5 25,0 24,3 26,5 27,0 Fat content in breast meat [%] 1,75 1,66 1,62 1,65 1,63 1,60 1,58 GK control GCA Canada GCB Canada GBA Berber ruby GBB Berber ruby GCBA Canadian / Berber ruby GCBB Canadian / Berber ruby 25 µg 50 µg 50 µg 100 µg 25 µg / 50 µg 50 µg / 100 µg Deviation of the protein content in breast meat from GK [%] 100 +3,77 +2,51 +4,60 +1,67 10,88 +12,97 Deviation of the fat content in breast meat from GK [%] 100 -5,14 -7,43 -5,71 -6,86 -8,57 9,71

[0113] For each of the two substances, a significant (positive) effect on muscle mass and a significant (negative) effect on body fat percentage were observed. A combination of the two substances, particularly at higher concentrations, led to a hyper-additive effect on increasing muscle mass and reducing protein content.

[0114] Drinking water and feed have therefore proven to be particularly advantageous, with the following examples of substance combinations (each in µg per kg of feed or drinking water): Canada alone Berber ruby ​​alone Canadian ruby ​​+ Berber ruby ​​combined 5 10 5+20 10 20 25+50 20 40 50+100 25 50 50+100 40 100 50

[0115] According to some examples, the feed or drinking water can therefore contain at least 5 µg Canadin / kg feed or drinking water, in particular 5-100 µg Canadin / kg feed or drinking water.

[0116] According to some examples, the feed or drinking water can therefore contain at least 10 µg Berber rubine / kg feed or drinking water, in particular 10-150 µg Berber rubine / kg feed or drinking water.

[0117] According to some examples, the feed or drinking water can contain a combination of at least 5 µg Canadin and at least 10 µg Berber rubine / kg of feed or drinking water. For example, the feed or drinking water can contain a combination of at least 1 µg Canadin and at least 1 µg Berber rubine / kg of feed or drinking water. In particular, the feed or drinking water can contain a combination of 5-100 µg Canadin and 10-150 µg Berber rubine / kg of feed or drinking water.

[0118] This also discloses a feed additive which, when dosed as directed, results in a combination of 5-100 µg Canadin and 10-150 µg Berberrubin per kg of feed or drinking water.

[0119] Likewise, a feed additive is disclosed here which, when dosed as directed, results in one of the animal feeds or drinking waters described herein.

Claims

1. Use of an animal feed, drinking water or animal feed additive - for increasing the muscle-to-fat ratio in the meat of slaughtered animals; or - for preventive or acute treatment of oxidative stress in the tissue of animals for improving the quality of the meat of slaughtered animals; or - for increasing the shelf life of the meat of slaughtered animals; or - for reducing the fat content in the animal body of slaughtered animals, wherein the animal feed, drinking water, or animal feed additive contains canadine and / or a canadine derivative, wherein the canadine derivative is at least monomethylated canadine, in particular N-methyl-canadine, wherein the animal feed, animal feed additive, or drinking water also comprises berberrubine, wherein the animal feed or drinking water is an animal feed or drinking water with a concentration of at least 0.16 µg canadine and / or canadine derivative per kg animal feed or drinking water; or wherein the animal feed additive is an animal feed additive which, when admixed as intended to an animal feed or drinking water, yields an animal feed or drinking water with a concentration of at least 0.16 µg canadine and / or canadine derivative per kg animal feed or drinking water; and - wherein the animal feed or drinking water is an animal feed or drinking water with at least 1 µg berberrubine per kg animal feed or drinking water; or wherein the animal feed additive is an animal feed additive which, when admixed as intended to an animal feed or drinking water, yields an animal feed or drinking water with at least 1 µg berberrubine per kg animal feed or drinking water.

2. Use of the animal feed, drinking water or animal feed additive according to claim 1, - wherein the animal feed or drinking water is an animal feed or drinking water with a concentration of at least 1.6 µg canadine and / or canadine derivative per kg animal feed or drinking water; or - wherein the animal feed additive is an animal feed additive which, when admixed as intended to an animal feed or drinking water, yields an animal feed or drinking water with a concentration of at least 1.6 µg canadine and / or canadine derivative per kg animal feed or drinking water.

3. The use of the animal feed, drinking water or animal feed additive according to any one of the preceding claims, - wherein the animal feed or drinking water is an animal feed or drinking water with at least 10 µg berberrubine per kg animal feed or drinking water; or - wherein the animal feed additive is an animal feed additive which, when admixed as intended to an animal feed or drinking water, yields an animal feed or drinking water with at least 10 µg berberrubine per kg animal feed or drinking water.

4. The use of the animal feed or drinking water according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises a combination of at least 1 µg, in particular at least 5 µg canadine and at least 1 µg, in particular at least 10 µg berberrubine / kg feed or drinking water, or use of the animal feed additive according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein it, when metered as intended, yields an animal feed or drinking water with said amount of canadine and berberrubine.

5. Use of the animal feed or drinking water according to any one of the preceding claims for administration to livestock animals, domestic animals or hobby animals, in particular poultry, pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, horses, rabbits.

6. Use of the animal feed or drinking water according to any one of the preceding claims, - wherein canadine is synthetic or biotechnologically produced canadine; and / or - wherein canadine derivative is a synthetic or biotechnologically produced canadine derivative; and / or - wherein canadine is present as a constituent of plant material in the animal feed, drinking water or animal feed additive; and / or - wherein the canadine derivative is present as a constituent of plant material in the animal feed, drinking water or animal feed additive.

7. The use of the animal feed or drinking water according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the canadine and / or the canadine derivative is present as a physiologically acceptable salt, in particular as chloride or sulfate.

8. The use of the animal feed additive according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the use of the animal feed additive comprises an admixture to an animal feed or drinking water in such an amount that an animal feed or drinking water is produced with a concentration of at least 0.16 µg canadine and / or canadine derivative per kg animal feed or drinking water, in particular at least 1.6 µg canadine and / or canadine derivative per kg animal feed or drinking water.