Nitrate supplement for poultry for improved offspring quality

Abstract

The present technology provides a method for feeding poultry and improving offspring quality of poultry. The method includes feeding to poultry a feed diet that includes an effective amount of one or more nitrates, wherein: the effective amount of the one or more nitrates includes greater than about 30 mg / kg of bodyweight (BW) to about 600 mg / kg BW per day. The present technology also provides a poultry feed diet that includes an amount of one or more nitrates effective for improving egg, embryo, or offspring quality.

Description

NITRATE SUPPLEMENT FOR POULTRY FOR IMPROVED OFFSPRING QUALITYCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 362,099, filed March 29, 2022, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This application relates to methods for feeding poultry a feed diet that includes effective amounts of one or more nitrates for improving offspring quality.BACKGROUND

[0003] Feeding calcium nitrate and other ingredients to ruminants is one way to mitigate methane production. For example, U.S. Patent No. 8,771,723 titled “Compositions For Reducing Gastro-Intestinal Methanogenesis In Ruminants” issued to Hindrik Bene Perdok et al. discloses one such method. Further, Van Den Bosch et al. (International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2016 / 090366, published June 9, 2016) describes animal feed compositions containing a nitrate compound and methods for using such a composition in an animal’s gestation phase and / or lactation phase to improve the health of offspring. Ascensao et al. (International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2018 / 237233) describes methods of improving meat quality (such as meat color and carcass yield (%)) in an animal by feeding an effective amount of nitrate to the animal.

[0004] In humans, dietary nitrate, as presented in beetroot juice, has been show n to reduce blood pressure and the risk of adverse cardiovascular events in healthy individuals after single dose of 500 ml of beetroot juice. It is hypothesized that nitrate might represent a source of vasoprotective nitric oxide (NO) via bioactivation (Webb et al. 2008). A non-enzymalic pathway for the generation of NO has been proposed (nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway) for humans. Dietary inorganic nitrate molecules may be reduced by facultative anaerobic bacteria on the dorsal surface of the tongue to nitrite which can be chemically and enzymatically be further reduced to NO (Lundberg et al. 2009). The endothelial isoform of the NO synthase uses arginine and molecular oxygen as precursors to ionically release NO in the endothelium, which is important for the control of vascular tone, smooth muscle grow th, platelet aggregation and inflammation(Umans and Levi, 1995; Bruckdorfer 2005). This induces vasodilation and increased blood flow (Siervo et al. 2011; Keim 1999).SUMMARY

[0005] In one aspect, the present technology provides a method for feeding poultry. The method includes: feeding to poultry a feed diet that includes an effective amount of one or more nitrates, wherein: the effective amount of the one or more nitrates includes greater than about 30 mg / kg of body weight (BW) to about 600 mg / kg BW per day.

[0006] In an aspect, the present technology provides a method for feeding poultry. The method includes: feeding to poultry a feed diet that includes an effective amount of one or more nitrates, wherein: the effective amount of the one or more nitrates includes greater than about 30 mg / kg of body weight (BW) to about 600 mg / kg BW per day; and the method has a nitrate conversion percent (conversion%) of the one or more nitrates into an egg of the poultry fed the feed diet of greater than 0.05%.

[0007] In another aspect, the present technology provides a method for improving egg, embryo, and / or offspring quality in poultry. The method includes feeding poultry a diet that includes an effective amount of one or more nitrates; wherein the method improves one or more of egg weights, the percentage of viable chicks, hatch window, embryonic mortality, variation in body weight, chick quality measured as yolk free body mass (g) at hatch, offspring final body weight, or fat pad weight.

[0008] In an aspect, the present technology provides a method for improving egg, embryo, and / or offspring quality in poultry. The method includes feeding poultry a diet that includes an effective amount of one or more nitrates; wherein the method improves one or more of egg weights, the percentage of viable chicks, hatch window, embryonic mortality, variation in body weight, chick quality measured as yolk free body mass (g) at hatch, offspring final body weight measured over a grow th period of about 14 to about 35 weeks, or fat pad weight.

[0009] In yet another aspect, the present technology provides a poultry feed diet that includes an amount of one more nitrates effective for improving egg, embryo, and / or offspring quality; wherein the improvement in egg, embryo, and / or offspring quality comprises an increase in egg weights, increase in the percentage of viable chicks, improved hatch window, reduced embryonic mortality, improved variation in body weight, improved chick quality measured as yolk free body mass (g) at hatch, improved offspring final body weight, or improved fat pad weight.

[0010] In another aspect, the present technology provides a poultry feed diet that includes an amount of one more nitrates effective for improving egg, embryo, and / or offspring quality; wherein the improvement in egg, embryo, and / or offspring quality comprises an increase in egg weights, increase in the percentage of viable chicks, improved hatch window, reduced embryonic mortality, improved variation in body weight, improved chick quality measured as yolk free body mass (g) at hatch, improved offspring final body weight measured over a growth period of about 14 to about 35 weeks, or improved fat pad weight.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 shows a chart of egg production for broiler breeder hens fed 4 dosages of an exemplary feed diet (0-300 mg / kg BW nitrate).

[0012] FIG. 2A shows a chart of hatchability of eggs collected in week 35 of broiler breeder hens fed 4 dosages of an exemplary feed diet (0-300 mg / kg BW nitrate).

[0013] FIG. 2B shows a chart of hatchability of eggs collected in week 41 of broiler breeder hens fed 4 dosages of an exemplary feed diet (0-300 mg / kg BW nitrate).

[0014] FIG. 2C shows a chart of hatchability of eggs collected in week 56 of broiler breeder hens fed 4 dosages of an exemplary feed diet (0-300 mg / kg BW nitrate).

[0015] FIG. 3 shows a chart of egg weights for broiler breeder hens fed 4 dosages of an exemplary feed diet (0-300 mg / kg BW nitrate) at various times (age in weeks).

[0016] FIG. 4 shows a chart of nitrate deposition into albumen and yolk in mg (sampling at week 35).

[0017] FIG. 5 shows a chart of egg weights for broiler breeder hens fed 4 dosages of an exemplary feed diet (0-300 mg / kg BW nitrate) at various times (age in weeks) via hypoxia trials.

[0018] FIG. 6 A shows a chart of egg weights at El 8 for broiler breeder hens in the hypoxia model.

[0019] FIG. 6B shows a chart of embryo weights at E18 for broiler breeder hens in the hypoxia model.

[0020] FIG. 6C shows a chart of liver weights at hatch for offspring of broiler breeder hens in the hypoxia model.

[0021] FIG. 6D shows a chart of yolk free body mass (YFBM, g) at hatch for offspring of broiler breeder hens in the hypoxia model.

[0022] FIG. 7 shows a chart of the %mortality for offspring of broiler breeder hens fed 4 dosages of an exemplary feed diet (0-300 mg / kg BW nitrate).

[0023] FIG. 8 shows a chart of the fraction of eggs hatched as a function of time (hatch window, hr).

[0024] FIG. 9A shows a chart of the interaction effect of broiler breeder hens fed 4 dosages of an exemplary feed diet (0-300 mg / kg BW nitrate) and hypoxia on vascular surface area (number of pixels).

[0025] FIG. 9B shows a chart of the effect of broiler breeder hens fed 4 dosages of an exemplary feed diet (0-300 mg / kg BW nitrate) on vascular density.

[0026] FIG. 9C shows a chart of the effect of broiler breeder hens fed 4 dosages of an exemplary feed diet (0-300 mg / kg BW nitrate) on length.

[0027] FIG. 10 shows a chart of the average start egg weights distributed between light egg weights (Low EW) and high egg weights (High EW) for eggs from broiler breeder hens in Example 3.

[0028] FIG. 11 shows a chart demonstrating start egg weights of eggs for broiler breeder hens fed 4 dosages of an exemplary feed diet (0-300 mg / kg BW nitrate).

[0029] FIG. 12 shows a chart of the residual yolk weight (g) at hatch for offspring of broiler breeder hens fed 4 dosages of an exemplary feed diet (0-300 mg / kg BW nitrate) in Example 3.

[0030] FIG. 13 shows a chart of the yolk free body mass (g) at hatch for offspring of broiler breeder hens fed 4 dosages of an exemplary feed diet (0-300 mg / kg BW nitrate) in Example 3.

[0031] FIG. 14 shows a chart illustrating the interaction effect observed between broiler breeder nitrate dosage (0-300 mg / kg BW) and egg weight (Low EW and High EW) with respect to hatchability (%).

[0032] FIG. 15A shows a graph of the body weight (g) of offspnng (chicks) of broiler breeder hens fed 4 dosages of an exemplary feed diet (0-300 mg / kg BW nitrate) as a function of age (days).

[0033] FIG. 15B shows a chart of the body weight (g) of offspring (chicks) of broiler breeder hens fed 4 dosages of an exemplary feed diet (0-300 mg / kg BW nitrate) measured at day 35 of grow-out.

[0034] FIG. 16A shows a chart of average daily gain (g) of broiler chickens originating from broiler breeder hens fed an exemplary feed diet (0-300 mg / kg BW nitrate) in the starter period (0-14 days).

[0035] FIG. 16B shows a chart of average daily gain (g) of broiler chickens originating from broiler breeder hens fed an exemplary feed diet (0-300 mg / kg BW nitrate) in the grower period (14-34 days).

[0036] FIG. 17A shows a chart of the coefficient of variation for body weight (variation, %) of broiler chickens originating from broiler breeders fed an exemplary feed diet (0-300 mg / kg BW) nitrate on day 7.

[0037] FIG. 17B shows a chart of the coefficient of variation for body weight (variation, %) of broiler chickens originating from broiler breeders fed an exemplary feed diet (0-300 mg / kg BW nitrate) on day 34.

[0038] FIG. 17C shows a chart of the absolute fat pad weight (g) of broiler chickens originating from broiler breeders fed an exemplary feed diet (0-300 mg / kg BW nitrate) dissected on day 35.

[0039] FIG. 17D shows a chart of the relative fat pad weight (%) of broiler chickens originating from broiler breeders fed an exemplary feed diet (0-300 mg / kg BW nitrate) dissected on day 35.

[0040] FIG. 17E shows a chart of the absolute breast weight (g) of broiler chickens originating from broiler breeders fed an exemplary feed diet (0-300 mg / kg BW nitrate) dissected on day 35.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Reference will now be made in detail to certain aspects of the disclosed subject matter. While the disclosed subject matter will be described in conjunction with the enumerated claims, it will be understood that the exemplified subject matter is not intended to limit the claims to the disclosed subject matter. One aspect described in conjunction with a particular aspect is not necessarily limited to that aspect and can be practiced with any other aspect(s).

[0042] Throughout this document, values expressed in a range format should be interpreted in a flexible manner to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. For example, a range of “about 0.1% to about 5%” or “about 0.1% to 5%” should be interpreted to include not just about 0.1% to about 5%, but also the individual values (e.g., 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) and the sub-ranges (e.g., 0.1% to 0.5%, 1.1% to 2.2%, 3.3% to 4.4%) within the indicated range. The statement “about X to Y” has the same meaning as “about X to about Y,” unlessindicated otherwise. Likewise, the statement “about X, Y, or about Z” has the same meaning as “about X, about Y, or about Z,” unless indicated otherwise.

[0043] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the elements (especially in the context of the following claims) include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to "a substituent" encompasses a single substituent as well as two or more substituents, and the like. It is understood that any term in the singular may include its plural counterpart and vice versa, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

[0044] Nothing in the cited references teaches or suggests the claimed process. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology' or terminology employed herein, and not otherwise defined, is for the purpose of description only and not of limitation. Any use of section headings is intended to aid reading of the document and is not to be interpreted as limiting; information that is relevant to a section heading may occur within or outside of that particular section.

[0045] As used herein, the terms "for example," "for instance," "such as," or "including" are meant to introduce examples that further clarify more general subject matter. Unless otherwise specified, these examples are provided only as an aid for understanding the applications illustrated in the present disclosure, and are not meant to be limiting in any fashion.

[0046] In the methods described herein, the acts can be carried out in a specific order as recited herein. Alternatively, in any aspectaspect disclosed herein, specific acts may be carried out in any order without departing from the principles of the disclosure, except when a temporal or operational sequence is explicitly recited. Furthermore, specified acts can be carried out concurrently unless explicit claim language recites that they be carried out separately. For example, a claimed act of doing X and a claimed act of doing Y can be conducted simultaneously within a single operation, and the resulting process will fall within the literal scope of the claimed process.

[0047] The term “about” as used herein can allow for a degree of variability in a value or range, for example, plus or minus within 10%, within 5%, or within 1% of a stated value or of a stated limit of a range, and includes the exact stated value or range.

[0048] The term “substantially” as used herein refers to a majority of, or mostly, as in at least about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5%, 99.9%, 99.99%, or at least about 99.999% or more, or 100%.

[0049] As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings unless expressly stated to the contrary.

[0050] The term ‘‘animals” as used in this disclosure includes monogastric and ruminant animals. As used in this disclosure, the term “monogastric” means any organism having a simple single-chambered stomach. Such monogastric animals include, but are not limited to, porcine, equine, caprine, ovine, avian animals, seafood (aquaculture) animals.

[0051] As used herein, avian monogastric animals, include but are not limited to, poultry. The term “poultry” as used herein refers to domestic fowls, including chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks, ostriches, quails, and pheasants raised for the production of meat or eggs. Chickens include “layers” reared for laying eggs, and “broilers” for meat production. Chickens also include “breeders,” z.e., birds that have reached the age of sexual maturity and may lay eggs. Typically, the poultry may be selected from chicken, a turkey, a duck, and a goose, and preferably, the poultry animal is a chicken. While the present technology is suitable for use in any chicken breed, typically, the present technology may be suitable for chicken breeds, including but not limited to, Ross, Cobb, Isa Brown, Hubbard, Shaver, Abor Acres, Indian River, Peterson, and Dekalb white chickens, preferably the chicken may be a Ross and / or Cobb chicken.

[0052] As used herein, the term “one or more nitrates” refers to any material including one or more nitrate-containing compounds suitable for use in poultry feed (e.g., a poultry feed).

[0053] The one or more nitrates as described in any aspect herein may be any suitable nitrate-containing compound. As would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, a suitable nitrate-containing compound may be defined as any physiologically acceptable or tolerated nitrate compound. For example, the nitrate compound may be well-soluble in water, i.e., the compound has sufficient solubility for bioavailability after administration to the poultry. In some aspects, the nitrate compound may be an ionic nitrate compound, preferably an inorganic nitrate salt. Typically, the ionic nitrate salts may include, but are not limited to, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, or mixtures thereof, all of which are readily soluble in water at standard temperature (e.g., 0°C (32°F)) and pressure (e.g., 1 bar). Preferably, the ionic nitrate salt may be calcium nitrate. The ionic nitrate salts may include different hydrated forms. For example, the ionic nitrate salts may also include double salts (e.g., calcium nitrate and ammonium nitrate). In any aspect described herein, a mixture of two or more different ionic nitrate salts or salt forms may be used in the method.

[0054] While not intending to be limited by any particular theory, it is believed that nitrate is a source for the biological messenger nitric oxide (NO) according to a non-enzymatic pathway for the generation of NO (nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway). Unlike arginine conversion to nitric oxide, nitrate conversion to nitric oxide via the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway is not dependent upon oxygen levels. It is believed that the release of NO in the animal is important for the control of vascular tone, smooth muscle growth, platelet aggregation and inflammation. The release of NO in the animal is believed to induce vasodilation and increased blood flow and exchange of oxygen. While vasodilation is one biological pathway affected by nitrate supplementation, vasodilation does not account for all improvements observed following nitrate supplementation and can vary based on a number of factors (e.g., species, age, feed diets, etc.). Accordingly, outcomes can vary across species (or within a species) fed a feed diet containing nitrates.

[0055] In any aspect described herein, the one or more nitrates may be provided as calcium nitrate having the formula Ca(NO3)2. Calcium nitrate is also referred to as calcium dinitrate, Kalksalpeter, nitrocalcite, Norwegian saltpeter, and lime nitrate. Calcium nitrate may be produced by treating limestone with nitric acid, followed by neutralization with ammonia according to the reaction: CaCCh + 2HNO3Ca(NOs)2 + CO2 + H2O. Additionally or alternatively, in some aspects, the one or more nitrates may be provided as an inorganic salt of magnesium nitrate hexahydrate having the formula (Mg(NO3)2*6H2O). This product contains 10.8% N from nitrate and 9.5% Mg.

[0056] A variety of related complex inorganic salts of calcium nitrate include calcium ammonium nitrate decahydrate and calcium potassium nitrate decahydrate. Calcium ammonium nitrate is a double salt (calcium nitrate and ammonium nitrate) having the formula 5Ca(NO3)2*NH4NO3*10H2O. For example, the calcium ammonium nitrate may be pentacalcium ammonium nitrate decahydrate commercially available from Bri-Chem Supply Limited with the following specification: Ammonium-N (NH4-N): 1.1%; Nitrate-N (NO3-N): 14.4%; Total N: 15.5%; Calcium (Ca): 18.8%. In another example, the calcium nitrate may be BOLIFOR CNF calcium nitrate feed grade having the formula 5Ca(NO3)2*NH4NO3*10H2O commercially available from Yara Phosphates Oy of Helsingborg Sweden. In yet another example the calcium nitrate may have the following specification: Calcium (Ca): 18.9%; Nitrogen (N) 15.5%; pH (10% solution): 6; bulk density (kg / m3): 1050; appearance: prilled; size: <1.0 mm: 2%; 1.0-2.0 mm: 78%; >2 mm: 20%. Exemplary formulations of calcium nitrate lacking ammonia include Ca(NO3)2*4H2O. An exemplary anhydrous air-stable derivative of calcium nitrate may include urea complex Ca(NO3)2»4[OC(NH2)2],

[0057] In any aspect described herein, the term “poultry feed” refers to a feed ration produced for consumption by poultry (z.e., a feed ration produced for consumption by poultry). The term “compound feed” as used in any aspect described herein refers to a poultry feed blended to include two or more ingredients which assist in meeting certain daily nutritional requirements of a poultry, preferably poultry. The poultry feed may be a complete poultry feed according to any aspect described herein. The term “complete feed” as used in any aspect described herein refers to a poultry feed having a nutritionally balanced blend of ingredients designed as the sole ration to provide all the daily nutritional requirements of a poultry to maintain life and promote production without any additional substances being consumed except for water. The poultry feed may also be a concentrate poultry feed according to any aspect described herein. The term “concentrate feed” or “concentrate poultry feed” as used herein in any aspect described herein refers to a poultry feed that typically includes a protein source blended with supplements or additives or vitamins, trace minerals, other micro ingredients, macro minerals, etc. to provide a part of the ration for the poultry. The concentrate feed may be fed along with other ingredients. The poultry feed may include a premix according to any aspect described herein. The term “premix” as used in any aspect described herein refers to a blend of primarily vitamins and / or minerals along with appropriate carriers. The poultiy feed may also include a base mix according to any aspect described herein. The term “base mix” as used in any aspect described herein refers to a blend containing vitamins, trace minerals and / or other micro ingredients plus macro minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, and potassium, vitamins, or combinations thereof. The poultry feed may be a feed “supplement.” As used herein in any aspect, the terms “feed supplement” or “poultry feed supplement” refers to a concentrated additive premix that includes the active ingredients, which premix or supplement may be added to a poultry’s feed or ration to forma supplemented feed in accordance with the present technology. As used herein in any aspect, the term “additive” or “feed additive” refers to an ingredient such as a protein source, salt, mineral, additive, or buffer that is added to a poultry feed. For example, an additive may include, but is not limited to, calcium, zinc, manganese, copper, iodine, cobalt, selenium, other trace ingredients, or mixtures thereof.

[0058] The nitrate compound may also be provided by a variety of plant ingredients according to alternative aspects. For example, such plant ingredients may include, but are not limited to, leafy greens such as spinach, arugula, beetroot, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the plant ingredient is beetroot. Beetroot has an inorganic nitrate content typically ranging from 110 to 3670 mg nitrate / kg.

[0059] The term “vasodilation” (or vasodilatation) as used in this disclosure refers to widening of blood vessels in the animal. Vasodilation results from relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, in particular in the large veins, large arteries, and smaller arterioles. When blood vessels dilate in the animal, the flow of blood is increased due to a decrease in vascular resistance. Vasodilation may be localized to a specific organ (depending on the metabolic needs of a particular tissue, as during stress), or it may be systemic (seen throughout the entire systemic circulation). The primary function of vasodilation is to increase blood flow in the body to tissues that need it most. This is often in response to a localized need of oxygen, but can occur when the tissue in question is not receiving enough glucose or lipids or other nutrients.

[0060] Broiler breeder eggs are collected and incubated to supply broiler chickens that are subsequently raised for meat production. During the incubation process, up to 25% of the eggs are lost due to embryonic mortality. Embryonic mortality during incubation results in reduced number of viable chicks per broiler breeder hen, where this reduction in the number of viable chicks contributes to significant economic losses. As used herein, the term “viable chicks” refers to offspring (e.g, embryos) obtained from fertilized eggs having the ability to develop into chicks through incubation and hatching process, that have a high potential of survival and growth at time of hatch; for example, chick viability can be indicated by (yolk free) body weight.Method for Feeding Poultry and Improving Offspring Quality

[0061] Described herein are methods for feeding poultry and improving offspring quality by feeding poultry a feed diet that includes a suitable quantity of one or more nitrate compounds.

[0062] In one aspect, the present technology provides methods for feeding poultry, the method includes feeding to poultry a feed diet that includes an effective amount of one or more nitrates as described herein, wherein the effective amount of the one or more nitrates includes greater than about 30 mg / kg bodyweight (BW) to about 600 mg / kg BW per day.

[0063] For example, in any aspect described herein, the present technology provides a method for feeding poultry. The method includes: feeding to poultry a feed diet that includes an effective amount of one or more nitrates, wherein: the effective amount of the one or more nitrates includes greater than about 30 mg / kg BW to about 600 mg / kg BW per day;wherein the method has a nitrate conversion percent (conversion%) of the one or more nitrates into an egg of the poultry fed the feed diet of greater than 0.05%.

[0064] In any aspect, the method may further include collecting a fertilized egg produced by the poultry, wherein the collecting occurs after feeding the feed diet to the poultry.

[0065] In any aspect, the method may further include incubating the fertilized egg until it hatches to provide the offspring. Additionally, the method may further include growing out the offspring.

[0066] The one or more nitrates comprises an ionic nitrate salt. For example, in any aspect described herein, the one or more nitrates may be selected from sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, or mixtures thereof. In any aspect, the one or more nitrates may include calcium nitrate, complex inorganic salts of calcium nitrate, or mixtures thereof. In any aspect, the one or more nitrates may be calcium ammonium nitrate.

[0067] The conversion% of the one or more nitrates into the egg yolk and albumen is greater than 0.05%. For example, the conversion% may be in the range of 0.05% to about 0.5%.Suitable conversion% values may include, but are not limited to, 0.05%, about 0.06%, about 0.07%, about 0.08%, about 0.09%, about 0.10%, about 0.11%, about 0.12%, about 0.13%, about 0.14%, about 0.15%, about 0.16%, about 0.17%, about 0.18%, about 0.19%, about 0.20%, about 0.21%, about 0.22%, about 0.23%, about 0.24%, about 0.25%, about 0.26%,aboutu 0.27%, about 0.28%, about 0.29%, about 0.30%, about 0.31%, about 0.31%, about 0.32%, about 0.33%, about 0.34%, about 0.35%, about 0.36%, about 0.37%, about 0.38%, about 0.39%, about 0.40%, about 0.41%, about 0.42%, about 0.43%, about 0.44%, about 0.45%, about 0.46%, about 0.47%, about 0.48%, about 0.49%, about 0.50%, or any range including and / or in between any two of the preceding ranges. In any aspect, the conversion% may be in the range of about 0.05% to about 0.3%.

[0068] The method includes feeding to poultry a feed diet that includes an effective amount of one or more nitrates. For example, the effective amount of the one or more nitrates may be greater than about 30 mg / kg of body weight (BW) to about 600 mg / kg BW per day. Suitable amounts of the one or more nitrates in the feed diet may include about 30 mg / kg BW per day, about 40 mg / kg BW per day, about 50 mg / kg BW per day, about 60 mg / kg BW per day, about 70 mg / kg BW per day, about 80 mg / kg BW per day, about 90 mg / kg BW per day, about 100 mg / kg BW per day, about 125 mg / kg BW per day, about 150 mg / kg BW per day, about 175 mg / kg BW per day, about 200 mg / kg BW per day, about 225 mg / kg BW per day, about 250mg / kg BW per day, about 275 mg / kg BW per day, about 300 mg / kg BW per day, about 325 mg / kg BW per day, about 350 mg / kg BW per day, about 375 mg / kg BW per day, about 400 mg / kg BW per day, about 425 mg / kg BW per day, about 450 mg / kg BW per day, about 475 mg / kg BW per day, about 500 mg / kg BW per day, about 525 mg / kg BW per day, about 550 mg / kg BW per day, about 575 mg / kg BW per day, about 600 mg / kg BW per day, or any range including and / or in between any two of the preceding values.

[0069] In any aspect, the effective amount of the one or more nitrates may be about 50 mg / kg BW to about 500 mg / kg BW per day, or preferably about 75 mg / kg BW to about 350 mg / kg BW per day.

[0070] The method as described herein in any aspect improves egg, embryo, and / or offspring quality for poultry fed a feed diet that includes an effective amount of the one or more nitrates compared to poultry fed a feed diet that does not include an effective amount of the one or more nitrates as described herein. For example, in any aspect, the method may increase the percentage of viable chicks. Additionally or alternatively, the method may improve chick quality measured as yolk free body mass (g) at hatch. In any aspect, the method may improve offspring final body weight. In any aspect, the method may improve egg weights of eggs from poultry fed a feed diet that includes an effective amount of the one or more nitrates.

[0071] In any aspect, the method described herein may reduce embryonic mortality in poultry a feed diet that includes an effective amount of the one or more nitrates compared to poultry fed a feed diet that does not include an effective amount of the one or more nitrates. In any aspect, the method may reduce embryonic mortality by about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, or any range including and / or in between any two of the preceding values, in poultry a feed diet that includes an effective amount of the one or more nitrates compared to poultry fed a feed diet that does not include an effective amount of the one or more nitrates.

[0072] In any aspect, the method as described herein may reduce variation in bodyweight in poultry fed a feed diet that includes an effective amount of the one or more nitrates compared to poultry fed a feed diet that does not include an effective amount of the one or more nitrates. For example, the method may reduce variation in body weight by about 5% to about 18%, about 8% to about 16%, about 10% to about 15%, or any range including and / or in between any two of the preceding values.

[0073] In any aspect, the method as described herein may improve embryo and / or offspring quality by reducing the hatch window (z.e., smaller hatch window) in poultry fed a feed diet thatincludes an effective amount of the one or more nitrates compared to poultry fed a feed diet that does not include an effective amount of the one or more nitrates. For example, the method may result in a hatch w indow of about 0.5 h, about 1 h, about 1.5 h, about 2 h, or any range including and / or in betw een any two of the preceding values.

[0074] In another aspect, the present technology provides a method for improving egg, embryo, and / or offspring quality in poultry, the method comprising: feeding poultry a diet that includes an effective amount of one or more nitrates; wherein the method improves one or more of egg weights, the percentage of viable chicks, hatch window, embryonic mortality, variation in body weight, chick quality measured as yolk free body mass (g) at hatch, offspring body weight, or fat pad weight.

[0075] For example, in any aspect described herein, the present technology provides a method for improving embryo and offspring quality in poultry, the method comprising: feeding poultry a diet that includes an effective amount of one or more nitrates; wherein the method improves one or more of egg weights, the percentage of viable chicks, chick quality measured as yolk free body mass (g) at hatch, offspring final body weight measured over a growth period of about 14 to about 35 weeks, or fat pad weights.

[0076] In any aspect, the method may further include collecting a fertilized egg produced by the poultry, wherein the collecting occurs after feeding the feed diet to the poultry.

[0077] In any aspect, the method may further include incubating the fertilized egg until it hatches to provide the offspring. Additionally, the method may further include growing out the offspring.

[0078] In any aspect, the method may further include feeding the offspring the feed diet that includes an effective amount of the one or more nitrates as described herein.

[0079] In any aspect, the method improves the percentage of viable chicks by at least about 1.5% to about 10% in poultry fed the diet that includes an effective amount of the one or more nitrates compared to poultry fed a diet without the one or more nitrates. For example, the percent viable chicks may be improved by about 1.5%, about 2.0%, about 2.5%, about 3.0%, about 3.5%, about 4.0%, about 4.5%, about 5.0%, about 5.5%, about 6.0%, about 6.5%, about 7.0%, about 7.5%, about 8.0%, about 8.5%, about 9.0%, about 9.5%, about 10.0%, or any range including and / or in between any two of the preceding values.

[0080] In any aspect, the method improves offspring final body weight by about 35 g to about 55 g for every 100 mg / kg BW of the one or more nitrates per day fed to the poultry. For example, the offspring final body weight may be improved by about 35 g, about 40 g, about 45g, about 50 g, about 55 g, (for every 100 mg / kg BW of the one or more nitrates per day fed poultry) or any range including and / or in between any two of the preceding values. In any aspect, the method may improve offspring final body weight measured over a growth period of about 14 to about 35 weeks.

[0081] In any aspect, the method described herein may reduce embryonic mortality in poultry fed a feed diet that includes an effective amount of the one or more nitrates compared to poultry fed a feed diet that does not include an effective amount of the one or more nitrates. In any aspect, the method may reduce embryonic mortality by about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, or any range including and / or in between any two of the preceding values, in poultry a feed diet that includes an effective amount of the one or more nitrates compared to poultry fed a feed diet that does not include an effective amount of the one or more nitrates.

[0082] In any aspect, the method as described herein may reduce variation in body weight in poultry fed a feed diet that includes an effective amount of the one or more nitrates compared to poultry fed a feed diet that does not include an effective amount of the one or more nitrates. For example, the method may reduce variation in body weight by about 5% to about 18%, about 8% to about 16%, about 10% to about 15%, or any range including and / or in between any two of the preceding values.

[0083] In any aspect, the method as described herein may improve embryo and / or offspring quality by reducing the hatch window (z.e., smaller hatch window) in poultry fed a feed diet that includes an effective amount of the one or more nitrates compared to poultry fed a feed diet that does not include an effective amount of the one or more nitrates. For example, the method may result in a hatch window of about 0.5 h, about 1 h, about 1.5 h, about 2 h, or any range including and / or in between any two of the preceding values.

[0084] In any aspect, the diet may include at least about 0.05 weight percent (wt%) of the one or more nitrates. In any aspect, the diet may include about 0.05 wt% to about 1.5 wt% of the one or more nitrates. For example, the diet may include about 0.05 wt%, about 0.1 wt%, about 0.2 wt%, about 0.3 wt%, about 0.4 wt%, about 0.5 wt%, about 0.6 wt%, about 0.7 wt%, about 0.8 wt%, about 0.9 wt%, about 1.0 wt%, about 1.1 wt%, about 1.2 wt%, about 1.3 wt%, about1.4 wt%, about 1.5 wt%, or any range including and / or in between any two of the preceding values.

[0085] In any aspect, the one or more nitrates may include an ionic nitrate salt as described herein. For example, the one more nitrates may include an ionic nitrate salt selected from sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, magnesium nitrate ammonium nitrate, or mixtures thereof. In any aspect, the one or more nitrates may be calcium nitrate, complex inorganic salts of calcium nitrate, hydrates thereof (e.g., calcium nitrate dihydrate, calcium nitrate tetrahydrate, calcium nitrate decahydrate), or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the one or more nitrates may include calcium ammonium nitrates, or hydrates thereof (e.g., 5Ca(NO3)2«NH4NO3«10H2O).

[0086] The method of feeding poultry of the present technology provides a number of benefits to offspring of poultry fed the feed diet described herein. In any aspect, the method improves blood vessel development in offspring of poultry fed the feed diet having an effective amount of the one or more nitrates. In any aspect, the method increases hatchability of eggs produced by the poultry fed the feed diet having an effective amount of the one or more nitrates.

[0087] In any aspect, the feeding may include feed poultry having an average age from about 20 weeks to about 64 weeks. For example, the poultry may have an average age from about 20 weeks to about 64 weeks, about 30 weeks to about 60 weeks, about 30 weeks to about 54 weeks, about 30 weeks to about 41 weeks, or any range including and / or in between any two of these values.Feed Diet Composition

[0088] In another aspect, the present technology provides a poultry feed diet that includes an amount of one or more nitrates effective for improving embryo and / or offspring quality; wherein the improvement in egg, embryo, and / or offspring quality comprises improved egg weights, increase in the percentage of viable chicks, improved hatch window, reduced embry onic mortality, reduced variation in body weight, improved chick quality measured as yolk free body mass (g) at hatch, improved offspring body weight (such as body weight measured over a growth period of 14 to 35 weeks), or increase in fat pad weight.

[0089] In any aspect, the feed diet may include at least about 0.05 wt% of the one or more nitrates. In any aspect, the diet may include about 0.05 wt% to about 1.5 wt% of the one or more nitrates. For example, the diet may include about 0.05 wt%, about 0.1 wt%, about 0.2 wt%, about 0.3 wt%, about 0.4 wt%, about 0.5 wt%, about 0.6 wt%, about 0.7 wt%, about 0.8 wt%,about 0.9 wt%, about 1.0 wt%, about 1.1 wt%, about 1.2 wt%, about 1.3 wt%, about 1.4 wt%, about 1.5 wt%, or any range including and / or in between any two of the preceding values.

[0090] In any aspect, the one or more nitrates may include an ionic nitrate salt as described herein. For example, the one more nitrates may include an ionic nitrate salt selected from sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, magnesium nitrate ammonium nitrate, or mixtures thereof. In any aspect, the one or more nitrates may be calcium nitrate, complex inorganic salts of calcium nitrate, hydrates thereof (e.g, calcium nitrate dihydrate, calcium nitrate tetrahydrate, calcium nitrate decahydrate), or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the one or more nitrates may include calcium ammonium nitrates, or hydrates thereof (e.g.a5Ca(NO3)2«NH4NO3«10H2O).

[0091] In any aspect, the poultry feed diet may be a composition that includes an amount of the one or more nitrates fed to the poultry before, during, or after providing the poultry a poultry feed that does not include nitrate. For example, the one or more nitrates may be provided in a supplement separately from the feed diet or is provided in a supplement that is mixed with the feed diet. As would be understood by a person skilled in the art, the amount of nitrate in the supplement would typically be different from the final feed diet, i.e., the supplement may include a higher concentration of the one or more nitrates compared to the final feed diet itself.

[0092] The poultry feed diet is the vehicle to deliver nutrients to the poultry. Accordingly, the feed diet composition may include other nutrients. There are six major classes of nutrients: carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water. These nutrient classes can be categorized as either macronutrients (needed in relatively large amounts) or micronutrients (needed in smaller quantities). The macronutrients are carbohy drates, fats, fiber, proteins, and water. The micronutrients are minerals and vitamins. The macronutrients (excluding water) provide structural material (amino acids from which proteins are built, and lipids from which cell membranes and some signaling molecules are built) and energy but are required for other reasons. Micronutrients include antioxidants and phytochemicals. Nutrients are delivered by sources of ingredients.

[0093] Generally, macromineral (also referred to as bulk materials) nutrients include, for example and without limitation, calcium, chlorine (as chloride ions), magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and sulfur; and micromineral (also referred to as trace minerals) nutrients include, for example and without limitation, cobalt, copper, chromium, iodine, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, selenium vanadium, and zinc.

[0094] Vitamins may include, but are not limited to, vitamin A (including vitamin A sources such as vitamin A supplement, vitamin A oil, etc.) vitamin Bl, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B4, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B7, vitamin B8, vitamin B9, vitamin B 12, vitamin C, Vitamin D, (including vitamin D sources such as vitamin D supplement, etc.), vitamin E (including vitamin E sources such as Vitamin E supplement), vitamin K, and other vitamin product ingredients (including riboflavin, vitamin D3 supplement, niacin, betaine, choline chloride, tocopherol, inositol, etc.).

[0095] In another aspect, the present technology provides use of the poultry feed diet as described herein to improve offspring quality . For example, the use of the poultry feed diet may be to improve one or more of egg weights, the percentage of viable chicks, chick quality measured as yolk free body mass (g) at hatch, or offspring final body weight measured over a growth period of about 14 to about 35 weeks.

[0096] The present invention, thus generally described, will be understood more readily by reference to the following examples, which are provided by way of illustration and are not intended to be limiting of the present invention.EXAMPLESBase Poultry Feed

[0097] Standard com, wheat SBM diets were formulated following the breeder guidelines. Calcium nitrate was included at the expense of filler (filler consisting of fiber) for treatments 2, 3 and 4 to end up with an expected intake of 30, 100 and 300 mg / kg broiler breeder body weight of nitrate, respectively.

[0098] Table 1 below provides a base diet composition used throughout the study.Table 1: Base Diet CompositionIngredients 1 2 3 4Maize 40.000 40.000 40.000 40.000Wheat 18.435 18.435 18.435 18.435Sunflower seed meal (SFM) 13.327 13.327 13.327 13.327Soybean meal (SBM) 8.000 8.000 8.000 8.000Wheat middlings 5.000 5.000 5.000 5.000Fat / oil, Soybean oil 3.586 3.586 3.586 3.586Limestone 8.514 8.514 8.514 8.514Monocalciumphosphate 0.502 0.502 0.502 0.502Salt 0.221 0.221 0.221 0.221Sodiumbicarbonate 0.451 0.451 0.451 0.451DL-Methionine 0.084 0.084 0.084 0.084L-Threonine 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.010ENZ C Hostx D 100 P - CORN 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.010Phyzyme XP 10000 TPT - 500 FTU Danisco 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005Premix broiler breeders layer phase 0.500 0.500 0.500 0.500Filler 1.353 1.218 0.902 0.000Calcium Nitrate 0.000 0.135 0.451 1.353100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00NutrientsCrude fat % 5.89 5.89 5.89 5.89<cFIBER % 4.15 4.15 4.15 4.15Crude protein % 15.14 15.14 15.14 15.14Dry matter % 87.83 87.83 87.83 87.83Calcium % 3.400 3.400 3.400 3.400Chlonde % 0.180 0.180 0.180 0.180Phosphorous P % 0.492 0.492 0.492 0.492Potassium % 0.629 0.629 0.629 0.629Av. P (at low Ca) % 0.310 0.310 0.310 0.310ME layer kcal 2850 2850 2850 2850Total Lysine % 0.645 0.645 0.645 0.645Total Methionine % 0.361 0.361 0.361 0.361Total Met + Cys % 0.619 0.619 0.619 0.619Total Threonine % 0.537 0.537 0.537 0.537Total Tryptophan % 0.178 0.178 0.178 0.178Total Isoleucine % 0.607 0.607 0.607 0.607Total Valine % 0.738 0.738 0.738 0.738Total Arginine % 0.965 0.965 0.965 0.965Lysine % 0.601 0.601 0.601 0.601AFD Lysine (poultry) % 0.490 0.490 0.490 0.490AFD Methionine (poultry) % 0.330 0.330 0.330 0,330AFD Meth +Cyst. (poultry) % 0.558 0.558 0.558 0.558AFD Threonine (poultry) % 0.450 0.450 0.450 0.450AFD Tryptophan (poultry) % 0.144 0.144 0.144 0.144AFD Valine (poultry) % 0.612 0.612 0.612 0.612Example 1: Broiler Breeder Trial.

[0099] Example 1 evaluates the effect of calcium nitrate (CaNi) in the diet of Ross 308 hens.Experimental Design:• Ross 308 Hens• 27 per experimental unit• 6 replicates per treatment• Experimental Design:

[0100] The trial was conducted in the experimental units of Cargill Innovation Center Veldriel, The Netherlands. Broiler breeders received a dose response of CaNi from week thirty (30) onwards. The effect of four different levels of nitrate were tested. Animals arrived at 20 weeks of age and were raised into peak production before the experimental period started; from 30 to 64 weeks of age. Treatments were randomly distributed per block to 24 pens, resulting in 6 replicates per treatment with a maximum of 27 females and 3 males each.Diets:

[0101] In advance of diet formulation, batches of com, wheat, sunflower seed meal, wheat middlings and soybean meal were reserved and analyzed as defined in Autocalc Package by ingredient. Diet formulation was based on the analyzed nutrient content of the reserved ingredients. Composition of the experimental basal diets is given below:Hens RoostersIngredients LT2001.301 LT2001.302 LT200L303 LT2001.304 LT2001.99Maize 38.769 38.769 38.769 38.769 52.572Wheat 17.000 17.000 17.000 17.000SFM 12.500 12.500 12.500 12.500 18.273SBM HP 10.045 10.045 10.045 10.045 0.546Wheat middlings 7.464 7.464 7.464 7.464 25.000Fat / oil, Soybean oil 3.684 3.684 3.684 3.684 0.500Limestone 7.936 7.936 7.936 7.936 1.395Monocalciumphosphate 0.419 0.419 0.419 0.419 0.478Salt 0.223 0.223 0.223 0.223 0.194Sodium bicarbonate 0.149 0.149 0.149 0.149 0.526DL-Methionine 0.095 0.095 0.095 0.095 0.002ENZ C Hostx D 100 P - CORN 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.010Phyzyme XP 10000 TPT - 500 FTU 0.005 0.005 0.005. 0.005 0.005Premix broiler breeders layer phase 0.500 0.500 0.500 0.500 0.500DIAM OL 1.200 1.080 0.801 0.002Calcium Nitrate 0.000 0.120 0.399 1.198100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00NutrientsCrude fat % 5.71 5.71 5.71 5.71 2.84Crude fibre % 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 7.66Crude protein % 15.56 15.56 15.56 15.56 15.05Dry matter % 88.22 88.22 88.22 88.22 88.01Calcium % 3.200 3.200 3.200 3.200 0.700Chloride % 0.180 0.180 0.180 0.180 0.180Phosphorous P % 0.546 0.546 0.546 0.546 0.649Potassium % 0.714 0.714 0.714 0.714 0.795Av. P (at low Ca) % 0.310 0.310 0.310 0.310 0.320ME layer kcal 2850 2850 2850 2850 2650Lysine % 0.646 0.646 0.646 0.646 0.529 AFD Arginine (poultry) % 0.914 0.914 0.914 0.914 0.909AFD Isoleucine (poultry) % 0.537 0.537 0.537 0.537 0.478AFD Leucine (poultry) % 1.105 1.105 1.105 1.105 1.047AFD Lysine (poultry) % 0.530 0.530 0.530 0.530 0.400AFD Methionine (poultry) % 0.340 0.340 0.340 0.340 0.260AFD Meth.+Cyst. (poultry) % 0.573 0.573 0.573 0.573 0.494AFD Threonine (poultry) % 0.454 0.454 0.454 0.454 0.421AFD Tryptophan (poultry) % 0.151 0.151 0.151 0.151 0.138AFD Valine (poultry) % 0.629 0.629 0.629 0.629 0.607Ingredients LT2001.401 LT2001.402 LT2001.403 LT2001.404Maize 40.000 40.000 40.000 40.000Wheat 18.435 18.435 18.435 18.435SFM 13.327 13.327 13.327 13.327SBM HP 8.000 8.000 8.000 8.000Wheat midd 5.000 5.000 5.000 5.000Fat / oil, Soybean oil 3.586 3.586 3.586 3.586Limestone 8.514 8.514 8.514 8.514Monocalciumphosphate 0.502 0.502 0.502 0.502Salt 0.221 0.221 0.221 0.221Sodium bicarbonate 0.451 0.451 0.451 0.451DL-Methionine 0.084 0.084 0.084 0.084L-Threonine 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.010ENZ C Hostx D 100 P - CORN 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.010Phyzyme XP 10000 TPT - 500 FTU 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005Premix broiler breeders layer phase 0.500 0.500 0.500 0.500DIAM OL 1.353 1.218 0.902 0.000Calcium Nitrate 0.000 0.135 0.451 1.353NutrientsCrude fat % 5.89 5.89 5.89 5.89<cFIBER 4.15 4.15 4.15 4.15Crude protein % 15.14 15.14 15.14 15.14Dry matter % 87.83 87.83 87.83 87.83Calcium % 3.400 3.400 3.400 3.400Chloride % 0.180 0.1 0 0.180 0.180Phosphorous P % 0.492 0.492 0.492 0.492Potassium % 0.629 0.629 0.629 0.629Av. P (at low Ca) % 0.310 0.310 0.310 0.310ME layer kcal 2850 2850 2850 2850Total Lysine % 0.645 0.645 0.645 0.645Total Methionine % 0.361 0.361 0.361 0.361Total Met + Cys % 0.619 0.619 0.619 0.619Total Threonine % 0.537 0.537 0.537 0.537Total Tryptophan % 0.178 0.178 0.178 0.178Total Isoleucine % 0.607 0.607 0.607 0.607Total Valine % 0.738 0.738 0.738 0.738Total Arginine % 0.965 0.965 0.965 0.965Lysine % 0.601 0.601 0.601 0.601AFD Lysine (poultry) % 0.490 0.490 0.490 0.490AFD Methionine (poultry) % 0.330 0.330 0.330 0.330AFD Meth.+Cyst. (poultry) % 0.558 0.558 0.558 0.558AFD Threonine (poultry) 0.450 0.450 0.450 0.450AFD Tryptophan (poultry) % 0.144 0.144 0.144 0.144AFD V aline (poultry) % 0.612 0.612 0.612 0.612

[0102] Diets were produced by Research Diet Services (RDS, Wijk bij Duurstede, the Netherlands) and produced as a mash. Calcium nitrate was added to the basal diet as described above. Calcium nitrate was added at the expense of filler.

[0103] One diet phase (four different treatments) was fed to the hens during the experimental period in line with breed nutrient recommendations. Males were fed separately, also based on breed nutrient recommendations. Based on growth and egg production, feed amounts per pen were determined after every animal weighing and if needed, the amount was adjusted for upcoming week(s). Feed allocation was determined without taking treatment into consideration. Feed samples were collected after producing and were analyzed for crude protein, crude fat, crude ash, dry matter, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) content and particle size.Animals, Environment, and Sample Management:

[0104] Seven hundred and twenty 20-week-old Ross 308 broiler breeder hens were randomly allocated across the 24 pens. At start of the trial (30 weeks of age) one pen contained 24 females, three pens 25, four pens 26 and 16 pens contained 27 females with an initial individual female BW of 3753 ± 280.6 g and male 4185 ± 387.7 g. Sixteen males were placed in a separate spare pen which were used to replace males.

[0105] The feed was supplied via two feeder bowls with access for hens only, and one feeder with access for males only. Both feed and water were provided restricted throughout the study. Laying nests were opened per pen, based upon finding the first eggs in these pens. Mortality was checked daily.Data Collection:

[0106] Individual body weights of all broiler breeders were recorded weekly during the period week 30 to 38 and at biweekly during the period of 38 till 64 weeks of age, by a hanging bird scale (AgroMax, the Netherlands).

[0107] Eggs were collected three times a day and registered per pen. The total number of eggs was recorded and in addition, the eggs were classified according to the following classes: first class eggs, second class eggs (including differentiation between broken eggs, dirty eggs, shell less eggs, double yolk eggs, other second class eggs), or floor eggs. The laying percentage was calculated according to the following formula:Laying% = # of eggs produced per pen / (# of hens x # of days of the experimental period)All eggs collected on one day per week were weighed to calculate egg mass, according to the following formula:Egg Mass = laying% x average egg weight (at start and end of the week / period) of the penEgg Measuring:

[0108] At 35 weeks of age two average weight first class eggs per experimental unit were collected and weighed individually. Yolk and albumen were split and weighed separately and afterwards freeze dried to measure dry matter content. Freeze dried samples (96 in total) were send for nitrate analysis (Nutricontrol, the Netherlands).

[0109] At 42 weeks of age all first class eggs were collected per experimental unit and weighed individual. Yolk and albumen were split and weighed separately (not stored).

[0110] At 58 weeks of age eight first-class eggs were collected per experimental unit and stored for one day (168 eggs in total). Egg weight, eggshell strength, eggshell thickness, HU were measured (Nabel, DET6500) and yolk and albumen were split to weigh yolk and albumen separate.

[0111] The statistical model used in this study was:Yij = p + ai + Bj + EijkWhere:Yijk = a specific trait per experimental unit (replicate of 27 females), p = overall mean di = treatment effect (i = I - IV)Bi = block effect (1 = 1 - 6)Eijk = error term

[0112] BW and CV were analyzed on a weekly base until 38 weeks of age and bi-weekly from 38 till 64 weeks of age. Lay% and egg weights were analyzed on a weekly base while average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and egg mass were analyzed for periods of 6 weeks. Total number of eggs were calculated over the entire lay period. Corrections were made for mortality. Effects were considered to be significant when P<0.05.Results:

[0113] Upon arrival, the pullets were 300 g heavier than breed standard. This difference was maintained throughout the study and no significant differences in body weight were found ingeneral. In week 37 and 41, broiler breeder hens fed the medium calcium nitrate dosages showed significantly higher body weights than the broiler breeders fed the control and highest calcium nitrate dosage (quadratic effect P<0.05). Feed allowance was based on body weight and egg production, which contributed to the fact no differences in body weight between treatments was found.

[0114] As shown in Table 2 below, no significant change in egg production was observed. As shown in FIG. 1, lay percentage decreased as the overall age of the broiler breeder flock increased, but no significant difference in lay percentage was observed with increase in CaNi dosage.Table 2. Total Egg Production

[0115] As shown in FIGs. 2A-2C, young and medium age broiler breeders fed the experimental feed diet containing 300 mg / kg BW of CaNi exhibited an increase in viable chicks that was greater than 5%. Additionally, young (35 weeks) and medium (41 weeks) age broiler breeders fed the experimental feed diet containing at least about 100 mg / kg BW of CaNi exhibited an increase in viable chicks that was greater than 2.5%. No improvement was observed in old (56 weeks) flocks.

[0116] Blood vessel development was measured on day E3. No significant effects were found, but the blood vessel area, vascular density and length seemed linearly reduced. Blood vessel development was only measured at one timepoint, but indicates that early vessel development was not the mode of action through which calcium nitrate improved hatchabi 1 i ty .

[0117] Egg production showed a linear increase in egg weights with increase in CaNi dosage (FIG. 3) in some weeks throughout the broiler breeder production period (z.e., age range of the broiler breeders), as shown below:

[0118] As shown in FIG. 4, CaNi was successfully deposited into the albumen and yolk, with a low efficiency. No other differences in egg quality were found (e.g., eggshell thickness, albumen weight, yolk weight and ratio, breaking strength, etc.). Eggs collected in week 34 were analyzed for nitrate content in yolk and albumen (FIG. 4). Results showed successful deposition of nitrate into the eggs, with a low efficiency. Eggs were collected only after the hens received the experimental diets for 5 weeks. Only nitrate was measured in the collected eggs.

[0119] Feed allowance was calculated (bi)weekly to maintain breed standard body weights. Treatment was not considered during these calculations. Due to this approach, non-intended linear and quadratic differences in feed intake occurred in week 30 to 54. Broiler breeder hens fed intermediate levels of calcium nitrate were probably more efficient in converting feed into BW gain, which contributed to these differences. The amount of feed not only affects body weight, but also egg weights and lay percentage. Calculated actual nitrate intake levels per measured body weight show that the actual intake was close to expectations, with on average for the entire period for treatment 2: 30.64 mg / kg BW, treatment 3: 102. 18 mg / kg BW and treatment 4: 306.63 mg / kg BW.

[0120] A dissection at the end of the trial showed that broiler breeder hens had significantly heavier absolute and relative fat pads. Carcass weight, breast weight, bone ash and bone calcium did not show any significant differences. Apart from feed allowance, body fat condition also influences egg production. Too low body fat negatively influences egg production and too high body fat might also be detrimental. Studies into optimal body fat condition are still ongoing (Salas et al., 2019) and no consensus is reached yet. Nitrate has known effects on liver fattening in mice and brown fat in mammals (Lundberg et al., 2018) but no effect on fat metabolism in poultry or birds were known. The found differences in body fat condition in the current study might have contributed to the (non-significant) differences in egg production. Broiler breeders fed the 30 mg / kg BW nitrate dosage showed both the lowest egg production as well as the lowest body fat condition.

[0121] FIG. 8 shows that CaNi treatment of broiler breeders reduced the hatch window of resultant embryos. The hatch window was linearly reduced, which could have resulted in the improved YFBM. As shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, a linear decrease in residual yolk hatch (g) and mortality (%) with an increase in CaNi dosage in broiler breeders. In contrast, an increase in yolk free body mass (YFBM, g) and hatchability (%) with an increase in CaNi dosage (FIGS. 7A-7C, 2A).

[0122] Overall, the broiler breeder trial showed that calcium nitrate is effectively deposited into the egg. Unfortunately, egg production was (non-significantly) reduced and broiler breeder hens receiving the 100 and 300 mg / kg calcium nitrate produced 3 eggs less than the control treatment (but still well above breed expectations). The broiler breeders fed the lowest dosage of calcium nitrate (30 mg / kg BW) produced the lowest number of eggs. In some weeks, egg weights were linearly increased, but not for the overall periods. In general, egg production performance was higher than breed standards.Example 2: Hatchery Trial with Hypoxia Model.

[0123] Broiler breeder eggs were incubated following a 2x4 experimental design. The hypoxia model was applied at embryonic day (E)14. Hypoxia was used to challenge embryo development and study if CaNi, through improved blood vessel development, could mitigate the negative effects of low oxygen levels. Various measurements were performed to assess embryonic development with and without CaNi treatment, which included: blood vessel area at E4; dissection on El 8 to measure embryo weight, liver weight, and hatch muscle weight; embryonic mortality / empty eggs on E8 and El 7; hatch window (i.e., # of hatched chicks per experimental unit every 2 h); and dissection on E21 to measure chick weight, yolk weight, and liver weight.Experimental Design:

[0124] The statistical model used in this study was:Yijk = p + ti + Pj + a[3 + Bk + £ijkWhere:Yijk = a specific trait per experimental unit (replicate of # eggs) p = overall mean ai = broiler breeder effect (i = A - D)Pj = Hypoxia (j = yes or now)Bk = Block effect setter (k = 1 - 6)Sijk = error termResults'.

[0125] Hypoxia was induced to model embryo development in a low-oxygen environment. No interaction effects between hypoxia and broiler breeder treatment with CaNi were observed. As shown in FIG. 5, egg weights before incubation showed a significant linear effect. In addition, the hypoxia model successfully showed that low oxygen levels significantly reduced embryo growth (FIGS. 6A-6D). Specifically, low oxygen levels reduced overall embryo weight (measured at El 8; FIG. 6B), liver weight at hatch (FIG. 6C), and yolk free body mass (YFBM) (FIG. 6D). No effect was observed with respect to mortality (FIG. 7).

[0126] The hypoxia trial also provided insights with respect to determining blood vessel development in eggs from broiler breeder hens. Blood vessel area measurements showed the total number of pixels (surface area) was quadratically affected by broiler breeder treatment as shown in FIG. 9A. Numerically, a similar response in vascular length and vascular density was found in response to broiler breeder treatment with (FIGS. 9B and 9C). It was expected that the nitrate would improve vascular development and mitigate the negative effects of hypoxia. The hypoxia model indeed worked, but no interaction effect with broiler breeder calcium nitrate was found. Without being bound to any particular theory, it was believed that these results indicated the improved blood vessel development and vasodilatation were not understood to be the underlying mode of action for the improved hatchability.

[0127] Embryos of broiler breeders receiving CaNi treatment showed a linear improvement in hatchability and reduced mortality compared to embryos in the control. Hypoxia did not show an overall mechanism for the observed improved performance in embryo from broiler breeders fed the CaNi treatment compared to the control. A quadratically reduced blood vessel development was observed for embryos of broiler breeders receiving higher (i.e., 100 and / or 300 mg / kg BW) CaNi dosages at day E4. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that this reduction may be related to either a lower or slower blood vessel development.Example 3: Hatchery Trial Evaluating Effect of Egg Weight.

[0128] Broiler breeder eggs were incubated following a 2x4 experimental design as described in Example 1. Light and heavy eggs of the same broiler breeder pen were separated and incubated separately to study the effect of egg weight on embryo development. Various measurements were performed to assess embryonic development with and without CaNi treatment, which included: measurement of embryonic mortality and empty eggs on E8 and El 7; hatch window (i.e., # of hatched chicks per experimental unit every 2 h); and dissection on E21 measuring chick weight, yolk weight, and liver weight.Experimental Design:

[0129] The statistical model used in this study was:Yijk = p + OU + [3j + a[3 + Bk + SijkWhere:Yijk = a specific trait per experimental unit (replicate of # eggs) p = overall mean ai = broiler breeder effect (i = A - D)Pj = Egg weight (j = high or low)Bk = Block effect setter (k = 1 - 6)Sijk = error term

[0130] Egg weight, chick weight, fertility and mortality (per broiler breeder treatment) were calculated as number of empty eggs as percentage of number at start, number of early embryonic death as percentage of number at start, number of hatched chicks as percentage of number ofeggs at start, number of dead chickens at hatch as percentage of start. Effects were considered to be significant when P<0.05.Results & Conclusions'.

[0131] Separation of light and heavy eggs significantly influenced start egg weights (FIG. 10). As shown in FIG. 11, the broiler breeder treatment with CaNi, apart from the heavy and low egg weight treatment groups, also significantly affected start egg weights.

[0132] Residual yolk weights were significantly affected by start egg weight, FIG. 12. Start yolk weights were not different between treatments. As shown in FIG. 13, yolk free body mass (g) was not affected by start egg weights. The results of the trial showed there was no significant interaction effect, which indicated that the effect of CaNi on embryo weight development was independent of egg weight.

[0133] FIG. 14 showed there was a significant quadratic interaction effect for hatchability. For instance, CaNi at medium dosage (30 mg / kg BW) showed positive affect on hatchability at high egg weights, but not at low egg weights. In general, the effect of CaNi was positive at 100 and 300 mg / kg BW inclusion level. As shown in FIG. 2B, at higher CaNi dosage levels, hatchability (%) increased correlating to decreased mortality (%) generally. High egg weights increased chick weight and YFBM at hatch.Example 4: Offspring Grow-out Trial.

[0134] In the grow-out trial, the effect of broiler breeder treatment on offspring performance was studied. To investigate additional effects of calcium nitrate dosing in the offspring, a 4x2 factorial design was applied, with 4 broiler breeder treatments x 2 offspring calcium nitrate dosages (0 and 0.16% dietary calcium nitrate). The experimental period was from 0 to 34 d of age. Treatments were randomly distributed per block to 48 pens, resulting in 6 replicates per treatment with 9 chickens each.Experimental Design'.

[0135] The statistical model used in this study was:Yijk = [i + ai + |3j + a|3 + Bk + EijkWhere:Yijk = a specific trait per experimental unit (replicate of # eggs) p = overall mean ai = broiler breeder effect (i = A - D)Pj = Offspring CaNi effect (j = control or 0. 16%)Bk = Block effect (k = 1 - 6) eijk = error termDiets:

[0136] In advance of diet formulation, batches of com, wheat, sunflower seed meal, wheat middlings and soybean meal were ordered and analyzed using NIR. In the final diets, calcium nitrate was added in exchange for filler, as shown below:Ingredients Starter Starter Grower GrowerMaize 40.0 40.0 44.1 44.1Wheat 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0Wheat bran 0.42 0.42 2.0 2.0Soybean meal (SBM) 33.3 33.3 27.7 27.7Wheat middlings 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0Fat / oil, Soybean oil 2.6 2.6 3.5 3.5Limestone 1.3 1.3 0.89 0.89Monocalciumphosphate 0.94 0.94 0.36 0.36Salt 0.25 0.25 0.23 0.23Sodiumbicarbonate 0.21 0.21 0.21 0.21DL-Methionine 0.25 0.25 0.20 0.20L-Lysine HCL 0.09 0.09 0.07 0.07PHY9 Phyzy D10000 T90 O.O1 0.01 0.01 0.01ENZ C Hostx D 100 P - CORN 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01Premix broiler starter 0.5 0.5Premix broiler grower 0.5 0.5Filler 0.16 0.29Calcium Nitrate 0.16 0.29100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00NutrientsCrude fat % 5.4 5.4 6.4 6.4<cFIBER % 2.8 2.8 2.9 2.9Crude protein % 21.4 21.4 19.3 19.3Dry matter % 87.6 87.6 87.4 87.4Calcium % 0.77 0.77 0.5 0.5Chloride % 0.21 0.21 0.20 0.20Phosphorous P % 0.63 0.63 0.49 0.49Potassium % 0.99 0.99 0.90 0.90Sodium % 0.16 0.16 0.16 0.16Poultry Calcium % 0.88 0.88 0.90 0.90Poultry Retainable Phosphorous % 0.44 0.44 0.32 0.32DEB meq 265 265 242 242Poultry ME 0-21 kcal 2775 2775 2877 2877Poultry ME 22-42 kcal 2843 2843 2950 2950Poultry ME 42+ kcal 2939 2939 3051 3051Poultry ME 0-10 kcal 2766 2766 2870 2870Poultry ME 10-42 kcal 2923 2923 3038 3038Total Lysine % 1.3 1.3 1.1 1.1Total Methionine % 0.56 0.56 0.49 0.49Total Met + Cyst. % 0.89 0.89 0.79 0.79Total Threonine % 0.78 0.78 0.70 0.70Total Tryptophan % 0.28 0.28 0.25 0.25Total Isoleucine % 0.92 0.92 0.81 0.81Total Valine % 1.02 1.02 0.92 0.92Total Arginine % 1.41 1.41 1.25 1.25Poultry TFD Lysine % 1.2 1.2 1.0 1.0Poultry TFD Methionine % 0.54 0.54 0.47 0.47Poultry TFD Meth. +Cyst. % 0.84 0.84 0.75 0.75Poultry TFD Threonine % 0.71 0.71 0.63 0.63Poultry TFD Tryptophan % 0.26 0.26 0.23 0.23Poultry TFD Isoleucine % 0.85 0.85 0.76 0.76Poultry TFD Valine % 0.94 0.94 0.84 0.84Poultry TFD Arginine % 1.3 1.3 1.2 1.2PO TFD LEU / LYS - 1.4 1.4 1.5 1.5Fermtbl CP Poultry 0-42 - 1.7 1.7 1.6 1.6Fermtbl CP Poultry 42+ - 1.7 1.7 1.6 1.6PO TFD VAL / LYS - 0.79 0.79 0.83 0.83PO TFD ARG / LYS - 1.1 1.1 1.2 1.2PO TFD GLY+SER - 1.7 1.7 1.5 1.5PO TFD M+C / LYS - 0.71 0.71 0.73 0.73PO TFD THR / LYS - 0.60 0.60 0.62 0.62PO TFD TRP / LYS - 0.22 0.22 0.22 0.22PO TFD ILE / LYS - 0.72 0.72 0.74 0.74PO TFD Total AA % 19.1 19.1 17.2 17.2Linoleic Acid (Cl 8:2n-6) % 2.6 2.6 3.1 3.1»US RATIO Unit 4.7 4.7 4.9 4.9FFA / Fat Ratio - 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00PHY IDX (Phytase Index) Unit 9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0

[0137] Formulation of diets was based on the analyzed nutrient content of the reserved ingredients. Composition of the experimental basal diets is given in Table 6). Starter diets were fed during 0 to 14d and grower diets from 14 to 35d.Animals, Environment, and Sample Management:

[0138] The experiment was performed in the broiler grower unit consisting of two rooms with 36 pens each. Four hundred and twenty three Ross 308 male one-day-old chickens, derived from fifty six week old broiler breeders as described in Example 1, were hatched in ownhatchery and randomly allocated across the 47 pens. Each pen consisted of 9 chickens with an initial individual BW of 50.4 ± 1.7 g.

[0139] Each pen was equipped with two sets of two adjustable nipple drinkers and a feeder that was positioned inside the pen for the first 13 days, while from day 14 onwards, feed was supplied via a feeder through the front of the pen.Data collection:

[0140] Group weights were recorded at start of the experiment (day 0), while individual body weights were recorded on day 7, 14, and 34. In addition, feed consumption for each pen was recorded on the same day the chickens were weighed. Based on calculated body weight gam (ADG) and feed consumption (ADFI), gain to feed ratio (G:F) was calculated as kg of weight gain / kg of feed consumed. ADG was corrected for within-period animal departures.Carcass yield:

[0141] At 35 d of age five chickens per pen were randomly selected (excluding obvious outliers) and were successively weighed, killed by CO2 / O2 and bled (starved overnight). The weight of the carcass (whole bird without, blood, organs, intestines, head and legs below the hock) was determined and carcass yield was calculated as a percentage of the feed-deprived bird weight (whole bird weight before slaughtering). In addition, the breast (pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, sternum and clavicle), abdominal fat pad, liver and pancreas weight were determined, and their yields were calculated as a percentage of the carcass weight.

[0142] On day 34, all chickens (non-selected for dissection) were transported to the slaughterhouse.Results:

[0143] Additional calcium nitrate dosing in the offspring did not affect any performance results. Final body weights on day 35 were linearly increased with + 47.5g for every 100 g / kg calcium nitrate dosing in broiler breeders (linear effect, P<0.05; FIGs. 15A and 15B). The improved body weights on day 35 of broiler chickens derived from the broiler breeders fed 100 and 300 mg / kg BW nitrate were caused by improved growth (day 14-35; linear effects P<0.05), (FIGs. 16A-16B). Body weight variation was linearly reduced in day 7 and day 35 (FIGs. 17A and 17B). A quadratic interaction effect between broiler breeder nitrate dosing and offspring nitrate dosing was found for ADG in week 14 to 34 and for final body weights (P<0.05).

[0144] The dissection showed significant linear higher fat pads and linear higher relative fat pad (%), although the absolute effect was small (FIGs. 17C and 17D). Breast weights were not significantly affected, but showed a numerical increase for the broiler chickens originating from the 100 and 300 mg / kg broiler breeder treatments (Figure 17E). Calcium nitrate dosage in the offspring also increased relative fat pads with 0.11% (P<0.05), Accordingly, the results surprisingly indicated an increase in relative fat pad with calcium nitrate treatment, which was not found before. Additionally, the broiler breeder hens exhibited a linear increase in fat pads at the end of the feed trial. Without being bound by any particular theory, a similar breast weight could indicate that birds fed calcium nitrate were more efficient in their energy use and deposited the excess of energy intake into body fat. With this in mind, it is believed that broiler breeders fed the CaNi diet resulted in improved digestion, potentially through improved blood flow in the mesenteric blood vessels. Alternatively, nitric oxide might influence fat metabolism through improved liver antioxidant status.

[0145] Final body weights were linearly increased with higher CaNi dosage, without any interaction of adding CaNi in the offspring diet. The higher final body weights were caused by improved growth and feed intake in the grower period, without any effect in the starter period. Relative fat pad weights were linearly increased up to day 35, without any significant effect of treatment on breast yield.

[0146] Exemplary Aspects

[0147] The following exemplary aspects are provided, the numbering of which is not to be construed as designating levels of importance:

[0148] Paragraph (Para.) A: A method for feeding poultry, the method comprising: feeding to poultry a feed diet comprising an effective amount of one or more nitrates, wherein: the effective amount of the one or more nitrates comprises greater than about 30 mg / kg of body weight (BW) to about 600 mg / kg BW per day; and the method has a nitrate conversion percent (conversion%) of the one or more nitrates into the egg yolk and albumen of greater than 0.05%.

[0149] Para. B: The method of Para. A, wherein the one or more nitrates comprises an ionic nitrate salt.

[0150] Para. C: The method of Para. A or B, wherein the one or more nitrates is selected from the group consisting of sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, or mixtures thereof.

[0151] Para. D: The method of any one of Paras. A-C, wherein the one or more nitrates comprises calcium nitrate, complex inorganic salts of calcium nitrate, or mixtures thereof.

[0152] Para. E: The method of any one of Paras. A-D, wherein the one or more nitrates comprises calcium ammonium nitrate.

[0153] Para. F: The method of any one of Paras. A-E, wherein the conversion% is in the range of 0.05% to about 0.5%.

[0154] Para. G: The method of any one of Paras. A-F, wherein the conversion% is in the range of about 0.05% to about 0.3%.

[0155] Para. H: The method of any one of Paras. A-G, wherein the effective amount of the one or more nitrates comprises about 50 mg / kg BW to about 500 mg / kg BW per day.

[0156] Para. I: The method of any one of Paras. A-H, wherein the effective amount of the one or more nitrates comprises about 75 mg / kg BW to about 350 mg / kg BW per day.

[0157] Para. J: The method of any one of Paras. A-I, wherein the method improves one or more of egg weights, the percentage of viable chicks, hatch window, embryonic mortality, variation in body weight, chick quality measured as yolk free body mass (g) at hatch, offspring body weight, or fat pad weight.

[0158] Para. K: The method of any one of Paras. A- J, wherein the method improves chick quality measured as yolk free body mass (g) at hatch.

[0159] Para. L: The method of any one of Paras. A-K, wherein the method further includes: collecting a fertilized egg produced by the poultry after the start of feeding the feed diet to the poultry; incubating the fertilized egg until it hatches to provide the offspring; and growing out the offspring.

[0160] Para. M: A method for improving egg, embryo, and offspring quality in poultry, the method comprising: feeding poultry a diet comprising an effective amount of one or more nitrates; wherein the method improves one or more of egg weights, the percentage of viable chicks, hatch window, embryonic mortality, variation in body weight, chick quality measured as yolk free body mass (g) at hatch, offspring final body weight measured over a growth period of about 14 to about 35 weeks, or fat pad weight.

[0161] Para. N: The method of Para. M, wherein the method improves the percentage of viable chicks by at least about 1.5% to about 10%.

[0162] Para. O: The method of Para. M or N, wherein the method improves offspring final body weight by about 35 g to about 55 g for every 100 mg / kg BW of the one or more nitrates per day fed to the poultry.

[0163] Para. P: The method of any one of Paras. M-O, wherein the diet comprises at least about 0.05 weight percent (wt%) of the one or more nitrates.

[0164] Para. Q: The method of any one of Paras. M-P, wherein the diet comprises about 0.05 wt% to about 1.5 wt% of the one or more nitrates.

[0165] Para. R: The method of any one of Paras. M-Q, wherein the one or more nitrates comprises an ionic nitrate salt.

[0166] Para. S: The method of any one of Paras. M-R, wherein the one or more nitrates is selected from the group consisting of sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, or mixtures thereof.

[0167] Para. T: The method of any one of Paras. M-S, wherein the one or more nitrates comprises calcium nitrate, complex inorganic salts of calcium nitrate, or mixtures thereof.

[0168] Para. U: The method of any one of Paras. M-T, wherein the one or more nitrates comprises calcium ammonium nitrate.

[0169] Para. V: The method of any one of Paras. M-U, wherein the method further includes: collecting a fertilized egg produced by the poultry after the start of feeding the feed diet to the poultry; incubating the fertilized egg until it hatches to provide the offspring; and growing out the offspring.

[0170] Para. W: The method of any one of Paras. M-V, wherein the poultry has an age from about 20 weeks to about 64 weeks.

[0171] Para. X: The method of any one of Paras. M-W, wherein the method increases hatchability of eggs produced by the poultry.

[0172] Para. Y : A poultry feed diet comprising: an amount of one more nitrates effective for improving egg, embryo, or offspring quality; wherein the improvement in egg, embryo, or offspring quality comprises an increase in egg weights, the percentage of viable chicks, hatch window, embryonic mortality, variation in body weight, chick quality measured as yolk free body mass (g) at hatch, offspring final body weight measured over a growth period of about 14 to about 35 weeks, or fat pad weight.

[0173] Para. Z: The feed diet of Para. Y, wherein the diet comprises at least about 0.05 wt% of the one or more nitrates.

[0174] Para. AA: The feed diet of Paras. Y or Z, wherein the diet comprises about 0.05 wt% to about 1.5 wt% of the one or more nitrates.

[0175] Para. AB: The feed diet of any one of Paras. Y-AA, wherein the one or more nitrates comprise an ionic nitrate salt.

[0176] Para. AC: The feed diet of any one of Paras. Y-AB, wherein the one or more nitrates are selected from the group consisting of sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, or mixtures thereof.

[0177] Para. AD: The feed diet of any one of Paras. Y-AC, wherein the one or more nitrates comprise calcium nitrate, complex inorganic salts of calcium nitrate, or mixtures thereof.

[0178] Para. AE: The feed diet of any one of Y-AD, wherein the one or more nitrates comprise calcium ammonium nitrate.

[0179] Para. AF: Use of a poultry feed diet for improving egg, embryo, or offspring quality, wherein the poultry feed diet comprises at least about 0.05 wt% of one or more nitrates.

[0180] Para. AG: The use according to Para. AF, wherein the diet comprises about 0.05 wt% to about 1.5 wt% of the one or more nitrates.

[0181] Para. AH: The use according to Para. AF or AG, wherein the one or more nitrates comprise an ionic nitrate salt.

[0182] Para. Al: The use according to any one of Paras. AF-AH, wherein the one or more nitrates are selected from the group consisting of sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, or mixtures thereof.

[0183] Para. AJ: The use according to any one of Paras. AF-AI, wherein the one or more nitrates comprise calcium nitrate, complex inorganic salts of calcium nitrate, or mixtures thereof.

[0184] Para. AK: The according to any one of AF-AJ, wherein the one or more nitrates comprise calcium ammonium nitrate.

[0185] Each of the non-limiting aspects above can stand on its own or can be combined in various permutations or combinations with one or more of the other aspects or other subject matter described in this document. While certain aspects have been illustrated and described a person with ordinary skill in the art, after reading the foregoing specification can effect changes, substitutions of equivalents and other types of alterations to the present technology as set forth herein. Each aspect and aspect described above can also have included or incorporated therewith such variations or aspects as disclosed in regard to any or all of the other aspects and aspects.

[0186] The present technology is also not to be limited in terms of the particular aspects described herein, which are intended as single illustrations. Many modifications and variations of this present technology can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. It is to be understood that this present technology is not limited to particular methods, reagents, compounds, orcompositions, which can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to be limiting. Thus, it is intended that the specification be considered as exemplary only with the breadth, scope and spirit of the present technology indicated only by the appended claims, definitions therein and any equivalents thereof.

[0187] The aspects, illustratively described herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations, not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, for example, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” etc. shall be read expansively and without limitations. Additionally, the terms and expressions employed herein have been used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claimed technology. Additionally, the phrase “consisting essentially of’ will be understood to include those elements specifically recited and those additional elements that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed technology. The phrase “consisting of’ excludes any element not specified.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method for feeding poultry, the method comprising: feeding to poultry a feed diet comprising an effective amount of one or more nitrates, wherein: the effective amount of the one or more nitrates comprises greater than about 30 mg / kg of body weight (BW) to about 600 mg / kg BW per day; and the method has a nitrate conversion percent (conversion%) of the one or more nitrates into the egg yolk and albumen of greater than 0.05%.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more nitrates is selected from the group consisting of sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, or mixtures thereof; or wherein the one or more nitrates comprise calcium nitrate, complex inorganic salts of calcium nitrate, or mixtures thereof, preferably wherein the one or more nitrates comprises calcium ammonium nitrate.

3. The method of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the conversion% is in the range of 0.05% to about 0.5%, preferably about 0.05% to about 0.3%.

4. The method of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the effective amount of the one or more nitrates comprises about 50 mg / kg BW to about 500 mg / kg BW per day, preferably about 75 mg / kg BW per day to about 350 mg / kg BW per day.

5. The method of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the method improves one or more of egg weights, the percentage of viable chicks, hatch window, embryonic mortality, variation in body weight, chick quality measured as yolk free body mass (g) at hatch, offspring body weight, or fat pad weight.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further includes:collecting a fertilized egg produced by the poultry after the start of feeding the feed diet to the poultry; incubating the fertilized egg until it hatches to provide the offspring; and growing out the offspring.

7. A method for improving egg, embryo, and offspring quality in poultry, the method comprising: feeding poultry a diet comprising an effective amount of one or more nitrates; wherein the method improves one or more of egg weights, the percentage of viable chicks, hatch window, embryonic mortality, variation in body weight, chick quality measured as yolk free body mass (g) at hatch, offspring final body weight measured over a growth period of about 14 to about 35 weeks, or fat pad weight.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the method improves the percentage of viable chicks by at least about 1.5% to about 10%.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the method improves offspnng final body weight by about 35 g to about 55 g for every 100 mg / kg BW of the one or more nitrates per day fed to the poultry.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the diet comprises at least about 0.05 weight percent (wt%) of the one or more nitrates, preferably about 0.05 wt% to about 1.5 wt% of the one or more nitrates.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein the one or more nitrates is selected from the group consisting of sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, or mixtures thereof; or wherein the one or more nitrates comprise calcium nitrate, complex inorganic salts of calcium nitrate, or mixtures thereof, preferably the one or more nitrates comprises calcium ammonium nitrate.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein the method further includes:collecting a fertilized egg produced by the poultry after the start of feeding the feed diet to the poultry; incubating the fertilized egg until it hatches to provide the offspring; and growing out the offspring.

13. The method of claim 7, wherein the poultry has an age from about 20 weeks to about 64 weeks.

14. A poultry feed diet comprising: an amount of one more nitrates effective for improving egg, embry o, or offspring quality; wherein the improvement in egg, embryo, or offspring quality comprises an increase in egg weights, the percentage of viable chicks, hatch window, embry onic mortality, variation in body weight, chick quality measured as yolk free body mass (g) at hatch, offspring final body weight measured over a growth period of about 14 to about 35 weeks, or fat pad weight.

15. The feed diet of claim 14, wherein the diet comprises at least about 0.05 wt% of the one or more nitrates, preferably about 0.05 wt% to about 1.5 wt% of the one or more nitrates.

16. The feed diet of claim 14, wherein the one or more nitrates are selected from the group consisting of sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, or mixtures thereof; or wherein the one or more nitrates comprise calcium nitrate, complex inorganic salts of calcium nitrate, or mixtures thereof, preferably wherein the one or more nitrates comprise calcium ammonium nitrate.

Images