Fiber phospholipid compositions for poultry and methods of making the same

Abstract

Fiber energy compositions are described with one or more fibers and one or more gums. The fiber(s) and the gum(s) are extruded to form an extrudate. The process for making the extrudate is described. The extruded product is included in poultry feed to provide an enriched poultry feed. Fiber energy composition with soybean hulls and soybean gum is described. Animal feed supplemented with the soy fiber / soy gum are used in a method for feeding poultry.

Description

FIBER ENERGY COMPOSITIONS FOR POULTRY AND METHODS OF MAKINGTHE SAMECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 503,884, filed May 23, 2023, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Animal health depends on several factors, and it has been appreciated that diet plays a pivotal role in health maintenance and prevention of various diseases.

[0003] Oilseeds are seeds grown primarily for the production of edible oils. Vegetable oil is obtained by pressing the seeds and then extracting the oil. The cake or meal obtained in the extraction is a rich source of proteins. Soybean, rapeseed, cottonseed, sunflower and peanut provide most of the world protein meal production.SUMMARY

[0004] The present description provides a composition that comprises an extrudate including coextruded fiber and gum, preferably from oilseeds. The present description includes a method of blending the fiber and gum and then coextruding the fiber and gum, e.g., a gum from a degumming process, resulting in fiber energy7compositions. These fiber energy compositions can provide a phospholipids-enriched feed meal source including natural choline (lecithin and / or lysolecithin), digestible fiber and fatty acids. All these components can be provided in the same composition.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a fiber energy composition comprising a fiber / gum extrudate, wherein the extrudate comprises one or more fibers and one or more gums. The gum comprises a gum from oilseeds and wherein the gum comprises phospholipids, lyso-phospholipids or combinations thereof. The present disclosure also provides the use of an extrusion process to produce a fiber energy composition.

[0006] The disclosure also provides a method to produce a fiber energy composition. The method comprises extruding one or more fibers and a gum, wherein the gum comprises hydratable phospholipids and lyso-phospholipids.

[0007] The disclosure further provides an enriched animal feed comprising a fiber energy composition, wherein the fiber energy7composition comprises a fiber / gum composition comprising one or more fibers and a gum, wherein the fiber energy7composition is an extrudate,wherein the fiber comprises soybean hulls, rice hulls and / or combinations thereof and the gum comprises soybean gum, rapeseed gum, sunflower gum and / or combinations thereof and wherein the gum comprises hydratable phospholipids and lyso-phospholipids

[0008] The disclosure further provides a method for feeding an animal, comprising providing a fiber / gum composition to the animal, wherein the fiber / gum composition comprises one or more fibers and a gum, wherein the gum comprises hydratable phospholipids and wherein the fiber energy composition is an extrudate. The animals comprise ruminants, swine, equine, dogs, cats or any combinations thereof.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various aspects discussed herein.

[0010] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a flow chart illustrating an overall soybean crushing and refining flowchart for soybeans.

[0011] FIG. 2 show-s a schematic diagram of a flow chart illustrating the process of generating gum-enriched soybean hulls.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Reference will now be made in detail to certain aspects of the disclosed subject matter, examples of which are illustrated in part in the accompanying drawings. 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.

[0013] This disclosure relates to fiber energy compositions, methods of making the fiber energy7compositions and using the fiber energy' compositions in animal feed. The fiber energy compositions include one or more plant fibers and a plant gum. Preferably, the fibers are oilseed are a byproduct of refining crude oil from oilseeds. The gums preferably comprise lecithin and / or lysolecithin. The fiber energy composition can also include other components, e.g., sugars, protein and fatty acids. In one aspect, the present description provides a fiber energy composition comprising an extrudate wherein the extrudate is a co-extruded product of the one or more fibers and one or more gums. The fiber energy compositions described herein, surprisingly, can provide a phospholipids-enriched feed meal source of natural choline (lecithin and / or lysolecithin).digestible fiber, protein, and fatty acids. All of these components can be provided in the same composition.

[0014] In one aspect, the fiber energy' composition is a soybean hulls / soybean gum fiber energy composition, referred to herein as “soy / soy fiber energy composition”. The soy / soy fiber energy composition includes an extrudate of co-extruded soybean hulls and soybean gums. The resulting soybean gum-enriched soybean hulls extrudate can be used in fiber energy compositions described herein.

[0015] In one aspect, the fiber energy composition described herein are obtained by extrusion which results in a highly stable feed meal with improved digestibility of fiber (cellulose and hemicellulose), enrichment of phospholipid content, e.g., lecithin and lysolecithin, elimination of the microorganisms, suppression of anti-nutritional components (stachyose, arabinose, urease inhibitor, etc.) and final moisture standardization. This processing which includes extrusion helps to improve quality and adds nutritional benefits for these ingredients.

[0016] The term ’Tiber” as used herein is the fibrous component derived from plants, for example, oilseeds. Fiber can include cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin.

[0017] The term “gum” as used herein relates to a composition produced as a byproduct during refining of crude oils from oilseeds. Vegetable gum is a by-product from vegetable oil degumming resulting in a composition of hydratable phospholipids, triacylglyceride and water. Gums can be derived, for example, after crude oil from oilseeds is refined by a water degumming process. Gums include phospholipids, lyso-phospholipids, glycolipids and other components. Gums can include lecithin and / or lysolecithin.

[0018] The term “phospholipids” as used herein includes phospholipids and lyso- phospholipids.

[0019] The term “fiber energy composition” as used in this disclosure refers to a composition comprising gum-enriched fibers that are generated using an extrusion process with improved nutritional characteristics as described herein. The fiber energy composition may, optionally, include additional ingredients that are included either prior to extrusion, during extrusion or after extrusion.

[0020] The term “soybean hulls” as used in this disclosure refers to the fiber (hulls) from cracking and dehulling of the soybean.

[0021] The term “soybean gum” as used in this disclosure refers to the gum resulting from the degumming process of crude soybean oil. Soybean gum includes lecithin and / or lysolecithin.

[0022] The term “dry base” composition as used herein refers to a composition comprising the fiber, the gum and optionally, one or more additional ingredients prior to extrusion, e.g., prior to inclusion of moisture or added water during extrusion. Dry base composition does not include added water or steam during the extrusion process.

[0023] The designation “X” / “Y” fiber energy composition may be used herein, wherein “X” refers to the source of the fiber and “Y” refers to the source of the gum.

[0024] The term “soy / soy fiber energy composition” as used in this disclosure refers to a composition obtained by an extrusion process that combines soybean hulls and soybean gum as raw materials. The combination of soybean hulls and soybean gum that are generated using an extrusion process have improved nutritional characteristics and can be used in animal feed as additives, premixes, and / or ration for consumption by different animal species.

[0025] The term “extrudate” as used herein refers to the gum-enriched fiber composition obtained from the extrusion process described herein. The extrudate may be further processed by, for example, drying, milling and / or sieving. It will be understood that enriched animal feed and / or fiber energy compositions described herein comprise an extrudate.

[0026] The term “animal feed” as used in this disclosure refers to a composition of feed, feed components, premixes, and / or ration produced for consumption by different animal species.

[0027] The term “enriched animal feed” as used in this disclosure refers to an animal feed product comprising the fiber energy compositions described herein.

[0028] The term “enriched poultry feed” as used in this disclosure refers to a poultry feed product comprising the fiber energy compositions described herein.

[0029] The present invention will be described in the context of using soybean hulls and soybean gums, but it will be understood other combination of hulls and gums may be used in this process and products.

[0030] The soybean is an important agricultural commodity on the world stage, being a major source of income for agribusiness. Through its processing, the soybean is used to produce various derivate ingredients, for example, to produce soybean oil. which is intended for animal or human food, or the production of biofuels. Another example of a derivate product is the soybean meal, which is the solid part of the soybean processing. The main products from the soybean oilseeds processing are soybean meal, soybean oil, soybean hulls, full fat soya and soybean specialties such as soy protein concentrate and soy protein isolate. One of the most commercialized soybean products is the so-called soybean complex - which includes the grain, the soybean oil and soybean meal.

[0031] The soybean meal and soybean oil are highly valued co-products in the oil production industry. The soybean meal comes out soon after the oil extraction with protein values higher than the guaranteed levels practiced in the market, being used as the main protein source for poultry and swine in feed formulations. To reduce protein and standardize its value according to the usual guaranteed levels, another co-product is used, which is the soybean hulls.

[0032] The soybean hull, usually commercialized in the form of pellets, appears as a good option for use in supplements and diets with a high fiber content and as another alternative in feedlot diets. However, inside the hull there are anti-nutritional components (carbohydrates and sugars) that are not used by the animal's body, that is, the animals cannot digest them and can also impair the absorption of other nutrients. Additionally, the soybean hull is not an ingredient that is commonly used in poultry diets, because of the high fiber concentration and the low energy digestibility'.

[0033] The refining of soybean oil for human consumption results in a series of other compounds that require correct destination forthem. One of these compounds obtained during the refining of crude oil into degummed oil is the soybean gum, which is obtained by centrifuging the crude oil after it has been hydrated. Nowadays, there are basically three possible uses for the gum: 1) production of lecithin; 2) addition to soybean meal for protein standardization; and 3) lubricating additive in feed extrusion and pelleting.

[0034] The present description relates to an advantageous use of the fibers and gums with improved digestibility of hulls and other ingredients for a variety of species. The extruded gum is stable and easy to handle. The use of gum in the extrusion enhances the nutritional value of the hulls.Fiber Sources

[0035] The fiber energy compositions described herein include one or more fibers, preferably plant fibers. The fibers are preferably from one or more oilseeds. In one aspect, the fiber energy composition can include one fiber source or a combination of two or more fiber sources. Fibers from a variety of fiber sources can be used in the fiber energy composition. Fiber sources can include, for example, soybeans, rice, com canola, rapeseed, palm, almond, sunflower, wheat, alfalfa, sugar cane and the like. Fibers that can be included in the fiber energy composition can be, for example, soybean hulls, com hulls, sugar cane bagasse, rice hulls, palm kernel expellers, cane, rapeseed meal, canola meal, almond hulls, wheat bran, wheat middlings, wood shavings, com husks, com cobs, alfalfa, straw, sunflower meal, hay, soybean crop impurities, grain crop impurities, beet pulp, citrus pulp, tomato meal, palm kernel meal without husks, corn meal (hulls),corn meal (germ), cotonseed, peanuts, seaweed, castor, camelina, carinata, macaw, and grass(general). Other fiber sources and fibers may also be included and are within the scope of this description.

[0036] In one aspect, the fiber energy composition can include soybean hulls. The fiber energy composition can also include one or more other fibers as described above.

[0037] The fibers include a number of polymers and components. The fibers can include, for example, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, pectin, ash and the like.

[0038] In one aspect, the cellulose content in the fiber source can be between about 25wt% and about 55wt%, or preferably between 29wt% and about 51wt%, or preferably between about 30wt% and about 45wt%, or preferably between about 35wt% and about 40wt%, or preferably between about 38wt% and about 40wt% of the fiber source. Cellulose content outside of this range are also within the scope of this description.

[0039] The hemicellulose content in the fiber source can be between about 5wt% and about 25wt%, or preferably between 8wt% and about 20wt%, or preferably between about 8wt% and about I 5\\t%. or preferably between about 8wt% and about 12wt% of the fiber source. Hemicellulose content outside of this range are also within the scope of this description.

[0040] The lignin content in the fiber source can be between about 0.5wt% and about 10wt%, or preferably between 1 wt% and about 8wt%, or preferably between about 1 wt% and about 5wt%, or preferably between about 2wt% and about 5wt%. or preferably between about 2wt% and about 3wt% of the fiber source. Lignin content outside of this range are also within the scope of this description.

[0041] The pectin content in the fiber source can be between about 3wt% and about 20wt%. or preferably between 5wt% and about 18wt%, or preferably between about 6wt% and about 15wt%, or preferably between about 8wt% and about 15wt%, or preferably between about 8wt% and about 12wt%, or preferably between about 6wt% and about I2wt% of the fiber source. Pectin content outside of this range are also within the scope of this description.

[0042] The fiber source may include protein. The protein content in the fiber source can be between about 5wt% and about 25wt%, or preferably between 5wt% and about 20wt%, or preferably between about 9wt% and about I 5\\1%. or preferably between about 8wt% and about 12wt%, or preferably between about 1 ()\\ t% and about 12wt%, or preferably between about I0wt% and about 1 lwt% of the fiber source. Protein content outside of this range are also within the scope of this description.

[0043] The ash content in the fiber source can be between about 0.5wt% and about 10wt%, or preferably between lwt% and about 8wt%, or preferably between about 3wt% and about 7wt%, or preferably between about 4wt% and about 6wt%, or preferably between about 5wt% and about 6wt% of the fiber source. Ash content outside of this range are also within the scope of this description.Soybean hulls (SBH)

[0044] Soybean hulls are an agricultural residue produced during processing of soybeans. The hard shell or hull of the soybean is removed mechanically and accounts for about 5-8% of bean. Soybean hulls can be a by-product of the process in which soybean oil and soybean meal are produced. Figure 1 and Figure 2 illustrate exemplary processes for generating soybean hulls from soybeans. In one exemplary process, soybeans are cracked, and the hulls are removed. Soybeans can be dehulled by a variety of process known in the art. After removal, the hulls may be heat treated and milled.

[0045] In one aspect, the soybean hulls can include cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, pectin, protein, fat, and ash. The cellulose content in the soybean hulls can be between about 25wt% and about 55wt%, or preferably between 29wt% and about 51 \\ t%. or preferably between about 30wt% and about 45wt%, or preferably between about 35wt% and about 40wt%, or preferably between about 38wt% and about 40wt%, or preferably about 38.4% of the soybean hulls.

[0046] The hemicellulose content in the soybean hulls can be between about 5wt% and about 25wt%. or preferably between 8wt% and about 20wt%, or preferably between about 8wt% and about 15wt%, or preferably between about 8wt% and about 12wt%, or preferably between about 10wt% and about 1 lwt%, or preferably about 10.2wt% of the soybean hulls.

[0047] The lignin content in the soybean hulls can be between about 0.5wt% and about 10wt%, or preferably between 1 wt% and about 8wt%, or preferably between about 1 wt% and about 5wt%, or preferably between about 2\vt% and about 5wt%. or preferably between about 2wt% and about 3wt%, or preferably about 2.8wt% of the soybean hulls.

[0048] The pectin content in the soybean hulls can be between about 3wt% and about 20wt%, or preferably between 5wt% and about 18wt%, or preferably between about 6wt% and about 15wt%. or preferably between about 8wt% and about I 5wt%. or preferably between about 8wt% and about 12wt%, or preferably between about 6wt% and about 12wt% of the soybean hulls.

[0049] The protein content in the soybean hulls can be between about 5wt% and about 25wt%, or preferably between 5wt% and about 20wt%, or preferably between about 9wt% and about 15wt%, or preferably between about 8wt% and about 12wt%, or preferably between about 10wt%and about 12wt%, or preferably between about 10wt% and about l lwt%, or preferably about 10.7wt% of the soybean hulls.

[0050] The ash content in the soybean hulls can be between about 0.5wt% and about 10wt%, or preferably between 1 w t% and about 8wt%, or preferably between about 3wt% and about 7wt%, or preferably between about 4wt% and about 6wt%. or preferably between about 5wt% and about 6wt%, or preferably about 5.8wt% of the soybean hulls.

[0051] The soybean hulls used to prepare the fiber energy' composition of the present disclosure comprises for example, fiber, protein, soluble dietary' fiber (FDS), and moisture. The soybean hulls can also include ethereal extract (EE) and mineral matter. The soybean hulls may comprise quality parameters that may vary'. Table 1 shows an exemplary composition of the soybean hulls nutrients:Table 1

[0052] It will be understood that the nutrient composition of the soybean hulls can vary and all soybean hulls are within the scope of this description.Gums

[0053] Gums can include phospholipids and / or lysophospholipids. In one aspect, the gum includes hydratable phospholipids and / or lysophopholoipids. Gum refers to a composition comprising different phospholipids, water and oil from a degumming process of crude oil, e.g., soybean oil. Gum from degumming process comprises water, phospholipids and oil emulsified in small micelle structure. In one aspect, the gum can comprise about 50wt%-60wt% water and about 40wt%-50wt% of phospholipids and oil. Gums with water, phospholipid and oil content outside of this range are also within the scope of this description. The amount of water, phospholipids and oil can vary based on the process set up, quality7of raw material (crude oil), acidity level and the like.

[0054] The initial step of refining crude oil is a water degumming step resulting in a lipophilic fraction (degummed oil) and a more hydrophilic fraction, e.g. the gum. The gums are the non- lipophilic fraction, e.g. the more hydrophilic fraction. The lipophilic fraction is processed further to attain the refined oils. It will be understood that reference to phospholipids herein also includes lysophospholipids. The phospholipids can include lecithin and / or lysolecithin. Phospholipids are a class of lipids whose molecules contain phosphate groups (polar) and fatty acids (nonpolar). The phospholipids in the fiber energy composition can promote and / or enhance the emulsification of the fat components in the fiber energy composition. Without being bound by any theory', it is thought that enhanced emulsification properties help to increase fat digestibility of all fats present in the diets / animal feed that includes the fiber energy composition.

[0055] Degumming processes are used to remove hydrated phospholipids from crude oil during on first step of refining. This process involves the treatment of crude oils with water, a salt solution, or dilute acid such as phosphoric to remove phospholipids, waxes, and other impurities.

[0056] Water degumming is the oldest degumming treatment and forms the basis of the production of commercial lecithin, predominantly phosphatidylcholine (PC). Other phospholipids can also be present in the gum such as phosphatidyl serine (PS), phosphatidic acid (PA), phosphatidyl choline (PC), phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PE), phosphatidyl inositol (PI), lyso- phosphatidylcholine (LPC) and the like. Since the water degumming process involves more water than when crude oil is allowed to absorb moisture from the atmosphere, the gums resulting from the water degumming process also remove hydrophilic substances such as sugars from the oil. Gum is a dark and viscous liquid containing high level of water, sugars (sucrose, glucose, and fructose) resulting in low shelf life (microbiology) and excessive costs to disposal. The sugars present in the gum increase the fermentability to the detriment of the shelf life.

[0057] Gums as used herein do not include degummed oil, refined oil, soapstocks or other lipophilic fractions generated from the gums after water degumming.

[0058] The fiber energy compositions described herein can include gums from a variety of sources, preferably plant sources, e.g., oilseeds. Gums can be. for example, derived from soybeans, rapeseed, sunflower seeds, palm and the like. In one aspect, the fiber energy compositions include gums derived during refining of crude soybean oil, crude rapeseed oil, crude sunflower oil, crude palm oil, coconut oil, refined palm olein, rice bran oil and the like.

[0059] In one aspect, the fiber energy compositions described herein comprise soybean gum. The soybean gum refers to a composition comprising different phospholipids. The gums described herein can include lecithin and / or lysolecithin. Lecithin and / or lysolecithin can include, forexample, phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidyl serine (PS), phosphatidic acid (PA), phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PE), phosphatidyl inositol (PI), and the like. Lyso-phospholipids can include lyso-PS, lyso-PA, lyso-PC, lyso-PE, lyso-PI, and the like.

[0060] The gums described herein can also include other hydrophilic substances such as sugars from the oil. The gums can be a dark and viscous liquid containing high level of water and sugars. Sugars can include, for example, sucrose glucose, fructose and the like.Soybean gum

[0061] The soybean gum, according to the present disclosure, comprises hydratable phospholipids resulting from degumming processes performed on crude soybean oil. The soybean gum can be a precursor of the emulsifier, lecithin. Gums from other sources may also be included in the fiber energy composition. The sugars present in the soybean gum increase the fermentability to the detriment of the shelf life. Furthermore, it is difficult to turn the soybean gum into powder due to the high energy demand to remove the water from the lecithin in conventional processes. Advantageously, the fiber energy compositions described herein incorporate the gums overcoming shelf life and energy demand issues related to water removal.

[0062] Degumming is used to remove hydrated phospholipids from crude oil during a first step of refining. Figure 1 and Figure 2 illustrate exemplary processes for generating soybean gums from soybeans and crude soybean oil. This process involves the treatment of crude oils with water, a salt solution, or dilute acid such as phosphoric to remove phospholipids, waxes, and other impurities.Additional Ingredients

[0063] The fiber energy composition can optionally, comprise one or more additional ingredients. Examples of additional ingredients include, but not limited to antioxidants, grains, minerals, enzymes, and other conventional additives. The grains can be selected from milled com, ground com, rice meal, wheat meal among other. Examples of antioxidants ingredients include, but are not limited to tertiary butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), propyl gallate, and tocopherol, or other conventional antioxidants. An example of preferred additional ingredient is milled com, potassium sorbate and / or tertiary butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ).Process of making the fiber energy composition

[0064] In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method of making the fiber energy’ compositions described herein. The method includes the use of an extrusion process to producethe fiber energy compositions. The extrusion process comprises using one or more fibers and a gum as the starting materials in an extrusion process to generate the fiber energy composition.

[0065] The use of the extrusion process surprisingly improves the digestibility (gut fermentability) of the fiber and proteins provided to the animals. The digestibility of the fiber energy composition is improved relative to a composition wherein the fiber and gums provided individually, e.g. without being subject to an extrusion process. The use of the extrusion process according to the present disclosure also surprisingly allows improved nutritional value and guaranteed homogeneity of emulsified lipids (phospholipid, fatty acids, and oil) across the fiber matrix. The extrusion significantly inhibits the action of the anti-nutritional carbohydrates present in soybean hulls and transforms them into simple molecules that can be metabolized by the animals. By the extrusion process used according to the present disclosure, the shear and temperature can allow to break up lignocellulosic components and some carbohydrates. This can facilitate metabolization, thus, increasing the number of animal species that can consume the animal feed.

[0066] The extrusion process can be generally defined as a heat treatment process for foods of HTST (High Temperature Short Time). Without being bound by any theory', it is thought that the combination of heat, humidity, and mechanical work can modify the structure of raw materials and can provide new formats with different functional and nutritional characteristics. In addition, it is thought that the extrusion helps to bind phospholipids (gum) with the fiber structure. This can enable improved digestibility and stabilize the microbiology in the system.

[0067] Without being bound by any theory, it is thought that the fiber energy composition production process can increase the fermentability of the composition. Thus, the energy content of the fiber energy composition can be improved compared to the energy' values of the raw materials e.g., the fiber, gum and the optional additional ingredients. The energy value in the fiber energy7composition can be superior to the sum of the components individually.

[0068] In one aspect, the extrusion is a system that utilizes a screyv to force materials through a small opening. Along the extruder, components are cooked by the high pressure, high shear, and high temperature, which is an environment created by the functioning of the screws. There are a yvide variety of extruders known for food processing, yvhether for human consumption or for the manufacture of animal feed. The extrusion systems can comprise different components within different configurations. The extrusions systems in the methods described herein may comprise a single screw or a tyvin-screw extruder. Both are known in the art and can be used within the scope of this description.

[0069] In one aspect, a twin-screw extruder with interchangeable elements can be used in the process to work in conditions of low, medium, or high shear rate. In this way, high-expansion products can be developed as well as intermediate products, or pellets, without expansion, but with a degree of cooking suitable for the intended product.

[0070] In one aspect, a single screw extruder may be used. Single screw extruder equipment can have a fixed screw" speed, that is, they may not have a speed regulation system. This can be improved with the incorporation of a frequency variator, allowing the screw speed control.

[0071] In one aspect, the thermoplastic extrusion is a technological process of pre-cooking or cooking of various raw materials that are derived from cereals, grains such as legumes, starches from various sources, agro-industrial co-products, etc., in which when passing through a screw (single screw" or tw in screw) of defined configuration inserted in a cannon or barrel wdth sufficient temperature in its heating zones, modify its characteristics by the heat and shear produced inside the cannon in order to gain new organoleptic characteristics, such as texture, flavor, odor and nutritional and functional properties.

[0072] The extrusion process w ill be described wdth reference to soybean hulls as a fiber source and soybean gum as a gum source, but it will be understood that other fibers or combination of fibers and other gums or any combinations of gums may be extruded as described.

[0073] The steps of an extrusion process can include, for example, (a) blending; (b) extrusion, wherein the one or more fibers and one or more gums are blended together prior to extrusion, e.g., co-extruded; (c) drying and cooling; (d) milling and sieving; and (e) storing.

[0074] In the process of the present disclosure, prior to blending step (a), the fiber source, preferably the soybean hulls, may be milled and sized. The blending step can include addition of the soybean hulls, the soybean gum and optionally, additional ingredients to a blending vessel. Additional ingredients can include starches, e.g. com, antioxidants and the like as further described below. The blending may or may not include the addition of w ater. In one aspect, there is no addition of water during the blending step and / or prior to the extrusion step.

[0075] A variety of equipment and methods known in the art can be used to add the hulls and the gum to the blending vessel. Preferably, the soybean hulls may be added from a hopper into a blending vessel (dry blend or conditioner). The size of the hulls may vary' between 1-10 pm, preferably 3-5 pm. The soybean gum can be in a liquid form, preferably in the pasty liquid form. Preferably, the soybean gum may be a pasty liquid that is added by droppers, pipettes or another dispenser.

[0076] Blending of the soybean hulls and the soybean gum may be conducted in a variety of vessels. Blending comprises mixing the soybean hulls, soybean gum and optionally, additional ingredients in a homogenizer. Blending may be conducted for at least 1 minute, preferably between 5 minutes and 60 minutes, or preferably between 5 minutes and 45 minutes, or preferably between 5 minutes and 30 minutes, or preferably between 5 minutes and 15 minutes, or preferably between 7 minutes and 13 minutes, or preferably between 8 and 12 minutes, or preferably about 10 minutes. Blending may be conducted at a speed of between 10 rpm and 500 rpm, or preferably between about 10 and 400rpm, or preferably between 25 and 300rpm, or preferably between 50 and 250 rpm, or preferably between 90 and 150rpm, or preferably about 100 rpm. The blending step (a) can be a continuous or a batch process. In case of a batch process, the blending step (a) may comprise the agitation time for mixing the hulls, gum, and the additional ingredients, ranging from about 1 to 60 minutes per batch, or preferably between about 1 to about 50 minutes / batch, preferably between about 1 to about 40 minutes / batch, or preferably between about 5 minutes and about 30 minutes / batch, or preferably between about 5 and 20 minutes / batch, or preferably 5 to about 15 minutes per batch, or preferably between about 8 minutes and 12 minutes / batch, or preferably 10 minutes / batch. In case of a continuous process, the rate of processing may vary' and allows for mixing the soybean hulls and soybean gum in the blending vessel.

[0077] The temperature range in which the blending is conducted is between about 25-100°C, or preferably between 30-95°C, or preferably between 30-90°C, or preferably between about 40- 90°C, or preferably between 40-80°C, or preferably between about 50-90°C, or preferably between about 50-80°C.

[0078] The blended mixture comprising soybean hulls, soybean gum and any optional additional ingredients are then extruded in an extrusion step (b). Thus, in one aspect, the fiber(s) and the gum(s) are combined and extruded in the extrusion step. The method may not include the addition of exogenous water during the blending of the fiber and gum. The gum may be blended with the fiber without an emulsification step. Advantageously, an emulsifying agent and / or an emulsification step are not needed prior to extrusion. Thus, an emulsion is not formed by a separate emulsion step wherein the fat and water are combined prior to blending with the fiber.

[0079] In the extrusion step (b), the blended mixture is cooked in an extruder barrel at a determined temperature and pressure. Additional ingredients desired for the fiber energy' composition may be added prior to blending, during blending and / or after blending. Additional ingredients may optionally be added to the blended mixture after blending and prior to theextrusion step. Additional ingredients may optionally be added prior to the extrusion step, during the extrusion step or after the extrusion step.

[0080] The extruder used in the extrusion step comprises a variety of components including, for example, a feed silo, a conditioner, an extruder barrel with the single or twin-screw extruder, a die and cutting set. Other components may also be present and included in the scope of this disclosure. The function of the feed silo is to ensure that the dry mixture has a continuous and controlled flow of feed to the conditioner and, consequently, to the extruder barrel.

[0081] The blended mixture is passed to the conditioner. Water and / or steam may be added to the mixture in the conditioner. "‘Conditioning'’ as used herein relates to the addition of water and / or steam to the blended mixture. The temperature in the conditioner can vary and can be, for example, between 25°C and 100°C, or preferably between 30°C and 90°C, or preferably between 40°C and 90°C, or preferably between 45°C and 90°C, or preferably between 50°C and 90°C, or preferably between 50°C and 80°C. The water and steam are added to increase the temperature and moisture of the mixture, to increase the stability in the extruder and the quality of the final product.

[0082] The amount of water that may be added to the mixture in the conditioner can be at most about 50wt%, or at most about 40wt%, or at most about 30wt%, or at most about 20wt%, or at most about 10wt%. The amount of water that may be added to the mixture can be, for example, between 0 and 50 wt.%, or preferably between 1 wt% and 40 wt%, or preferably between 2 wt.% and 30% wt, or preferably between 3 wt% and 20 wt%, or preferably between 4 wt% and 10 wt%, or preferably between 4wt% and 8wt%, or preferably 5 wt% based on the total weight of the mixture.

[0083] After leaving the conditioner, the moistened mixture passes to the extruder barrel. Temperature and pressure are crucial factors in the extrusion processing. Depending on the length of the barrel, the temperature and pressure profile must be carefully controlled in its different available zones, to avoid overcooking and / or even burning the product. The length of the barrel can vary and is dependent on the extrusion capacity. The temperature in the extruder can be between 100°C and 200°C. or preferably between 100°C and 180°C, or preferably between 100°C and 150°C, or preferably between 120°C and 200°C, or preferably between 120°C and 150°C, or preferably between 120°C and 140°C, or preferably about 130°C. The pressure in the extruder can be betw een 5 bar and 50 bar, or preferably between 5 bar and 40 bar, or preferably between 10 bar and 40 bar. or preferably between 10 bar and 30 bar, or preferably between 15 bar and 40 bar. or preferably between 15 bar and 30 bar, or preferably about 20 bar. The time in the extruder barrel can vary dependent on the extrusion capacity.

[0084] Without being bound by any theory, it is thought that the greatest change occurs in the fiber / gum mixture that can be partially cooked in the conditioner and can contribute to determining the final characteristics of the product. The pressure, temperature and shear inside the barrel will define the characteristics and properties of the final product.

[0085] The screw speed of the extruder comprises between 50 rpm and 500 rpm, or preferably 100 rpm and 400 rpm, or preferably 200 rpm and 400 rpm, or preferably 300 rpm and 400 rpm. The particle size in the extrusion step varies between 0.25mm to 5mm, or preferably between 0.5mm and about 5mm, or preferably between about 1.0mm and about 5mm, or preferably between about 2mm and about 5mm, or preferably between about 2mm and about 4mm, or preferably about 3mm. The temperature is as previously described, between 50°C-200°C, or preferably between 100°C and 200°C, or preferably between 110°C and 150°C, or preferably between 110°C and 140°C, or preferably between about 110°C and about 130°C, or preferably about 130°C.

[0086] The extrusion step further comprises feeding through a die and cutting the extrudate. At the end of the extruder, the die and cut occurs. The die has two functions: to restrict the output of the mixture to create the necessary' pressure for the application of mechanical energy and to change the final shape of the extrudate through the shape of the hole in the die and the cutting speed of the knives. The shape of the extrudate can vary and all are within the scope of this description. Preferably, the extrudate is a pellet.

[0087] The die comprises a diameter of between 0.25mm and 5mm, preferably 0.5mm and 4mm, more preferably between 1mm and 3mm and more preferably between 2 and 3mm and more preferably 2.5mm.

[0088] The process further comprises a drying step (c). The drying step (c) is performed to reduce the moisture of the extruded product. The moisture of the final product is less than or equal to 40%, preferably less than or equal to 30%, more preferably less than or equal to 20%, or more preferably less than or equal to 10% of the final weight of the extruded product. The moisture of the final product is between about lwt% and about 40wt%, or preferably between about lwt% 30wt%, or preferably between about 1 wt% and about 20wt%. or preferably between about 1 wt% 10wt%, or preferably between about 5wt% and about 40wt%, or preferably between about 5wt% and about 30wt%, or preferably between about 5wt% and about 20wt%, or preferably between about 5wt% and about 15wt%, or preferably between about 5wt% and about 10wt%,of the final weight of the extruded product.

[0089] The temperature during the drying step (c) can vary and can be, for example, between 70°C to 200°C, preferably between 90°C to 200°C, more preferably between 90°C to 150°C, more preferably between 90°C to 120°C, and more preferably around 110°C.

[0090] The extrusion process can be dependent on moisture, temperature and pressure. The moisture is optimized during the overall process. There is not a minimum moisture condition to start the process. The amount of water may be defined by the amount of water in the gum added to the process.

[0091] The moisture of the ingredients before feeding into the process can be between about 10wt% and 70wt.%, or preferably between about 10wt% and 60wt.%, or preferably between about 20wt% and 70wt.%,or preferably between about 20wt% and 60wt.%, or preferably between about 30wt% and 70wt.%, or preferably between about 30wt% and 60wt.%, or preferably between about 40wt% and 70wt.%.or preferably between about 40wt% and 60wt%, or preferably between about 10wt% and 50wt.%, or preferably between about 10wt% and 40wt.%, or preferably between about 10wt% and 30wt.%, preferably between about 15wt% and 25wt%. more preferably about 18-20%. After extrusion step, the moisture of the extruded mixture is preferably at least about 5wt% or at least about 10wt%, or at least about 20wt%, or at least about 25 wt%. After extrusion step, the moisture of the extruded mixture is preferably between about 5wt% and about 25wt%, or preferably between about 5wt% and about 20wt. or preferably between about 5wt% and about 15wt, or preferably between about 10wt% and about 25wt, or preferably between about 10wt% and about I 5\\ t. or preferably between about 12-15%. After the drying step, the moisture of the extrudate is between about 2wt% and 20 wt%, or preferably between 2wt% and 15wt%, or preferably between 5wt% and 20wt%, or preferably between 5wt% and 15wt%. or preferably between about 8-10% to obtain adequate shelf life.

[0092] The dried extruded product can be milled. The milling and sieving step (d) is used to reduce the size of product particles, aiming at better homogeneity7, and to improve the quality of the final product. The particle size after the step (d) can be standardized in 0.25 - 5 mm, preferably 3 mm. After the milling step, the final product is mixed and remains stored awaiting sieving, and packing.Fiber energy composition

[0093] In one aspect, the present disclosure comprises a fiber energy composition. The fiber energy composition can include one or more fibers as described above and one or more gums as described above. In one aspect, the fiber energy composition comprises one or more fibers and a gum. In one aspect, the fiber energy comprises one fiber and one gum. The fiber energycomposition comprises an extrudate, wherein the extrudate is the product of an extrusion process. The fiber energy composition includes the one or more fibers and the one or more gums that have been modified by the extrusion process described herein.

[0094] In one aspect, the fiber energy- composition comprises soybean hulls and soybean gum fiber energy composition, refer to herein as a soy / soy composition. The ‘Tiber / gum” designation will be used herein to refer to the source of the botanical source of the fiber and the botanical source of the gum in the fiber energy composition. Thus, reference to a “soy / soy composition” is to a fiber energy composition including soybean hulls and soybean gum; a reference to a “soy / rapeseed composition” is to a fiber energy composition including soybean hulls and rapeseed gum; reference to a “soy-rice / rapeseed composition” is to a fiber energy' composition including soybean hulls and rice hulls as the fiber source and rapeseed gum as the gum source. Other combinations of fiber and gum can be included with similar designations. The fiber energycomposition is preferably made by a process that includes an extrusion process as described herein. Thus, the fiber energy compositions described herein are extrudates / extruded products.

[0095] The fiber energy composition comprises between about 20% by weight (wt) and 95% wt of one or more fibers, or preferably between 30% wt and 90% wt, or preferably betyveen 30%wt and 80%wt, or preferably betyveen 40% wt and 80% wt, or preferably betw een 40% wt and 70% wt, or preferably between 45% wt and 95% wt, or preferably between 45% wt and 75% wt, or preferably betyveen 45% wt and 65% wt, or preferably between 45% wt and 55% wt of one or more fibers, or preferably 50-80wt%, or preferably 50-70wt% wt, or preferably about 50wt% of one or more fibers based on the total w eight of the dry base fiber energy composition.

[0096] The fiber energy composition of the present invention comprises between 5% wt and 50%yvt of gum, preferably between 10% wt and 45% wt, or preferably between 15% wt and 40% wt, or preferably between 20% wt and 40% wt, or preferably betyveen 20% wt, and 35% wt, or preferably betw een 25% wt and 40%wt, and or preferably betw een 25% wt and 35% of gum, or preferably about 30wt% of gum based on the total w eight of the dry base composition.

[0097] The fiber energy composition comprises a ratio of fiber to gum betyveen 9: 1 to 1 : 1. Preferably, the ratio of fiber to gum is 8: 1, 9: 1 , 6:1 , 5: 1, or 4: 1 , or 3: 1 , or 2: 1. In one aspect, the fiber energy' composition comprises 50-70% of fiber to 10-30% of gum.

[0098] In one aspect, the fiber energy composition comprises between about 20% by weight (wt) and 95% wt of soybean hulls, preferably between 30% wt and 90% wt, or preferably betyveen 30%wt and 80%wt, or preferably between 40% wt and 80% wt, or preferably betw een 40% wt and 70% yvt, or preferably betyveen 45% wt and 95% wt, or preferably betyveen 45% wt and 75%wt, or preferably between 45% wt and 65% wt, or preferably between 45% wt and 55% wt of soybean hulls, or preferably about 50wt% of soybean hulls based on the total weight of the dry base fiber energy composition. The fiber energy composition comprises between 5% wt and 50%wt of soybean gum, preferably between 10% wt and 45% wt, or preferably between 15% wt and 40% wt, or preferably between 20% wt and 40% wt, or preferably between 20% wt, and 35% wt, or preferably between 25% wt and 40%wt, and or preferably between 25% wt and 35% of soybean gum, or preferably about 30wt% of soybean gum based on the total weight of the debase composition.

[0099] The fiber energy composition may, optionally, comprise one or more additional ingredients. The additional ingredients, e.g., the broken rice, may assist in the extrusion of the fiber and the gum and may assist in the integrity of pellet formation. Fiber energy composition without the inclusion of grains / starches during the extrusion process are also within the scope of this description. The one or more additional ingredients can be between 0% wt and 40% wt, preferably between 5% wt and 30% wt, or preferably between 10% wt and 40% wt, or preferably between 10% wt and 30% wt, or preferably between 15% wt and 25% wt, or preferably about 20wt% based on the total weight of the dry base fiber energy' composition. Examples of additional ingredients include, but not limited to antioxidants, grains, minerals, enzymes, and other conventional additives. The grains can include a number of starches and can be, for example, com, wheat, broken rice, milled com, ground com, rice meal, wheat meal among other. Examples of antioxidants ingredients include but are not limited to tertiary' buty l hy droquinone (TBHQ), butylated hydroxy toluene (BEIT), propyl gallate, potassium sorbate and tocopherol, or other conventional antioxidants. An example of preferred additional ingredient is ground com and / or tertiary butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ).

[0100] In one aspect, the fiber energy' composition can additionally comprise milled com, ground com, wheat, broken rice, and the like as an additional ingredient. The additional ingredient can be in an amount between 0% wt and 40% wt. preferably between 5% wt and 30% wt, or preferably between 10% wt and 40% wt. or preferably between 10% wt and 30% wt, or preferably between 15% wt and 25% wt, or preferably about 20wt% based on the total weight of the dry base fiber energy' composition.

[0101] In one aspect, the fiber energy' composition comprises between 40% wt and 60% wt of soybean hulls based on the total weight of the dry base composition and preferably between 20% wt and 40% wt of gum based on the total weight of the dry base composition, between 0 %wt and 30 wt%, preferably between 10wt% and 30wt% of milled com based on the total weight of thedry base composition and between about 0,5% wt and 1 % wt of TBHQ based on the total weight of the dry base composition.

[0102] In one aspect, the fiber energy composition comprises 60-90wt% of soybean hulls and 10-30wt% of soybean gum and 0 to 30wt% ground com or other starch source. In one aspect, the fiber energy composition comprises 60wt% of soybean hulls, 10wt% of soybean gum and about 30wt% of ground com. In one aspect, the fiber energy composition comprises 50wt% of soybean hulls, 30wt% of soybean gum and about 20wt% of ground com. In one aspect, the fiber energy composition comprises 90wt% of soybean hulls and l ()wl% of soybean gum. In one aspect, the fiber energy composition comprises 70wt% of soybean hulls and 30wt% of soybean gum. The fiber energy compositions without a starch source are within the scope of this description.

[0103] The fiber energy composition made by the extrusion process of the present disclosure helps to improve animal performance (energy source), animal health (prebiotic effects) and add nutritional value at co-product feedstock from soybean crushing (hulls and gum). This fiber energy composition can be used to feed a vast number of animal species aiming to improve conversion and growth.

[0104] A nutritional value of a raw material is not limited to its chemical composition (protein, energy, fiber and mineral values). As mentioned in the disclosure herein, there are raw- materials of greater or lesser digestibility (greater or lesser ease of breaking down their constituents) and the presence of anti-nutritional compounds (compounds naturally present in foods that will make their digestibility difficult). This relative digestibility of each raw material may also vary according to the species of animal.

[0105] The anti-nutritional factors themselves are substances that, even in a vestigial state, reduce or completely prevent the use of a nutritional element by the animal (both at the digestive level and at the metabolic level). Known anti -nutritional factors: antivitamins, organic acids that chelate mineral cations, antienzy mes (such as soy antitry psin), condensed tannins (present in sorghum grains), lectins, saponins (quinoa).

[0106] The digestibility of the fiber energy composition can improve when made with the process described herein. In one aspect, the digestibility of the fiber energy composition can improve by between 1% and 95% relative to the unextruded, blended mixture of fiber and gum, preferably betw een 5% and 80%, preferably between 10% and 70%, more preferably between 5% and 60%, more preferably between 5% and 50%. more preferably between 10% and 40% more preferably between 10% and 30% and more preferably between 15% and 25%.Enriched animal feed

[0107] In one aspect, the present invention includes a method of feeding animals. The method includes providing to the animal, an enriched animal feed, preferably an enriched poultry feed comprising the fiber energy compositions of the present disclosure.

[0108] The inclusion of the fiber energy composition made by the extrusion process of the present disclosure with the animal feed helps to improve animal performance (energy source), animal health (prebiotic effects) and add nutritional value at co-product feedstock from soybean crushing (hulls and gum). This fiber energy composition can be used to feed a number of animal species aiming to improve conversion and growth.

[0109] In one aspect, the enriched animal feed comprises the fiber energy composition. The fiber energy composition can be the extrudate / extruded product. The fiber energy composition is intended for feeding a wide range of animal species. Therefore, the term ‘'animals” as used in this disclosure includes, but not limited to, ruminants and monogastric animals. Preferably, the fiber energy composition may be directly fed to the animal, or preferably, the fiber energy composition may be combined with animal feed to generate an enriched animal feed that is fed to the animals.

[0110] In one aspect, the enriched animal feed, poultry feed, comprises the fiber energy composition described herein, for example, the soy / soy composition, together with any conventional ingredients commonly used in animal feed, for instance, grains, protein sources, synthetic amino acids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, flavorings, among others. Animal feed can also include additives, for example, mycotoxin binders, essential oils, organic acids, phytogenies and the like. Animal feed as used herein can include animal feed premixes, rations and other feed for different animal species may also be supplemented with the fiber energy composition described herein. The inclusion rates described herein relate to the final inclusion rate present in the animal feed provided to the animal. Thus, a premix may have a higher content of the fiber energy composition that will be diluted upon combining with other ingredients to form the animal feed with the fiber energy composition at the inclusion rates described below.

[0111] The fiber energy composition can be provided with the animal feed, e.g., poultry feed. The fiber energy feed may be blended, provided as top dressing, or combined in other methods known in the art with the animals to generate the enriched poultry feed. The fiber energy composition described herein can be provided in the animal feed at an inclusion rate of at least 0.1 wt%, or at least 0.2wt% based on the weight of the animal feed. The fiber energy composition described herein can be provided in the animal feed at an inclusion rate of at most 10wt%, or at most 5.0wt%, or at most 1.0wt%, or at most 0.5wt% based on the weight of the animal feed. The fiber energy composition described herein can be provided in the animal feed at an inclusion rateof between about 0. lwt% up 10 wt%, or preferably between O. lwt to 5.0wt%, or preferably between O.lwt to 1.0wt%, or preferably between 0.2 - 1.0wt%, or preferably between 0.2 - 0.8wt%, or preferably between 0.2 - 0.5wt% in the animal feed.

[0112] The enriched animal feed can include the fiber energy composition at an inclusion rate at least 0. lwt%, or at least 0.2wt% based on the weight of enriched animal feed. The enriched animal feed can include the fiber energy composition at an inclusion rate of at most 10wt%, or at most 5.0wt%, or at most 1.0wt%, or at most 0.5wt% based on the weight of enriched animal feed. The enriched animal feed can include the fiber energy composition at an inclusion rate of between about 0. lwt% up 10 wt%, or preferably between 0. 1 wt to 5.0wt%, or preferably between 0.1 wt to 1.0wt%, or preferably between 0.2 - 1.0wt%, or preferably between 0.2 - 0.8wt%, or preferably between 0.2 - 0.5wt% based on the weight of the enriched animal feed.Method of feeding animals

[0113] The fiber energy composition can be provided to a variety’ of animals. In one aspect, the animals are poultry animals. The fiber energy composition may be provided by combining the fiber energy composition with an animal feed, animal feed premix and the like. Providing the fiber energy’ composition using other methods in also within the scope of this description. Feeding will be described in the context of providing enriched animal feed that includes the fiber energy' composition, but it will be understood that the fiber energy composition may be provided directly to the animal.

[0114] The enriched animal feed comprising the fiber energy' composition may be fed to an animal one or more times per day, preferably two or more times per day, more preferably three or more times per day. The enriched animal feed may be fed to an animal one to five times a day, preferably two to four times a day, preferably three times a day. The fiber energy composition may be fed to the animal at every feeding. The fiber energy' composition may be provided to the animals at all phases of development.PoultryEnriched poultry feed

[0115] In one aspect, the present invention includes a method of feeding poultry. The method includes providing poultry with an enriched poultry’ feed comprising the fiber energy compositions of the present disclosure.

[0116] In one aspect, the enriched poultry feed comprises the fiber energy composition. The fiber energy composition can be the extrudate / extruded product. The fiber energy composition is intended for feeding all poultry including, for example, chickens, turkeys, geese and ducks.Poultry includes all domestic fowls. Preferably, the fiber energy composition may be directly fed to the poultry, or preferably, the fiber energy composition may be combined with poultry feed to generate an enriched poultry' feed that is fed to the poultry'.

[0117] In one aspect, the fiber energy composition for poultry comprises between 40% wt and 95% wt of fiber, e.g., soybean hulls, based on the total weight of the dry base composition, or preferably between about 45wt% and about 85wt%, or preferably between about 45wt% and about 75wt%, or preferably between about 45wt% and 65wt%, or preferably between about 45wt% and about 55wt%, or preferably about 50wt%. The fiber can be one or more of the following fibers: soy hulls, com, cane, rapeseed meal, canola meal, almond hulls, wheat bran, wheat middlings, wood shavings, com husks, com cobs, alfalfa, straw, sugar cane bagasse, sunflower meal, hay, soybean crop impurities, grain crop impurities, beet pulp, citrus pulp, tomato meal, rice hulls and palm kernel expellers.

[0118] The fiber energy composition for poultry comprises between 5% wt and 50% wt of gum. e.g., soybean gum, based on the total weight of the dry base composition, or preferably between about 10wt% and about 50wt%, or preferably between about 20wt% and about 50wt%, or preferably between about 20wt% and 40wt%, or preferably between about 25wt% and about 35wt%. or preferably about 30wt%. The gum may be one or more of the following gums: soybean gum. rapeseed gum, sunflower gum.

[0119] The fiber energy composition for poultry comprises between 0% wt and 25% wt of starch, e.g., milled com, wheat, etc., based on the total weight of the dry' base composition, or preferably between about 5wt% and about 25wt%, or preferably between about 5wt% and about 20wt%, or preferably between about 10wt% and 25wt%, or preferably between about 15wt% and about 25wt%, or preferably about 20wt%.

[0120] In one aspect, the enriched poultry' feed comprises the fiber energy composition described herein, for example, the soy / soy composition, together with any conventional ingredients commonly used in poultry feed, for instance, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, flavorings, among others. Poultry feed as used herein can include poultry feed premixes, rations and other feed may also be supplemented with the fiber energy' composition described herein. The inclusion rates described herein relate to the final inclusion rate present in the poultry' feed provided to the poultry. Thus, a premix may have a higher content of the fiber energy composition that will be diluted upon combining with other ingredients to form the poultry’ feed.

[0121] The fiber energy composition can be provided with the poultry feed. The fiber energy feed may be blended, provided as top dressing, or combined in other methods known in the art.The fiber energy composition described herein can be provided in the poultry feed at an inclusion rate of at least 0. lwt%, or at least 0.2wt% based on the weight of poultry feed. The fiber energy composition described herein can be provided in the poultry feed at an inclusion rate of at most 10wt%, or at most 5.0wt%, or at most 1.0wt%, or at most 0.5wt% based on the weight of poultry feed. The fiber energy composition described herein can be provided in the poultry feed at an inclusion rate of between about 0.1wt% up 10 wt%, or preferably between 0. Iwt to 5.0wt%, or preferably between 0. 1 wt to 1.0wt%, or preferably between 0.2 - 1.0wt%, or preferably between 0.2 - 0.8wt%, or preferably between 0.2 - 0.5wt% based on the weight of the poultry' feed.

[0122] The dried extruded product can be milled. The milling and sieving step (d) is used to reduce the size of product particles, aiming at better homogeneity, and to improve the quality of the final product. The particle size after the step (d) can be standardized in 0.25 - 5 mm, preferably 3 mm. After the milling step, the final product is mixed and remains stored awaiting sieving, and packing.

[0123] The enriched animal feed can include the fiber energy composition at an inclusion rate at least 0.1 wt%, or at least 0.2wt% based on the weight of enriched animal feed. The enriched animal feed can include the fiber energy' composition at an inclusion rate of at most 10wt%, or at most 5.0wt%, or at most 1.0wt%, or at most 0.5wt% based on the weight of enriched animal feed. The enriched animal feed can include the fiber energy composition at an inclusion rate of between about 0.1 wt% up 10 wt%, or preferably between 0. Iwt to 5.0wt%, or preferably between 0. Iwt to 1.0wt%, or preferably between 0.2 - 1.0wt%, or preferably between 0.2 - 0.8wt%, or preferably between 0.2 - 0.5wt% based on the weight of the enriched animal feed.

[0124] The present description includes a method of feeding poultry, preferably chickens. Chickens can meat producing chickens and / or egg laying chickens. In one aspect, the chickens are broilers. The method of feeding chickens will be discussed with respect of chickens but it will be understood that other poultry' may also be fed with the animal supplemented with the fiber energy' composition.

[0125] In one aspect, the method of feeding poultry can include providing the fiber energy composition, preferably the soy / soy composition, described herein to poultry at an inclusion rate of at least 0. 1 wt%, or at least 0.2wt% of the enriched poultry' feed. The method of feeding poultry' can include providing the fiber energy' composition at an inclusion rate of at most 10wt%, or at most 5.0wt%, or at most 1.0wt%, or at most 0.5wt% based on the weight of enriched poultry feed. The method of feeding poultry can include providing the fiber energy composition at an inclusion rate of between about 0.1 wt% up 10 wt%, or preferably betw een 0.1 wt to 5.0wt%, or preferablybetween O.lwt to 1.0wt%, or preferably between 0.2wt% to about 1.0wt%, or preferably between 0.2wt% to about 0.8wt%, or preferably between 0.2wt% to about 0.5wt% based on the weight of the enriched poultry feed.

[0126] In one aspect, the method of feeding poultry can include providing the fiber energy composition, preferably the soy / soy composition, described herein to poultry at an inclusion rate of at least Ikg / ton of enriched poultry' feed, or at least 2kg / ton of the enriched poultry' feed. The method of feeding poultry' can include providing the fiber energy composition at an inclusion rate of at most lOOkg / ton, or at most 50kg / ton, or at most 20 kg / ton, or at most 10 kg / ton, or at most 5.0 kg / ton. or at most 2.0 kg / ton of enriched poultry’ feed. The method of feeding poultry can include providing the fiber energy composition at an inclusion rate of between about Ikg / ton and about lOOkg / ton, or between about Ikg / ton and about 50kg / ton, or between Ikg / ton and about 20kg / ton, or between Ikg / ton and about lOkg / ton, or between 2kg / ton and about 20kg / ton, or between 2kg / ton and about 15kg / ton, or between 2kg / ton and about lOkg / ton. or between 2kg / ton and about 8kg / ton. or between 2kg / ton and about 5kg / ton of the enriched poultry feed.

[0127] The method further includes feeding poultry one or more times per day, preferably two or more times per day, or preferably three or more times per day. The method includes providing the fiber energy' composition with at least one feeding, or preferably with at least two feedings, or preferably with every feeding.

[0128] Considering the poultry production chain, it is divided into phases, the starter phase (0 to 24 days) and grower phase (25 to 31 days) each of which has different nutritional requirements, which are mainly influenced by the genetic potential of the animals and age. Each cycle follows a calendar of days, where the diet is formulated according to nutritional requirements.

[0129] The method includes providing the fiber energy' composition during the life of poultry. Preferably, the method includes providing the fiber energy composition to the poultry during the starter phase and / or during the grower phase.

[0130] The method of feeding the poultry according to the methods described herein mayincrease the body weight of the chickens by at least 2%, preferably by at least 3%. more preferably about 4%, more preferably about 5%, preferably by 10% relative to weight gain without the inclusion of the fiber energy' composition. The weight gain can be between 2% and 10%, preferably 3% and 8%, more preferably 5% and 8% relative to weight gain without the inclusion of the fiber energy composition. The method of feeding the poultry can improve the energy metabolization by emulsification of lipids, allows improvement of pelletization runability (lubricant effects), allows increasing production while decreasing energy consumption.

[0131] The method of feeding the poultry according to the methods described herein may increase the feed intake of the chickens by at least 2%, preferably by at least 3%, more preferably about 4%, more preferably about 5%, preferably by 10% relative to feed intake without the inclusion of the fiber energy composition. The method of feeding the poultry according to the methods described herein may increase the feed conversion ratio of the chickens by at least 2%, preferably by at least 3%, more preferably about 4%, more preferably about 5%, preferably by 10% relative to feed intake without the inclusion of the fiber energy' composition.

[0132] Representative features of the present invention are set out in the following clauses, which stand alone or may be combined, in any combination, with one or more features disclosed in the text of the specification.

[0133] The present invention is as set out in the following clauses:

[0134] Clause 1: A method for feeding an animal, comprising providing a fiber / gum composition to the animal, wherein the fiber / gum composition comprises one or more fibers and a gum comprising hydratable phospholipids, wherein the fiber energy composition is an extrudate, and wherein the animal is a poultry animal.

[0135] Clause 2: The method for feeding an animal according to clause 1, wherein the fiber comprises soybean hulls, rice hulls or any combinations thereof and the gum comprises soybean gum. rapeseed gum, sunflower gum or any combinations thereof.

[0136] Clause 3: The method for feeding an animal according to clauses 1-2, wherein the fiber / gum composition comprises soybean hulls / soybean gum and / or soybean hulls / rapeseed gum.

[0137] Clause 4: The method for feeding an animal according to any one of the clauses 1-3, wherein the animal is provided an animal feed comprising the fiber energy composition at an inclusion rate of between about 0.1wt% up 10 wt%, preferably between O. lwt to 1.0wt%%, more preferably between 0.2 - 0.5wt%.

[0138] Clause 5: The method for feeding an animal according to any one of the clauses 1-4, wherein the fiber energy composition is provided to the poultry during the starter phase and the grower phase.

[0139] Clause 6: The method for feeding an animal according to any one of the clauses 1 -5, wherein the fiber energy' composition is provided to the poultry' from day 1 to day 31.

[0140] Clause 7: The method for feeding an animal according to any one of the clauses 1-6, wherein the fiber energy composition is provided at least once a day.

[0141] Clause 8: An enriched animal feed comprising a poultry basal feed and a fiber energy composition, wherein the fiber energy' composition comprises a fiber / gum compositioncomprising one or more fibers and a gum, wherein the gum comprises hydratable phospholipids and wherein the fiber energy composition is an extrudate.

[0142] Clause 9: The enriched animal feed of clause 8, wherein the fiber comprises soybean hulls, rice hulls or any combinations thereof and the gum comprises soybean gum, rapeseed gum, sunflower gum or combinations thereof.

[0143] Clause 10: The enriched animal feed of any one of clauses 8-9, wherein the fiber / gum composition comprises soybean hulls / soybean gum and / or soybean hulls / rapeseed gum.

[0144] Clause 11: The enriched animal feed of any one of clauses 8-10, wherein the one or more fibers comprise soybean hulls and the gum comprises soybean gum.

[0145] Clause 12: The enriched animal feed of any one of the preceding clauses 8-11, comprising about 30wt%-90wt% of soybean hulls, preferably about 40-80wt% of soybean hulls, preferably 50-80wt%, preferably 50-70wt% wt of soybean hulls, based on the total weight of the dry base composition.

[0146] Clause 13: The enriched animal feed of any one of the preceding clauses 8-12, comprising about 5-70wt% of gum, preferably about 5-60wt% of gum, preferably 5-30wt%wl of gum, preferably 10% wt, based on the total weight of the dry base composition.

[0147] Clause 14: The enriched animal feed of any one of the preceding clauses 8-13, further comprising one or more additional ingredients selected from the group comprising antioxidants, grains, minerals, enzymes, wherein the amount of one or more additional ingredients is between about l-25wt% based on the total weight of the dry base composition.

[0148] Clause 15: The enriched animal feed of any one of the preceding clauses 8-14, wherein the gum comprises phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidyl serine (PS), phosphatidic acid (PA), phosphatidyl choline (PC), phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PE), phosphatidyl inositol (PI), lyso- phosphatidylcholine (LPC) or any combinations thereof.

[0149] Clause 16: The enriched animal feed of any one of the preceding clauses 8-15, wherein the animal feed comprises the fiber / gum composition at an inclusion rate of betw een about 0.1 wt% up 10 wt%, preferably between 0.1 wt to 1.0wt%%, more preferably between 0.2 - 0.5wt%.

[0150] Clause 17 : The enriched animal feed of any one of the preceding clauses 8-1 , wherein the animal feed is an additive, a premix, a ration or combination thereof.

[0151] Clause 18: The enriched animal feed of any one ofthe preceding clauses 8-17, wherein the animal feed is a poultry’ feed and the inclusion rate is between about Ikg / ton and lOkg / ton. or preferably between 2kg / ton and 5kg / ton.EXAMPLES

[0152] The invention is further described in detail by reference to the following experimental examples. These examples are provided for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to be limiting unless otherwise specified. Thus, the invention should in no way be construed as being limited to the following examples, but rather should be construed to encompass any and all variations which become evident as a result of the teaching provided herein.EXAMPLE 1 - Extrusion of fiber / gum composition

[0153] The description of the parameters for conducting an extrusion process is for illustrative purposes and other extrusion processes may be used.

[0154] Extrusion was conducted at the Grain Science and Industry Bioprocessing and Industrial Value-Added Products Innovation Center at Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS), using the following parameters: A twin-screw extruder (Wenger TX-52; Wenger Manufacturing Inc., Sabetha, KS) was used. The screw speed was 350 rpm. The maximum barrel temperature was 80°C, and in-barrel moisture was 40%. The extruded product passed through a die that had a diameter of 2.5 mm. The temperature in the preconditioner was 85°C. The temperature and pressure in the cannon had a mass temperature 130°C and pressure 20 Bar. The temperature in the dryer was an average of 110°C. The agitation (mixing) time in the homogenizer used was 10 minutes / batch. The die had a single hole of 6 mm. There was no addition of steam in the cannon.

[0155] A person skilled in the art knows that might be acceptable differences between the described parameters in this example and a line used in pilot production. In addition, a person skilled in the art will certainly know that there are differences in the industrial line when implemented industrially.EXAMPLE 2-Extrusion of soybean hulls and soybean gum

[0156] Four (4) samples of formulations comprising soybean hulls and gum were processed using the similar conditions as defined in Example 1 :(I) 60% hulls + 10% gum + 30% corn.

[0157] The gum was easily incorporated into the ground hulls (10 minutes of agitation). 200 ppm of antioxidant BHT was added. After stabilization, the product extruded easily forming stable pellets. The product then dried easily under the established conditions (about 100°C).(II) 50% hulls + 30% gum + 20% corn.

[0158] The gum was easily incorporated into the ground hulls (15 minutes of agitation). 200 ppm of antioxidant BHT w as added. After stabilization, the product extruded w ell but with stable pellet. The product then dried easily under the established conditions (about 100°C).(III) 90% hulls + 10% gum.

[0159] The gum was easily incorporated into the ground hulls (10 minutes of agitation). 200 ppm of antioxidant BHT was added. After stabilization, the product extruded well but formed fragile pellets. The product did not dry easily under the established conditions (about 100°C).(IV) 70% hulls + 30% gum.

[0160] The gum was easily incorporated into the ground hulls (15 minutes of agitation). 200 ppm of antioxidant BHT was added. After stabilization, the product did not extrude easily and did not form a pellet. The product did not dry easily under the established conditions (about 100°C).

[0161] 300kg of compositions I and II were produced with subsequent extrusion and drying.Approximately 150kg of each fraction.

[0162] 150kg of compositions III and IV were produced with subsequent extrusion, but without drying (dryer limitation).

[0163] Samples were collected from the 4 (four) fractions for laboratory tests. Fractions III and IV were dried in a laboratory’ oven.

[0164] In general terms, the gum is easily incorporated into the ground hull, indicating that the fibers play an adsorbent role. The homogenization of the gum in the hull occurs more easily without the presence of com. The com starch is an extrusion aid, providing good pellet formation, which facilitates drying.

[0165] According to the observations made, it would be possible to add higher levels of gum, as long as the drying process is appropriate for the meal product, as well as a longer residence time. Elevating gum levels makes it more difficult to remove water, but it is possible to do it industrially in an atmospheric dryer. And addition of antioxidant (together with gum) could prevent oxidation of the product.

[0166] All raw materials were transported and kept under refrigeration, to avoid deterioration of the gum and microbiological grow th.EXAMPLE 3-Use of soybean hulls and soybean gum extrudate in feeding piglets

[0167] An experimental formulation was included in pig nutrition to evaluate weight yield, overall cost and productivity' improvement.

[0168] The productive phases of pigs are divided into 4 stages: breastfeeding (0-28 days), nursery (28-63 days), growth (63-105 days) and finishing (105-140 days). Each cycle follows a calendar of days, where the diet is formulated according to nutritional requirements.

[0169] The experiment with the gum enriched soybean hulls of the invention was structured for the nursery phase, where the animal receives a formulated feed between 28-63 days, at the end of which, the formulation is adjusted for the next stage.

[0170] The experiment with young animals as carried out at the experimental farm of Cargill AN&H located in Mogi Mirim / SP, where a lot with 240 piglets were divided into 48 pens containing 5 animals each.

[0171] Four diet formulations were prepared: a control and inclusions of 2.5wt%. 5.0wt% and 7.5wt% of the soy / soy fiber energy composition. The animals were segregated into pens to monitor weight gain over four weeks. Regarding the formulations, composition adjustments were made by reducing the amount of oil and adding the soy / soy fiber energy composition, resulting in a new energy' balance of each formula.

[0172] In the stomach, the secretion of hydrochloric acid by the stomach mucosa derives from nervous and hormonal stimuli and the presence of food, which increases stomach pH. The result will be a gradual reduction in the pH and the denaturation of the dietary proteins with the opening of the molecules and elimination of the tertiary' structure, which will facilitate the access of the proteolytic enzymes in the stomach and small intestine. When digest reaches the duodenum, it mixes with alkaline secretions from the liver (bile) and pancreas (pancreatic juice) which raise the intestinal pH to facilitate the action of pancreatic enzymes. The digestion of carbohydrates and proteins in the small intestine is very fast and intense due to the action of pancreatic enzymes responsible for digestion in the intestinal lumen and the enzymes present in the intestinal mucosa.

[0173] For the w eight gain parameter, at the end of the transition phase, a linear and increasing performance curve was observed in the diets containing the additive composed of the soy / soy fiber energy composition. The total weight gain in the transition phase and the daily weight gain (GPD) show ed a linear statistical correlation of performance, demonstrating the positive effect of the soy / soy fiber energy' composition on the performance of the animals. See Figures 3, 4 and 5.TRIAL

[0174] Soy / soy fiber energy composition (I): 60% soy hulls. 30% com and 10% dry gum were extruded as described in Example 1 and 2Table 2CONCLUSIONS

[0175] Results from the treatments in the overall trial period (day 21 to 63 of age) are shown below in Table 3.Table 3

[0176] Inclusion of Fiber Energy increased gain linearly in the transition phase (21 to 42 days). From T4 vs Tl, led to 498 g more per animal or almost 8% increase. Other than growth, no effects were found.

[0177] Inclusion of Fiber Energy' increased gain quadratically in the Starter phase (42 to 63 days). Reaching a plateau with 5% inclusion (T3). From T3 vs Tl, led to 660 g more per animal or almost 5% increase. Other than growth, no effects were found.

[0178] Overall period, T4 vs Tl increased gain in 1,140 g or 6% more (quadratic effect).Example 4-Fiber energy composition in poultry

[0179] Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the (1) effect of different levels of fiber energy (1.5; 3.0 and 4.5%); (2) to compare 0.3% of Fiber energy with 0.1% ofLyzoforte on broilers, evaluating performance, metabolizable energy and digestibility of fat and dry matter.

[0180] The objective of treatments T1 to T3 was to generate a dose-response curve of energy levels. Treatments T4 and T5 were drawn to compare the emulsifier activity of Lyzoforte (Lyso 0.1%) with Fiber energy (FBE 0.3%) in relation to an isoenergetic diet (T2) with these doses stabilizing taking into consideration the higher Lyzo doses and based in previous in vitro studies showing that the activity of Lyzo is similar to three times the dose of FBE. The obj ective of treatments T6, T7 and T8 was to evaluate increasing FBE levels with a practical approach maintaining the same inclusion of oil of T2 and not taking ME levels into account.

[0181] The feed was provided as mash. The marco ingredients were com, soybean meal, meat and bone meal. The feed phases are starter (0-24 days) and grower (25-31 days). Nutrient matrix of fiber energy was created taking into account only nutrient content of soybean hulls (60%) and com (30%) with soybean gum (10%) added without any nutrient content. No nutrients were considered to the matrix of Lyziforte.

[0182] Number of animals: 720 animals; Age of housing (d): 0; Genetic, Sex:Ross, male. Housing Density7(animals / m2): 8, 58. Animals were in cages a 5 per EU in randomized blocks. There were 8 treatments and 18 reps.

[0183] Analyzed data: Performance (feed intake, body weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio) from 0 to 7, 8 to 23, 24 to 31, and 0 to 31 days of age. AMEn and digestibility coefficient of DM, CP and EE of the evaluated diets from 21 to 23 days of age) by total excfreta collection methodology, in 72 cages.

[0184] Statistical Analysis: Data was analyzed by Statistics 10. Analysis of Variance was performed to check the differences between treatments. If significance was detected (P<0.05), the following analysis were performed: Polynomial contrasts to detect linear, quadratic or cubic effects of added energy' levels (treatments T1 = 0; T2 = 50 and T3 = 100 kcal) and FBE inclusion within diets with the same oil inclusion (T2 = 0; T6 = 1.5; T7 = 3.0 and T8 = 4.5%). Linear equations of added ME (T1 to T3) were used to estimate ME release of treatments T4 (0. 1% Lyzo) and T5 (0.3% FBE), taking into consideration that both additives were added to T2 diet, then 50 kcal was used as basal ME. Also LSE means of treatment T2, Lyzo (0.1%) and FBE (0.3%) were compared using Tukey test (P<0.05) if significance was detected.

[0185] Analysis of Lyzoforte (Lyzo 0.1%) vs Fiber energy (FBE 0.3%) and Increasing FBE levels (0.0%; 1.5%; 3.0% and 4.5%) is discussed below.Table 4AGE, d Param. CTRL2 Lyzo FBE030 P CV(1.37) (1.44) (1.48)BWO 47 48 47 0.151 1.33 n „ FI 199 201 194 0.402 9.080 to 7BW7 191 190 183 0.401 9.46FCR 1.046 1.053 1.048 0.553 3.82FI 1415 AB 1425 A 1357 B 0.030 5.84BW23 1334 AB 1354 A 1271 B 0.029 6.668 to 2J , „ . „WG 1143 AB 1162 A 1088 B 0.026 6.80FCR 1.241 1.245 1.249 0.869 3.90FI 1279 1276 1266 0.849 5.3324 to 31 WG 815 808 817 0.648 8.90FCR 1.595 1.604 1.564 0.518 8.04

[0186] Parameters of ME dose-response curve (T1 to T3) and estimated ME release of Lyzo 0.1% and FBE 0.3% treatments are shown below in Table 5.Table 5Parameter BW, 7d BW, BW, FCR, 0- FCR, 8- FCR, FCR, 0-23d 31d 7 d 23d 24-31d 31d intercept 184.2 1284.0 2077.3 1.0733 1.2615 1.6103 1.3694 x 0.16661 1.00192 1.17745 -0.00051 -0.00051 -0.00064 -0.00052ME Release -Lyzo 0.1% 0 19 21 0 0 0 0ME Release -FBE 0.4% 0 0 0 0 0 22 0

[0187] Performance of increasing FBE levels in diets with the same dietary oil inclusion are shown below in Table 6Table 6AGE, d Param. CTRL2 (1.37) FBE150 (1.37) FBE300 (1.37) FBE450 (1.37) P CV Polynomial ContrastsLin Quad CuiBWO 47 47 47 47 0.130 1.4 0.139 0.534 0.06FI 199 205 204 200 0.492 7.1 0.907 0.135 0.785O to 7BW7 191 194 187 187 0.373 7.8 0.181 0.715 0.272FCR 1.046 1.060 1.095 1.064 0.007 4.1 0.034 0.019 0.082FI 1415 1416 1352 1399 0.102 5.7 0.121 0.245 0.083BW23 1334 1340 1301 1299 0.286 6.1 0.072 0.859 0.4698 to 23WG 1143 1146 1114 1112 0.321 6.3 0.077 0.900 0.552FCR 1.241 1.239 1.255 1.262 0.281 3.2 0.063 0.697 0.731FI 1279 1278 1282 1282 0.995 6.1 0.894 0.904 0.83624 to 31 WG 815 812 802 786 0.617 9.1 0.244 0.641 0.739FCR 1.595 1.578 1.597 1.648 0.125 5.6 0.079 0.123 0.815FI 2893 2903 2837 2880 0.584 5.0 0.411 0.638 0.294O to 31 BW31 2157 2153 2113 2085 0.281 5.7 0.065 0.621 0.987FCR 1.345 1.344 1.343 1.384 0.020 3.2 0.025 0.060 0.248Table 7

[0188] As shown in Table 6, FBE levels had a quadratic effect upon FCR from 0 to 7 and from 0 to 31 days and a linear effect upon BW 23 and 31 days and on FCR from 8 to 23 and 24 to 31 days of age, although, as shown in Table 7, P values of these equations were not significant (P<0.05) and R2 was low, indicated a tendency of effect with a poor relationship. Collectively, these data suggest that FBE inclusion should not be higher than 1.5%, as long as performance of poultry fed 1.5% FBE and CTRL diet was similar, decreasing with more than 3.0% FBE inclusion (except for FCR from 0 to 31 days, that kept the same performance up to 3.0% inclusion).PROPHETIC EXAMPLES

[0189] Prophetic example 1- Effect of Fiber energy on the performance parameters, apparent metabolizable energy and ileal nutrient digestibility in poultry’.

[0190] Objective: To investigate the influence of Fiber energy supplementation on the performance, apparent metabolizable energy' (AME) and ileal nutrient digestibility in broilers fed com-soybean meal-based diets with different fat sources.MATERIALS AND METHODSDietary treatments

[0191] The influence of Fiber energy' supplementation on the performance, apparent metabolizable energy’ (AME) and ileal nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens will be examined in this experiment. 12 dietary treatments will be used (Table 8).

[0192] Diets A to L (performance, AME and digestibility trial): For each oil / fat source (crude palm oil, soy oil, and poultry' fat), a Positive Control (PC) diets (NRC recommended AME) will be formulated, based on com and soybean meal. A negative control diet (PC with -lOOkcals), based on com and soybean meal, will also be formulated. The PC and NC diets will then be used to develop third and fourth dietary treatments by adding Fiber energy (5 kg / t).

[0193] All diets will contain Phytase at 1000 FTU / kg and were formulated using matrix values to deliver 0.15% non-phytate phosphorus and 0.15% total calcium.

[0194] All the diets will contain titanium dioxide (5 g / kg) as an inert marker for determination of nutrient digestibility coefficients. All the diets will be steam-conditioned at 70°C. Conditioning time of the mash was 30 seconds, and the conditioning temperature will be measured at the outlet (close to the exit point) of the conditioner. After conditioning, the diets will be pelleted using a pellet mill (Richard Size Limited Engineers, Orbit 15, Kingston-upon-Hull, UK) capable of manufacturing 180 kg of feed / h and equipped with a die ring (35-mm thickness; 3-mm). Representative samples will be obtained for all diets (1000 g / diet) for further analysis.Table 8. Dietary treatmentsTreatment Fat type Diet type Emulsifier inclusion rate1-A Crude palm oil Positive Control (PC)2-B Crude palm oil Negative Control (NC) (PC - lOOkcals)3-C Crude palm oil PC + Fiber energy 5 kg / t4-D Crude palm oil NC + Fiber energy 5 kg / t5-E Soy oil PC6-F Soy oil NC (PC - lOOkcals)7-G Soy oil PC + Fiber energy 5 kg / t8-H Soy oil NC + Fiber energy 5 kg / t9-1 Poultry fat PC10-J Poultry fat NC (PC - lOOkcals)11-K Poultry fat PC + Fiber energy 5 kg / t12-L Poultry fat NC + Fiber energy 5 kg / tFor diets A to L, NC diets (Low AME diets, PC - lOOkcals) were formulated to contain minimum 4% of crude fat, and then PC diets (NRC AME Recommendations). Diets A to L will be fed in pellet form.Parameters measuredTreatments A to L - Growth performance

[0195] A total of 768 male day-old broilers (Ross 308) will be obtained from a commercial hatchery. Birds will be weighed individually and allocated to 96 brooder cages (8 birds per cage) so that the average bird weight per cage was similar. Each treatment will be randomly assigned into eight replicate cages. On day 12, the birds will be moved to grower cages. The cages will be housed in an environmentally controlled room. The temperature will be maintained at 32°C in thefirst week and then gradually reduced to 24°C by the end of third week. Temperature control will be achieved through thermostatically controlled fans and electric heaters. The diets will be offered ad libitum and water will be freely available throughout the 21-day trial. The birds will receive the following lighting program per day: Day 0, 24L:0D; Day 1, 23L: 1D; Day 2, 22L:2D; Day 3, 21L:3D; Day 4-21. 20L:4D. Birds were checked at least three times daily (9.00 am, 1.00 pm and 4.00 pm) and any unusual aspect of bird behaviour or condition will be recorded. Sick or injured birds will be weighed and removed from the study. Body weight and feed intake will be recorded weekly on a cage basis. Mortality will be recorded daily. Feed per unit gain values will be corrected for the body weight of any bird that died during the experiment.Total tract nutrient retention and AME- All treatments

[0196] Excreta output will collected per cage over four consecutive days (from day 17 to 20) for the determination of AME. Daily excreta collections will be pooled within a cage, mixed in a blender and sub-sampled. Each sub sample will be lyophilized, ground to pass through a 0.5 mm sieve and stored in airtight plastic containers at -4 °C pending analysis. Processed samples will be analysed for DM and GE, nitrogen and fat.Ileal nutrient digestibility - All treatments

[0197] At the end of experiment (day 21), all birds per replicate cage will be euthanised by intravenous injection (0.5 mL per 1 kg body weight) of sodium pentobarbitone and the contents of the lower half of ileum will be collected by flushing the contents gently with distilled water into plastic containers. Ileal digesta from the birds within a cage were pooled, immediately frozen, freeze dried and stored for further analysis (Ravindran et al., 2005). Samples of digesta and diets will be analyzed for Ti, DM. nitrogen, starch, GE. and fat.Chemical analysis: PC and NC diets samples will be analyzed for DM, GE, Ti, nitrogen, starch and fat. All analyses will be conducted in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory (Nutrition Laboratory', Massey University'). Fat samples will be analyzed for fat quality' and profile tests (peroxide value, p-Anisidine value, FFA content, fatty acid profile, iodin value). Dry matter content will be determined in a convection oven at 105°C (AOAC 930.15; AO AC 925.10). Adiabatic bomb calorimetry' (Gallenkamp Autobomb, London, UK) will be used to determine gross energy', standardised with benzoic acid. The samples will be tested for Ti on a UV spectrometer in accordance with the method described by Short et al. (1996). Nitrogen content will be determined by the combustion method using a CNS-2000 carbon. N and sulphur analyser (LECO" Corporation, St. Joseph, Michigan, USA). The CP content will be calculated as N x 6.25. Starch content will be measured using an assay kit (Megazyme International Ireland Ltd.,Wicklow, Ireland) based on thermostable alpha-amylase and amyloglucosidase. For the determination of fat, the Soxhlet extraction method (Method 991.36; AO AC, 2005) will be used.Calculations

[0198] The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of nutrients will be calculated by the following formula using the titanium marker ratio in the diet and ileal digesta.AID of nutrient = (NT / Ti)d - (NT / Ti)i(NT / Ti)dWhere, (NT / Ti)a = ratio of nutrient and titanium in diet, and(NT / Ti)i = ratio of nutrient and titanium in ileal digesta.The AME values of the diets (without and with emulsifier) will be calculated using the following formulas:AME diet (MJ / kg) = (Feed intake x GEdiet) - (Excreta output x GE excreta)Total feed intakeData analysis

[0199] The data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA to determine the main effects (diet type and Emulsifier) and their interaction using the General Linear Models procedure of the SAS Institute Inc. (version 9.4; 2015). Differences were considered to be significant at P < 0.05 and significant differences between means were separated by Least Significant Difference tests.EXPECTED RESULTSGrowth Performance

[0200] I. Performance between different oils (PC). Performance of birds given diets with Poultry fat and crude palm oil will have lower performance compared to soy oil. Degree of saturation of the oil will affect fats / oil digestibility.

[0201] II. Performance between PC and NC. Performance of birds of PC will be better compared to NC due to the lower feed energy level. Expected that NC will have higher FCR.

[0202] III. Performance between PC, NC and NC plus Fiber Energy. (NC + Fiber energy) Fiber energy will regain some of the decrease in performance through improving fat / oil digestibility.

[0203] IV. Performance between NC plus Fiber energy and different types of oil. Uplift in performance will be higher for the more saturated fat sources (crude palm oil and poultry fat). Soy oil has good digestibility already. Benefit of emulsification of fat will be higher for less digestible fats / oils (Saturated fats / oils) compared to unsaturated ones.

[0204] V. Performance between PC plus Fiber Energy and NC Plus Fiber Energy. PC plus fiber energy will perform better than NC plus fiber energy. Fiber energy will maximize total fat digestion in the feed giving an uplift in performance. Better emulsification regardless of oil types also has the benefits of increased uptake of fat-soluble nutrients which contributes to better performance.

[0205] VI. Digestibility results in general will be higher for diets with fiber energy as emulsification of fat leads to better digestion of fats and oils together with increased uptake of other nutrients especially fat-soluble ones.Prophetic Example 2- Effect of Fiber energy on the performance parameters in poultry

[0206] OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of Fiber energy supplementation on the performance of broilers fed com-soybean meal-based diets.MATERIALS AND METHODS

[0207] Dietary treatments: A total of 1.400 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) will be procured from a commercial hatchery. Day-old weights will be collected and chicks will be allocated into 70 pens, with 7 treatments with 10 replicate each group of 20 birds each, using a completely randomized design. The room temperature will be initially set at 32°C for the first 3 days of the trial. Weekly 3°C gradually reduced until it reached 24°C. The diets will be offered ad libitum and water will be freely available throughout the 21 -day trial. The birds will receive the following lighting program per day: Day 0, 24L:0D; Day 1, 23L: 1D: Day 2, 22L:2D; Day 3, 21L:3D; Day 4-21, 20L:4D. Birds will be checked at least three times daily (9.00 am, 1.00 pm, and 4.00 pm) and any unusual aspect of bird behavior or condition will be recorded. Sick or injured birds will be weighed and removed from the study. Body weight and feed intake will be recorded weekly on a cage basis. Mortality will be recorded daily. Feed per unit gain values will be corrected for the body weight of any bird that died during the experiment. Weekly Feed Intake, Body weights, and Mortalities will be measured.

[0208] The experiment will comprise seven diets: a control diet with NRC recommended nutrient levels (Positive control, PC) and five other diets with a 100 kcal / kg ME reduction (Negative Control) from PC, incorporating 0, 1 , 3, 5 and 10 kg / ton of Fiber energy. A PC group plus 5 kg / ton of Fiber energy will also be created. All treatment diets will use Crude Palm Oil (CPO) as the fat source and a minimum crude fat of 4%. This study will utilize a Four-phase feeding program, consisting of pre-starter diets for 0-10 days, starter diets for 11-21 days, grower diets for 21-28 days, and finisher diets for 28-42 days. All diets will contain Phytase at 1000FTU / kg and were formulated using matrix values to deliver 0.15% non-phytate phosphorus and 0.15% total calcium.

[0209] All the diets will be steam-conditioned at 80°C. Conditioning time of the mash at 30 seconds conditioning time. The conditioning temperature will be measured at the outlet (close to the exit point) of the conditioner. After conditioning, the diets will be pelleted using a pellet mill (Richard Size Limited Engineers, Orbit 15, Kingston-upon-Hull, UK) capable of manufacturing 180 kg of feed / h and equipped with a die ring (35-mm thickness; 3-mm). Representative samples will be obtained for all diets (1000 g / diet) for further analysis.Table 9. Dietary Treatments

[0210] Data analysis: The data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA to determine the main effects (diet type and Emulsifier) and their interaction using the General Linear Models procedure of the SAS Institute Inc. (version 9.4; 2015). Differences were considered to be significant at P < 0.05 and significant differences between means were separated by Least Significant Difference tests.EXPECTED RESULTSGrowth Performance

[0211] I. Performance between PC and NC. The performance of birds of PC will be better compared to NC due to the lower feed energy level. Expected that NC will have a higher FCR.

[0212] II. Performance between PC, NC, and NC plus Fiber Energy (NC + 0, 1, 3, 5, 10 kg / ton Fiber energy). Fiber energy will regain some of the decrease in performance by improving fat / oil digestibility. There will be a stepwise increase in performance as Fiber energy inclusion in the diets goes higher. The increase in performance expected can also be attributed in part to the increase in functional fiber in the product as the inclusion increases. The functional fibers help in the development of the gut. Increase in the digestive and absorbing ability of the gut through betterdevelopment of the gut together with increased digestibility of fat / oils overall increase nutrient digestion and absorption.

[0213] III. Performance between PC plus Fiber Energy' and NC Plus Fiber Energy' (NC + 0, 1, 3, 5, 10 kg / ton Fiber energy). PC plus fiber energy will perform better than NC plus fiber energy. Fiber energy will maximize total fat digestion in the feed giving an uplift in performance.

[0214] In this document, the terms “a,” “an,” or “the” are used to include one or more than one unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive “or” unless otherwise indicated. All publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in this document are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as though individually incorporated by reference. In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and those documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference should be considered supplementary to that of this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.

[0215] 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 were 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,” unless indicated 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.

[0216] Unless expressly stated, ppm (parts per million), percentage, and ratios are on a by weight basis. Percentage on a by weight basis is also referred to as wt% or % (wt) below.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method for feeding an animal, comprising providing a fiber / gum composition to the animal, wherein the fiber / gum composition comprises one or more fibers and a gum comprising hydratable phospholipids, wherein the fiber energy composition is an extrudate, and wherein the animal is a poultry animal.

2. The method for feeding an animal according to claim 1. wherein the fiber comprises soybean hulls, rice hulls or any combinations thereof and the gum comprises soybean gum, rapeseed gum, sunflower gum or any combinations thereof,3. The method for feeding an animal according to claims 1-2, wherein the fiber / gum composition comprises soybean hulls / soybean gum and / or soybean hulls / rapeseed gum.

4. The method for feeding an animal according to any one of the claims 1-3. wherein the animal is provided an animal feed comprising the fiber energy composition at an inclusion rate of between about 0.1wt% up 10preferably between O. l wt to 1.0wt%%, more preferably between 0.2 - 0.5wt%.

5. The method for feeding an animal according to any one of the claims 1-4. wherein the fiber energy composition is provided to the poultry during the starter phase and the grower phase.

6. The method for feeding an animal according to any one of the claims 1-5, wherein the fiber energy composition is provided to the poultry from day 1 to day 31.

7. The method for feeding an animal according to any one of the claims 1-6, wherein the fiber energy composition is provided at least once a day.

8. An enriched animal feed comprising a poultry basal feed and a fiber energy composition, wherein the fiber energy composition comprises a fiber / gum composition comprising one or more fibers and a gum, wherein the gum comprises hydratable phospholipids and wherein the fiber energy composition is an extrudate.

9. The enriched animal feed of claim 8, wherein the fiber comprises soybean hulls, rice hulls or any combinations thereof and the gum comprises soybean gum. rapeseed gum, sunflower gum or combinations thereof.

10. The enriched animal feed of any one of claims 8-9, wherein the fiber / gum composition comprises soybean hulls / soybean gum and / or soybean hulls / rapeseed gum.

11. The enriched animal feed of any one of claims 8- 10, wherein the one or more fibers comprise soybean hulls and the gum comprises soybean gum.

12. The enriched animal feed of any one of the preceding claims 8-11, comprising about 30wt%-90wt% of soybean hulls, preferably about 40-80wt% of soybean hulls, preferably 50-80wt%. preferably 50-70wt% wt of soybean hulls, based on the total weight of the dry base composition.

13. The enriched animal feed of any one of the preceding claims 8-12, comprising about 5-70wt% of gum, preferably about 5-60wt% of gum, preferably 5-30wt%wt of gum, preferably 10% wt, based on the total weight of the dry base composition.

14. The enriched animal feed of any one of the preceding claims 8-13, further comprising one or more additional ingredients selected from the group comprising antioxidants, grains, minerals, enzy mes, wherein the amount of one or more additional ingredients is between about l-25wt% based on the total weight of the dry base composition.

15. The enriched animal feed of any one of the preceding claims 8-14, wherein the gum comprises phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidyl serine (PS), phosphatidic acid (PA), phosphatidyl choline (PC), phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PE), phosphatidyl inositol (PI), lyso- phosphatidylcholine (LPC) or any combinations thereof.

16. The enriched animal feed of any one of the preceding claims 8-15, wherein the animal feed comprises the fiber / gum composition at an inclusion rate of between about 0.1 wt% up 10 wt%, preferably between O.lwt to 1.0wt%%, more preferably between 0.2 - 0.5wt%.

17. The enriched animal feed of any one of the preceding claims 8-16, wherein the animal feed is an additive, a premix, a ration or combination thereof.

18. The enriched animal feed of any one of the preceding claims 8-17, wherein the animal feed is a poultry feed and the inclusion rate is between about Ikg / ton and lOkg / ton, or preferably between 2kg / ton and 5kg / ton.

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