Compositions and methods

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to compositions and methods for reducing methane production in animals, particularly by controlling the redox potential in the digestive tract.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to compositions and methods for reducing greenhouse gas production from animals. In particular, the present invention relates generally to new methods for reducing methane production from animals by controlling the redox potential in the animal's digestive tract, and compositions comprising an oxidizing agent useful in such methods. [Background technology]

[0002] In the agricultural industry, there are significant concerns regarding the production of large amounts of greenhouse gases, particularly methane, from animals, such as ruminants, and especially from the raising of cattle for the beef and dairy industries. Methanogens, such as methanogenic microorganisms (e.g., methanogenic archaea), present in the rumen of these animals break down ingested food to produce methane. According to a 2006 United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization report, the livestock sector, which is mostly cattle, generates 18% more greenhouse gas emissions (measured in CO2 equivalents) than the transport sector. Therefore, there is a need to reduce the carbon footprint of the agricultural industry. Compositions and their use in methods for reducing methane production in animals are known in the art, for example in WO 2020 / 074672, but such efforts have focused on various compositions and methods, including, for example, iodide. Some previous efforts have also focused on, for example, biodeamination and / or invasive techniques of high concentrations of peroxide and / or iodide, in some cases generating or relying on reactive species. However, biodeamination can have undesirable negative effects on digestibility (which can negatively affect animal performance and feed efficiency). There remains a need for new compositions and new methods for reducing greenhouse gas production from animals. Moreover, in the agricultural industry, it is generally advantageous that residues of both contaminants and prohibited substances are not present in animal products that enter the food chain, or are present at levels that cannot cause adverse effects on the health of consumers. This includes meat, meat products, and milk from the main edible species (e.g., cattle, sheep / goats, pigs, and poultry). For example, in the case of chemical residues such as organochlorines, bromoform, and organophosphorus compounds, animals are only suitable for food products if the residue levels of such contaminants in the edible products are below levels that may cause health risks to consumers. Thus, maximum residue limits / levels (MRLs) in meat and dairy products for various contaminants are prescribed by regulatory authorities, for example, under EU legislation (e.g., Directive 96 / 23 / EC). For example, one of the problems with using seaweed or seaweed extracts in animal feed to reduce methane emissions is the presence of toxic bromoform residues, and other components in the seaweed or plant extracts may have a negative effect on the food value or acceptability of the animal products entering the human food chain. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Some food ingredients do not have MRLs but must still be considered. For example, iodine is an essential nutrient for humans, but there is some evidence that excess iodine intake can have negative health effects. As a result, daily dietary intake guidelines for iodine have been developed. For animal products that enter the human food chain, it is advantageous that the iodine levels are not elevated to such an extent that ingestion of normal amounts of the product would result in exceeding the daily intake guidelines. There remains a need for new compositions and new methods for reducing greenhouse gas production from animals that allow for the absence of such ingredients.

[0004] definition The term "comprising" encompasses "including" as well as "consisting", e.g., a composition "comprising" X may consist exclusively of X or may include something additional, e.g., X+Y. The term "comprising", as used herein, also encompasses "consisting essentially of", e.g., a composition "comprising" X may consist of X and any other component that does not substantially affect the essential characteristics of the composition. Alternatively or additionally, "consisting essentially of" can mean, for example, constituting 95% or more of a component. The term "ORP" refers to oxidation-reduction potential, which can be measured by conventional means, for example, using an ORP meter. For exemplary assays in animals, see below. The terms "methanogenesis" and "methanogenesis" are used interchangeably and in the present context both refer to the biological production of methane (CH4), for example by microorganisms, such as archaea or other organisms. The term "methanogens" refers to organisms (e.g., microorganisms such as methanogenic archaea) that produce methane (CH4). The term "source of" can refer to a substance or composition that directly or indirectly provides / releases a chemical entity (e.g., an ion or a molecule such as peroxide) by, for example, chemical or physical dissociation, dissolution, and / or chemical or biochemical degradation (e.g., in the digestive tract of an animal, such as the ruminant rumen). For example, hydrogen peroxide, urea hydrogen peroxide, magnesium peroxide, calcium peroxide, and combinations thereof are all sources of oxygen, and in particular, sources of peroxide. The term "source of" can also encompass the substance itself, e.g., a "source of X" can itself be "X". The term "active ingredient" refers to an ingredient that is primarily responsible for a biological effect (e.g., methane reduction). In general, the term does not include excipients, fillers, foods, etc. that do not have a methane reduction effect (at least as a primary function).

[0005] The term "iodide" refers to the iodide ion (I ー ) or it can refer to a source of iodide ions, such as an iodide salt (e.g., KI). The term "biodepletion" refers to the reduction in population or elimination of fauna in an ecosystem, e.g., the substantial reduction or elimination of the population of microorganisms (e.g., protozoa) present in the stomach, e.g., rumen, of an animal. This refers to a substantial reduction in population, rather than a small reduction that is usually secondary to another effect. The term "digestibility" refers to the proportion, e.g. by mass, of food taken into the digestive tract of an animal that is absorbed into the body. Digestibility can be measured by conventional means. For example, digestibility can be calculated from the difference in mass between the food ingested by the animal and the food residues excreted without being metabolized and / or absorbed. The term "oxidizing agent" refers to anything (e.g., any compound, composition, or biological system) that increases the ORP. A variety of oxidizing agents are known in the art. The term "oxygen source" refers to a compound or composition that releases oxygen, for example, by decomposition of peroxide or peroxide ions in solution. The release of oxygen from the peroxide or peroxide source can optionally be catalyzed by an organism (e.g., yeast), an enzyme (e.g., peroxidase or catalase), or a metal (e.g., iron). A variety of oxygen sources are known in the art.

[0006] The term "peroxide" refers to the "peroxide ion" (O2 2- ), and can also mean a source of peroxide ions (e.g., hydrogen peroxide, urea hydrogen peroxide, magnesium peroxide, calcium peroxide, sodium percarbonate, sodium peroxide, lithium peroxide, combinations thereof, and the like). The term "nitrate" refers to the nitrate ion (NO3 - ), or it can refer to a source of nitrate ions, such as a nitrate salt (e.g., NaNO3). The term "digestive tract" in the context of the present invention usually refers to the single component of the digestive tract where most methane production occurs. This is usually the stomach (e.g., the rumen in ruminants), but may be the large intestine in some animals. This may be the first chamber of the digestive tract. The terms "digestive tract" (and "stomach" and "rumen") in the context of the present invention usually do not include the mouth or esophagus. For example, when an increase in ORP is considered, this may only relate to effects in the stomach and / or large intestine and / or small intestine. Throughout this specification, preferred embodiments are the methods and compositions described, in which case the term "digestive tract" is replaced with "stomach" or with the term "rumen". In some embodiments relating to non-ruminant animals, the method is as described herein, except that "stomach" is replaced with "large intestine". In a most preferred embodiment, the present invention is configured to act in the rumen of a ruminant.

[0007] The terms "elevation of ORP" and "increase in ORP" are used interchangeably and mean to raise the ORP so that it is more oxidative than before. Normal levels can be measured, for example, in a system (e.g., the digestive tract of an animal) prior to administration of the composition of the invention, or in a reference system in the absence of the composition of the invention. An increase in ORP is an increase in the E h to a more positive value relative to normal. Further target increases are described herein. "C max The term "concentration" usually means, in the present context, the maximum (or peak) concentration of a substance, compound, ion, etc., achieved in the digestive tract or a particular part of the digestive tract of an animal (e.g., the rumen or a particular part of the rumen of a ruminant), and C max can be measured in any fluid from that part of the body (eg, rumen fluid). The term "without reducing digestibility" can mean no reduction in digestibility, but can also encompass, for example, a slight reduction in digestibility without a substantial reduction in digestibility. Generally, throughout this application, the term "substantially" can mean a deviation of no more than about 25%, preferably no more than about 20%, preferably no more than about 15%, preferably no more than about 10%, and most preferably no more than about 5%. For example, the term "substantially" can mean a deviation of no more than about 15% from a particular value. In general, the term "about" can mean a deviation of no more than about 25%, preferably no more than about 20%, preferably no more than about 15%, preferably no more than about 10%, and most preferably no more than about 5%. For example, the term "about" can mean a deviation of no more than about 15% from a particular value. "Administration" is usually oral and includes feeding the animal, the animal eating itself, and in some embodiments, administering certain dosage forms, such as a bolus. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows the effect of various compositions on gas production, particularly methane production, in a simulated ruminal model. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 shows the effect of various compositions on methane production volume in a simulated rumen model. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 shows the effect of various compositions on the total volume of gas produced in a simulated ruminal model. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 shows the effect of various compositions on the daily amount of methane produced in a simulated ruminal model. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 shows the effect of various compositions on the amount of ammonia produced in a simulated ruminal model. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 shows the effect of various compositions on ruminal fluid acidity in a simulated ruminal model. [Figure 7]FIG. 1 shows the effect of various compositions on dry matter digestibility in a simulated ruminal model. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 shows the effect of different compositions on dry matter digestibility of forage-based diets in a simulated ruminal model. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 shows the effect of various compositions on dry matter digestibility of feed compositions in a simulated ruminal model. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 shows the effect of different compositions on the mean dry matter digestibility of feed compositions and forage-based diets in a simulated ruminal model. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 shows the effect of various compositions on gas production, particularly methane production, in a simulated ruminal model. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 shows the effect of various compositions on methane production volume in a simulated rumen model. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 shows the effect of various compositions on the total volume of gas produced in a simulated ruminal model. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 shows the effect of various compositions on the daily amount of methane produced in a simulated ruminal model. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 shows the effect of various compositions on ruminal fluid acidity in a simulated ruminal model. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 shows the effect of various compositions on dry matter digestibility in a simulated ruminal model. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 shows the effect of different compositions on dry matter digestibility of forage-based diets in a simulated ruminal model. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 shows the effect of various compositions on dry matter digestibility of feed compositions in a simulated ruminal model. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 shows the effect of different compositions on the mean dry matter digestibility of feed compositions and forage-based diets in a simulated ruminal model. [Figure 20] 1 shows in vivo ORP levels over time in the bovine rumen for the control, low-dose CaO2, and high-dose CaO2 groups. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 shows ruminal ORP levels measured in the studied cattle as a function of time from 0 to 50 hours. [Figure 22] FIG. 1 shows ruminal ORP levels measured in the studied cattle as a function of time from 50 to 100 hours. [Figure 23] FIG. 1 shows the effect of various oxidants on ORP as a function of time, which are described in more detail in the Examples of this application where relevant experimental details and results are discussed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Summary of the Invention The present inventors have discovered a new composition and a new method for reducing methane production in animals without substantially negatively affecting digestibility. In particular, the new composition and the new method reduce methane production without significant bioremoval in the digestive tract, e.g., the rumen. Some protozoa carry methanogenic archaea as endosymbionts, and some methane is produced by these archaea. Bioremoval can reduce the population of protozoa. However, it has been surprisingly found that methane production can be reduced by increasing oxygen supply and ORP, even though protozoa are known to consume oxygen. The composition and method of the present invention can also improve the feed efficiency of animals by inhibiting methane production and making more of the ingested food available to the animal, rather than to the methanogens, in the digestive tract.

[0010] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method for reducing methane production from an animal by increasing the redox potential in the animal's stomach, the method comprising orally administering to the animal a composition comprising an oxidizing agent. The inventors have discovered that maintaining the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) within a preferred range is an entirely new and surprisingly effective approach to reducing methane production without negatively affecting digestive function. Previous efforts have focused on invasive approaches such as bioremoval and / or generation of high concentrations of peroxides or reactive species, without any attempt to control ORP. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for reducing methane production from an animal while increasing ammonia production in an animal, comprising orally administering to the animal a composition comprising an oxidizing agent, the oxidizing agent comprising urea hydrogen peroxide. Surprisingly, it has been discovered that this method reduces methane production in ruminant animals while simultaneously promoting ammonia production. In particular, the inventors have observed that the oxidizing agent urea hydrogen peroxide (UHP) is particularly effective in reducing methane production from animals while increasing ammonia production in animals. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for reducing methane production from an animal, comprising orally administering to the animal a composition comprising an oxidant, wherein the composition is administered to the animal at a dose that increases the redox potential of the animal's stomach by at least +100 mV for at least 1 hour. The inventors have discovered that such doses are particularly effective or optimal for the methods of the present invention (e.g., for reducing methane production in ruminant animals), and that such doses can reduce methane production without negatively affecting digestibility.

[0011] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a composition in the form of a bolus for oral administration to an animal, the composition comprising: (i) an oxidizing agent, (ii) an excipient, and (iii) a coating. The inventors have surprisingly discovered that such a composition can be orally administered periodically to achieve a desired reduction in methane production from an animal (e.g., a sustained reduction in methane production from a ruminant animal over a period of several days). In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a composition in the form of a pellet, comprising (i) urea hydrogen peroxide or magnesium peroxide or a combination thereof, (ii) a food ingredient, and (iii) a coating. The inventors have discovered that the coating can protect the active ingredient from environmental factors prior to use and / or saliva during oral administration, and can sustain the release of the oxidizing agent.

[0012] Detailed Description This application is written in sections. However, each section should not be read in isolation. Unless otherwise specified, each section should be read in combination with the other sections, i.e., the entire application should be taken as a whole. This means, for example, that all compositions described in the "Compositions" section are intended to be read in combination with the "Methods" section (i.e., the preferred compositions are suitable for such methods, and the preferred methods use the compositions described herein). Also, various optional and preferred features can be combined, even if they are taken from different parts of this specification. Similarly, all "aspects" and "embodiments" can be combined. Unless explicitly stated, no separation of the embodiments is intended. The present invention generally provides a method for increasing ORP. In particular, the method of the present invention may include increasing ORP in the digestive tract of an animal, for example in the stomach, for example in the ruminant rumen. This is usually achieved using an oxidizing agent. For example, the present invention provides a method for increasing the oxygen supply in the digestive tract to increase ORP and achieve a desired ORP range. The method of the present invention reduces methane production from animals.

[0013] The method of the present invention may generally include inhibiting methanogens present in the digestive tract of an animal (e.g., a ruminant animal), and in particular inhibiting the methanogenic activity (i.e., methane production) of methanogens (e.g., methanogens present in the ruminant animal's rumen). Without wishing to be bound by theory, increasing the ORP in the digestive tract of an animal, in particular increasing the ORP within a desired range, can inhibit methanogens (i.e., inhibit the methanogenic activity of the microorganisms), for example, by disfavoring the methane production metabolic pathway. In some embodiments, the methanogens are methanogenic archaea. The methods of the invention are typically non-therapeutic, i.e., they are not primarily intended for the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of disease (although the invention does not exclude beneficial health effects associated with the desired effect of reducing methane production).

[0014] ORP Level: Methane production usually requires an ORP or redox of about -200mV or less. The normal mean ORP of the rumen is well below about -100mV, for example, in dairy cows, the mean ruminal ORP may be about -200mV. Thus, methane production occurs especially during transient lower ORP fluctuations, for example, during the postprandial period. The method of the present invention can increase the mean ORP, thus reducing the frequency of fluctuations in ORP reaching methane production levels (and thus reducing methane production). The method of the present invention can also reduce fluctuations in methane production levels during the postprandial period. Increasing ORP generally means increasing the mean ORP above naturally occurring levels (e.g., in ruminants, above about -200 mV). The increase should desirably not be too high so as to have a negative effect on digestibility. For example, it may be desirable to avoid sustained (e.g., at least 1 hour) increases above a threshold of about +500 mV above baseline. However, transient increases above this threshold may be tolerated. The transient increase lasts for only a short period of time, for example, less than about 1 hour, preferably less than about 30 minutes, preferably less than about 15 minutes.

[0015] The present invention can increase the ORP by at least about +10 mV, at least about +50 mV, at least about +100 mV, at least about +150 mV, at least about +200 mV, at least about +250 mV, and / or at least about +300 mV above baseline. For example, the present invention can increase the ORP in the gastrointestinal tract of an animal (e.g., the rumen of a ruminant) by at least about +100 mV (e.g., from a baseline of about -200 mV to about -100 mV after administration). In some embodiments, the present invention increases the ORP in an animal's digestive tract (e.g., the ruminant's rumen) above a particular potential. In particular, the present invention can increase the ORP to at least about -200 mV, at least about -150 mV, at least about -100 mV, at least about -50 mV, at least about 0 mV, at least about 50 mV, and / or at least about 100 mV. For example, the present invention can preferably increase the ORP in an animal's digestive tract (e.g., the ruminant's rumen) to at least about -100 mV.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention controls the ORP in the digestive tract by increasing the ORP to within a particular desired range over a sustained period of time. In particular, the present invention can increase the average ORP in the digestive tract to a range of about -200mV to about +250mV, preferably about -200mV to about +200mV, preferably about -200mV to about +150mV, preferably about -150mV to about +150mV, preferably about -100mV to about +150mV, preferably about -100mV to about +100mV, preferably about -100mV to about +50mV, preferably about -100mV to about 0mV, over a certain period of time. For example, the present invention can control the ORP in the digestive tract by increasing the ORP to a range of about -100mV to about +150mV, preferably over a certain period of time. This period is described elsewhere herein and is usually of sustained duration and may, for example, extend over hours, days, or even weeks.

[0017] In a more preferred embodiment, the present invention can increase the average ORP in the digestive tract to a range not exceeding 0 mV. For example, in some embodiments, the present invention increases the average ORP in the digestive tract to a range of about -300 mV to about 0 mV, preferably about -250 mV to about 0 mV, preferably about -200 mV to about 0 mV, preferably about -150 mV to about 0 mV, preferably about -100 mV to about 0 mV, preferably about -50 mV to about 0 mV, preferably about -100 mV to about +50 mV, preferably about -100 mV to about 0 mV, over a certain period of time. In some embodiments, the present invention increases the average ORP in the digestive tract to a range of about -300mV to about -50mV, preferably about -250mV to about -50mV, preferably about -200mV to about -50mV, preferably about -150mV to about -50mV, preferably about -100mV to about -50mV, preferably about -50mV to about -50mV, preferably about -100mV to about +50mV, preferably about -100mV to about -50mV. In some embodiments, the present invention increases the average ORP in the digestive tract to a range of about -300mV to about -100mV, preferably about -250mV to about -100mV, preferably about -200mV to about -100mV, preferably about -150mV to about -100mV, over a period of time. As an example, the present invention can increase the average ORP in the GI tract to a range of about -200 mV to about -100 mV for at least one hour, a period of time that is described elsewhere herein and is typically sustained and may extend, for example, over hours, days, or even weeks.

[0018] In some embodiments, the average or baseline ORP in the rumen of a ruminant may be about -500 mV to about -200 mV. For example, the average or baseline ORP in the rumen of a dairy or beef cow may be about -500 mV to about -200 mV. However, in some embodiments, the average or baseline ORP may vary depending, for example, on the particular species and / or breed of the ruminant and / or the diet of the ruminant. The ORP in the rumen may be measured by conventional means, for example, using an ORP meter. See below for exemplary assay methods in animals.

[0019] ORP profile in use: The method and composition of the present invention can generally increase the ORP in the digestive tract for a sustained period of time. For example, the period can be at least about 1 hour, preferably at least about 2 hours, preferably at least about 3 hours, preferably at least about 4 hours, preferably at least about 5 hours, preferably at least about 6 hours, preferably at least about 12 hours. For example, the period can be at least about 1 hour. In some embodiments, the period can be even longer, for example, at least about 1 day, at least about 1 week, at least about 2 weeks, or at least about 1 month. For example, the period can be at least about 1 week. Longer periods are particularly applicable when using coated compositions or bolus compositions. For example, longer periods have the advantage of avoiding the need for daily feeding. It is often preferable to increase the ORP for at least about 2 hours, particularly if the composition is given at the same time as food, as this is likely to coincide with the period of the day when methane production is highest (i.e., 2 hours after feeding). In some embodiments, the present invention maintains a desired ORP range in an animal's digestive tract (e.g., the rumen of a ruminant) for a sustained period of time (e.g., at least about 1 hour, preferably at least about 2 hours). In particular, the present invention can maintain an ORP in a range of about -200 mV to about +300 mV, about -200 mV to about +250 mV, about -200 mV to about +200 mV, about -200 mV to about +150 mV, about -150 mV to about +150 mV, about -100 mV to about +150 mV, about -100 mV to about +50 mV, and / or about -100 mV to about 0 mV, preferably about -100 mV to about +150 mV. For example, the present invention can maintain an ORP range in an animal's digestive tract (eg, the rumen of a ruminant) between about -100 mV and about +150 mV for a sustained period of time (eg, at least 1 hour).

[0020] The ORP can be maintained within a window of about + / - 100 mV of the maximum ORP for a period of time, for example, for at least about 1 hour. The ORP in the animal's digestive tract is usually increased over a period of time after administration. Usually, it is increased by at least +100 mV. This is usually for at least about 1 hour, preferably at least about 2 hours, preferably at least about 3 hours. For example, the ORP can be increased by at least about +100 mV for at least about 2 hours. The ORP can be increased in a particular component of the digestive tract, for example, the major stomach component of the digestive tract, for example, the rumen of a ruminant animal. The increase can be measured at a single time point or can be measured over a period of time, for example, averaging. This can be measured by conventional means, for example, the method described in Example 3.

[0021] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a favorable ORP profile in the animal's digestive tract. The present invention can increase the ORP by about +50 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP may remain elevated by about +50 mV for an initial period of at least about 1 hour. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +100 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +100 mV for an initial period of at least about 1 hour. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +150 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +150 mV for an initial period of at least about 1 hour. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +200 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +200 mV for an initial period of at least about 1 hour. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +250 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +250 mV for an initial period of at least about 1 hour. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +300 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +300 mV for an initial period of at least about 1 hour. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +350 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +350 mV for an initial period of at least about 1 hour. For example, the present invention can increase the ORP (e.g., in the ruminant's rumen) by about +100 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP can remain elevated by about +100 mV for an initial period of at least about 1 hour.

[0022] In some embodiments, the present invention provides an ORP profile in the digestive tract of an animal that is suitable for reducing methane production. The present invention can increase the ORP by about +50 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP may remain elevated by about +50 mV for an initial period of at least about 2 hours. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +100 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +100 mV for an initial period of at least about 2 hours. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +150 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +150 mV for an initial period of at least about 2 hours. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +200 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +200 mV for an initial period of at least about 2 hours. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +250 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +250 mV for an initial period of at least about 2 hours. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +300 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +300 mV for an initial period of at least about 2 hours. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +350 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +350 mV for an initial period of at least about 2 hours. For example, the present invention can increase the ORP (e.g., in the rumen of a ruminant) by about +100 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP can remain elevated by about +100 mV for an initial period of at least about 2 hours.

[0023] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a favorable ORP profile in the animal's digestive tract. The present invention can increase the ORP by about +50 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP may remain elevated by about +50 mV for an initial period of at least about 3 hours. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +100 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +100 mV for an initial period of at least about 3 hours. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +150 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +150 mV for an initial period of at least about 3 hours. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +200 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +200 mV for an initial period of at least about 3 hours. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +250 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +250 mV for an initial period of at least about 3 hours. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +300 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +300 mV for an initial period of at least about 3 hours. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +350 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +350 mV for an initial period of at least about 3 hours. For example, the present invention can increase the ORP (e.g., in the ruminant's rumen) by about +100 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP can remain elevated by about +100 mV for an initial period of at least about 3 hours.

[0024] In some embodiments, the increase in ORP is not excessive. It may be advantageous to avoid excessive increases in ORP for several reasons, such as reducing bioremoval effects and reducing an aerobic environment (where other gases, such as CO2, may be formed). For example, an increase in ORP of more than about +500 mV may be avoided (e.g., comparing peak ORP to average baseline ORP). Alternatively, an increase in ORP of more than about +400 mV may be avoided. Alternatively, an increase in ORP of more than about +300 mV may be avoided. Alternatively, an increase in ORP of more than about +200 mV may be avoided. Alternatively, an increase in ORP of more than about +150 mV may be avoided. In some embodiments, increases above such thresholds are only transient. Alternatively or in addition, the slope of the ORP curve over time ("dORP / dT") may not be steep during the post-administration period. For example, dORP / dT may be below about +500 mV / hr for about 1 hour after administration. Excessive increases in ORP can be avoided due to the nature of the oxidizing agent, which often results in oxidation in a controlled manner. Alternatively or additionally, slow release of the oxidizing agent from the composition can be achieved, for example, by formulating a coated composition, where the coating slows the release compared to an uncoated composition.

[0025] In preferred embodiments, the present invention does not create an aerobic environment (e.g., an environment having an ORP of about 0 mV or more positive) in the digestive tract (e.g., the rumen of a ruminant) for a sustained period of time. However, in some embodiments, a transient aerobic environment can be tolerated. Thus, in some embodiments, the present invention can avoid a sustained ORP increase of more than about +300 mV on average (e.g., for at least 1 hour). Preferably, the present invention can avoid a sustained ORP increase of more than about +200 mV on average. Preferably, the present invention can avoid a sustained ORP increase of more than about +150 mV on average. Preferably, the present invention can avoid a sustained ORP increase of more than about +100 mV on average. Preferably, the present invention can avoid a sustained ORP increase of more than about +50 mV on average. Preferably, the present invention can avoid a sustained ORP increase of more than about 0 mV on average. For example, the present invention can avoid a sustained ORP increase of more than about 0 mV on average (e.g., for at least 1 hour).

[0026] In some embodiments, the method avoids high peak concentrations of peroxide ions after administration of the composition. For example, the C max may be below about 10 mM. This can be achieved by administering a composition that includes a coating. Such a composition can provide a controlled increase in peroxide ions over a period of time. This can beneficially allow any released peroxide (or other oxidant) to be consumed at a rate similar to its release. This effect can be sustained, allowing for a sustained reduction in methane production from the animal without negatively affecting digestibility.

[0027] ORP measurements in animals can be conveniently performed by using a protected remote ORP electrode in a bolus administered orally to the rumen, which can transmit data to a remote data logger. For example, Example 3 provides an exemplary assay that can be used. Alternatively, the ORP can be measured by obtaining a gastric fluid (eg, rumen fluid) sample via the mouth using a conventional oral vacuum sampling device and then measuring the ORP with a conventional ORP probe and ORP meter.

[0028] Alternatively, the ORP meter and ORP probe may be inserted directly into the stomach (eg, rumen) via a fistula. The dose of the composition can be adjusted accordingly until a particular ORP change is achieved (eg, a +100 mV increase in ruminal ORP). The ORP values ​​and limits quoted are usually referenced to values ​​in an in vitro model, such as the RUSITEC system in Example 1 (even if they are stated to be the ORP achieved in animals). For example, a method that is said to result in an ORP increase of about +100 mV in the animal's rumen can be said to meet this requirement if an increase of about +100 mV is observed in the RUSITEC model. For animals other than cows, the model can be adapted accordingly. For example, temperature, saliva, digesta can be adjusted to model the digestive tract of other animals. Additionally or alternatively, conventional bioreactors that replicate the porcine colon content or other monogastric content are known in the art. Alternatively, the numerical measurements can be referenced to averages from in vivo studies, again averaging from a group of animals (e.g., 8 animals) to reduce intersubject variability in conventional methods.

[0029] Optional aspects of the ORP profile in use In some embodiments, when the compositions of the present invention are administered to a ruminant, the rumen ORP profile comprises two phases: a first phase (the "modification phase") and a second phase (the "maintenance phase"). In the correction phase, the ORP can be increased after administration of the composition of the present invention. In this phase, there may be a temporary period between administrations during which the ORP falls below the baseline value (e.g., about -500mV to about -200mV, particularly about -425mV in beef cattle, as measured in untreated control ruminants), which may occur, for example, during the interval between administrations of the composition of the present invention to the ruminant (e.g., the interval between feedings of the composition of the present invention to the ruminant). In the maintenance phase (which may occur immediately after the correction phase), the ORP may no longer be substantially below the baseline value between doses (e.g., the ORP may not be more than about 100mv below the baseline value).

[0030] ORP baseline values ​​may vary, for example, depending on the particular species and / or breed of ruminant and / or the diet of the ruminant. Ruminal ORP can be measured by conventional means, for example, using an ORP meter. See below for exemplary assay methods in animals. Although a temporary drop in ORP below baseline (e.g., in the correction phase) may be observed, the present invention still provides an increase in ORP from the beginning after administration, and any temporary drop can be reduced or completely resolved over time and with repeated feeding cycles (e.g., in the maintenance phase). The present invention provides an overall increase in ORP to the extent that a reduction in methanogenic activity is achieved. In some embodiments, the effects on ORP described elsewhere throughout this specification can be achieved in the modification phase. In some preferred embodiments, the effects on ORP described elsewhere throughout this specification can be achieved in the maintenance phase. In some preferred embodiments, the effects on ORP described elsewhere throughout this specification can be achieved in both the modification and maintenance phases.

[0031] In some preferred embodiments, when the composition is administered to the ruminant at substantially regular intervals, the modification phase lasts for less than about 350 hours from the first administration of the composition of the present invention to the ruminant. More preferably, the modification phase lasts for less than about 300 hours from the first administration of the composition of the present invention to the ruminant. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the modification phase lasts for less than about 275 hours from the first administration of the composition of the present invention to the ruminant. Most preferably, the modification phase lasts for less than about 250 hours from the first administration of the composition of the present invention to the ruminant. This can be achieved, for example, when the composition of the present invention is administered at a frequency of about once every 24 hours. In some preferred embodiments, when the composition is administered to a ruminant at substantially regular intervals, the modification phase may last for less than a period (e.g., less than 14 days) from the first administration of the composition of the present invention to the ruminant to the 14th administration of the composition of the present invention to the ruminant. More preferably, the modification phase may last for less than a period (e.g., less than 12 days) from the first administration of the composition of the present invention to the ruminant to the 12th administration of the composition of the present invention to the ruminant. More preferably, the modification phase may last for less than a period (e.g., less than 10 days) from the first administration of the composition of the present invention to the ruminant to the 10th administration of the composition of the present invention to the ruminant.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the maintenance phase follows the modification phase (as described above). Preferably, during the maintenance phase, the ORP in the rumen of the treated ruminant does not fall more than about 150 mV below the baseline value (measured in untreated control animals, e.g., about -500 mV to about -200 mV, particularly about -425 mV for beef cattle). More preferably, the ORP in the rumen of the treated animal does not fall more than about 100 mV below the baseline value (measured in untreated control animals, e.g., about -500 mV to about -200 mV, particularly about -425 mV for beef cattle). More preferably, the ORP in the rumen of the treated animal does not fall more than about 50 mV below the baseline value (measured in untreated control animals, e.g., about -500 mV to about -200 mV, particularly about -425 mV for beef cattle). Most preferably, the ORP in the rumen of treated animals does not fall substantially below baseline values ​​(e.g., about -500 mV to about -200 mV, particularly about -425 mV in beef cattle, as measured in untreated control animals). However, in some embodiments, a transient (e.g., less than an hour duration) fall below baseline by more than the preferred tolerances discussed above (e.g., about 100 mV) can be tolerated during the maintenance phase. In the context of the maintenance and correction phases, the phrase "does not fall below baseline values ​​by more than X mV" generally means that the ORP does not become more negative than baseline values ​​by more than X mV.

[0033] Methane Reduction: The present invention provides a method for reducing methane production from an animal. In a preferred embodiment, the method of the present invention reduces the volume of methane produced from an animal by at least about 5%, more preferably at least about 10%, more preferably at least about 15%, more preferably at least about 20%, more preferably at least about 25%, more preferably at least about 30%, more preferably at least about 35%, more preferably at least about 40%, more preferably at least about 45%, more preferably at least about 50%, more preferably at least about 55%. For example, the reduction may be at least about 40%.

[0034] Ammonia production: In one aspect, the present invention provides methods for increasing ammonia production in an animal. Such methods for increasing ammonia production generally employ a urea-containing oxidizing agent. The present invention provides a method for increasing ammonia production in an animal while decreasing methane production from the animal, the method comprising orally administering to the animal a composition comprising an oxidizing agent, the oxidizing agent comprising urea hydrogen peroxide. In a preferred embodiment, the method of the present invention results in an increase in ammonia production in an animal of at least about 5%, more preferably at least about 10%, more preferably at least about 15%, more preferably at least about 20%, more preferably at least about 25%, more preferably at least about 30%, more preferably at least about 35%, more preferably at least about 40%, more preferably at least about 45%, more preferably at least about 50%, more preferably at least about 55%, more preferably at least about 60%, more preferably at least about 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, more preferably at least about 75%, more preferably at least about 80%, more preferably at least about 85%, more preferably at least about 90%, more preferably at least about 95%, more preferably at least about 100%. For example, the increase may be at least about 40%. In a preferred embodiment, the method of the present invention reduces methane production from ruminant animals and also increases ammonia production in the animals.

[0035] Administration The methods of the invention typically involve oral administration of the composition, which may be administered with food as a nutritional supplement to the animal's diet (e.g., as a feed additive), or may be administered as a bolus in which the composition is administered to the animal separately from food, or the composition itself may be an animal food product. If the composition is a bolus, the method of the invention comprises orally administering the composition. If the composition is a food additive, the method of the invention comprises (i) adding the composition to food, and (ii) orally administering the food. Where the composition is in the form of an animal feed, administration in the methods of the invention comprises feeding it to the animal (which includes any normal feeding technique, such as allowing the animal to self-feed). In some embodiments, the methods of the invention include administering a composition (e.g., a bolus) similar to administering a medicament. In some cases, the animal's diet consists (or consists essentially of) a feed comprising a composition of the invention. In some cases, the animal's diet consists (or consists essentially of) a composition of the invention. In some embodiments, the administering step is feeding the animal. In some embodiments, the animal's diet consists of a combination of grazing and feeding, and the compositions and methods of the present invention are administered during feeding.

[0036] In some preferred embodiments, the compositions of the invention are administered at substantially regular intervals, for example the interval between subsequent administrations of the composition may be about 24 hours. In some preferred embodiments, the compositions of the invention are administered once a day. In some such embodiments, when administered daily, the interval between subsequent administrations of the composition may be about 24 hours. In some preferred embodiments, the composition of the present invention is administered more frequently than once a day. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the composition of the present invention is administered at least twice a day. Preferably, the composition of the present invention is administered twice a day. Based on the examples described herein, it is expected that administering the additive of the present invention to animals twice a day instead of once a day can result in improved ORP profile with the associated benefits of reduced methane production and improved animal performance.

[0037] Dosage and usage: The dosage can be adjusted based on the amount of food given to the animal. For example, a specific amount of the composition per kg of food can be added to control the amount of composition orally administered to the animal. Thus, in some embodiments, the method includes (i) mixing the composition with food, and (ii) orally administering the food and the composition to the animal. The composition itself can include food. In some embodiments, the composition forms part of the animal's diet. In some embodiments, the composition includes enough food to constitute the entire diet of the animal. The method of the present invention may include orally administering a composition of the present invention to an animal in a specific dosage, the dosage being adjusted to produce a specific change in ORP in the animal's digestive tract (e.g., the rumen of a ruminant). One aspect of the present invention is a method for determining a dose, comprising administering the composition, measuring the effect on ORP, and adjusting the dose of the composition to achieve a desired ORP. As described herein, the ORP in the digestive tract (e.g., the stomach, e.g., the rumen) can be measured by conventional means, such as by using an ORP electrode and an ORP meter. The compositions of the present invention can be dosed according to the total dry matter intake in the diet of the animal. Advantageously, dosing according to the dry matter intake of the animal takes into account dietary variations due to the age, species, and / or activity of the animal to which the composition is administered. In a preferred embodiment, the dose of the oxidizing agent is about 0.01% to about 5%, preferably about 0.05% to about 4%, preferably about 0.1% to about 3%, preferably about 0.1% to about 2% of the dry matter intake of the animal. For example, the dose of the oxidizing agent administered to the animal may be about 0.1% to about 2% of the dry matter intake of the animal. For example, in some embodiments in which the composition is administered daily, the daily dose of the composition administered to the animal may be about 0.1% to about 2% of the daily dry matter intake of the animal. Preferably, the % values ​​are by weight of the dry matter intake.

[0038] In some preferred embodiments, the compositions of the present invention may be administered in higher doses. For example, a preferred dose of the oxidizing agent may be from about 0.01% to about 20%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 15%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 10%, preferably from about 1% to about 5% of the animal's dry matter intake (by mass). The present invention provides a method comprising orally administering a composition comprising an oxidizing agent to an animal (e.g., a ruminant) at a dose that provides the animal with about 0.01 to about 70 mg of hydrogen peroxide per kg of body weight. Preferably, the composition in this method is administered to the animal at a dose that provides the animal with about 0.01 to about 60 mg of hydrogen peroxide (or an oxidizing agent that provides the same amount of oxygen as this amount of hydrogen peroxide) per kg of body weight. Preferably, the composition is administered to the animal at a dose that provides the animal with about 0.01 to about 50 mg of hydrogen peroxide (or an oxidizing agent that provides the same amount of oxygen as this amount of hydrogen peroxide) per kg of body weight. Preferably, the composition is administered to the animal at a dose that provides the animal with about 0.01 to about 40 mg of hydrogen peroxide (or an oxidizing agent that provides the same amount of oxygen as this amount of hydrogen peroxide) per kg of body weight. Preferably, the composition is administered to the animal at a dose that provides the animal with about 0.01 to about 35 mg of hydrogen peroxide (or an oxidizing agent that provides the same amount of oxygen as this amount of hydrogen peroxide) per kg of body weight.

[0039] For example, the methods of the invention may include administering a composition comprising an oxidizing agent to an animal (e.g., a ruminant) at a dosage that provides the animal with about 0.01 to about 35 mg of hydrogen peroxide per kg of body weight. In some preferred embodiments of this aspect, the dose provides the animal with 0.1-70 mg, preferably 0.1-60 mg, preferably 0.1-50 mg, preferably 0.1-40 mg, preferably 0.1-35 mg of hydrogen peroxide (or an oxidizing agent that provides the same amount of oxygen as this amount of hydrogen peroxide) per kg of body weight. For example, the methods of the invention may include administering a composition comprising an oxidizing agent to an animal (e.g., a ruminant) at a dose that provides the animal with 0.1-35 mg of hydrogen peroxide (or an oxidizing agent that provides the same amount of oxygen as this amount of hydrogen peroxide) per kg of body weight. In some preferred embodiments of this aspect, the dose provides the animal with 1-70 mg, preferably 1-60 mg, preferably 1-50 mg, preferably 1-40 mg, preferably 1-35 mg of hydrogen peroxide (or an oxidizing agent that provides an equivalent amount of oxygen to this amount of hydrogen peroxide) per kg of body weight. For example, the methods of the invention may include administering a composition comprising an oxidizing agent to an animal (e.g., a ruminant) at a dose that provides the animal with 1-35 mg of hydrogen peroxide (or an oxidizing agent that provides an equivalent amount of oxygen to this amount of hydrogen peroxide) per kg of body weight. In a preferred embodiment, the method of the invention involves orally administering a composition of the invention to a ruminant (e.g., a cow) at a dose that provides the ruminant with 8-35 mg of hydrogen peroxide (or an oxidizing agent that provides the same amount of oxygen as this amount of hydrogen peroxide) per kg of body weight. In a preferred embodiment, the method of the invention involves orally administering a composition of the invention to a ruminant (e.g., a sheep) at a dosage that provides the ruminant with 3-15 mg of hydrogen peroxide (or an oxidizing agent that provides the same amount of oxygen as this amount of hydrogen peroxide) per kg of body weight.

[0040] In some preferred embodiments, the compositions of the present invention may be administered in higher doses. For example, a preferred dose of the oxidizing agent may be 0.01 to about 1050 mg of oxidizing agent per kg of body weight, preferably about 0.01 to about 500 mg of oxidizing agent per kg of body weight, preferably about 0.01 to about 350 mg of oxidizing agent per kg of body weight, preferably about 0.1 to about 250 mg of oxidizing agent per kg of body weight, preferably about 0.5 to about 150 mg of oxidizing agent per kg of body weight, preferably about 1 to about 100 mg of oxidizing agent per kg of body weight. Dosage is preferably based on a % of the total dry matter intake in the animal's diet, rather than hydrogen peroxide per kg body weight for the animal, as dosing according to the animal's dry matter intake may allow for dietary variations due to the age, species, breed, and / or activity of the animal to which the composition is administered. The invention provides a method comprising orally administering the composition to a ruminant at a dosage that provides the ruminant with 1-250 mg of hydrogen peroxide (or an oxidizer that provides the same amount of oxygen as this amount of hydrogen peroxide) per litre of ruminal volume.

[0041] Preferably, the composition is administered to the animal at a dose which provides the ruminant with 1-200 mg, preferably 1-150 mg, preferably 5-150 mg, preferably 10-150 mg, preferably 20-150 mg, preferably 30-150 mg, preferably 35-150 mg of hydrogen peroxide (or an oxidizing agent which provides the same amount of oxygen as this amount of hydrogen peroxide) per litre of ruminal volume. For example, the methods of the invention may comprise orally administering the composition to a ruminant at a dosage that provides the ruminant with 35-150 mg of hydrogen peroxide (or an oxidizing agent that provides the same amount of oxygen as this amount of hydrogen peroxide) per liter of ruminal volume.

[0042] In some preferred embodiments, the compositions of the present invention may be administered in higher doses. For example, the present invention provides a method comprising orally administering the composition to a ruminant at a dosage that provides the ruminant with 0.01-2250 mg of hydrogen peroxide (or an oxidizing agent that provides the same amount of oxygen as this amount of hydrogen peroxide) per liter of rumen volume, preferably at a dosage that provides the ruminant with 0.1-1500 mg of hydrogen peroxide (or an oxidizing agent that provides the same amount of oxygen as this amount of hydrogen peroxide) per liter of rumen volume, preferably at a dosage that provides the ruminant with 0.1-750 mg of hydrogen peroxide (or an oxidizing agent that provides the same amount of oxygen as this amount of hydrogen peroxide) per liter of rumen volume, preferably at a dosage that provides the ruminant with 0.1-500 mg of hydrogen peroxide (or an oxidizing agent that provides the same amount of oxygen as this amount of hydrogen peroxide) per liter of rumen volume, preferably at a dosage that provides the ruminant with 1-300 mg of hydrogen peroxide (or an oxidizing agent that provides the same amount of oxygen as this amount of hydrogen peroxide) per liter of rumen volume. As discussed, the present invention is not generally intended to provide significant concentrations of peroxide (e.g., hydrogen peroxide) per se. The dosage and amount are generally suitable to provide a source of oxygen and thus increase the ORP. The peroxide can decompose at a rate such that it acts as a source of oxygen rather than a reactive species, especially if the peroxide is released from the formulation in a controlled manner.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the method of the present invention does not substantially increase the concentration of peroxide in the digestive tract of an animal (e.g., the rumen of a ruminant). For example, the method of the present invention preferably increases the concentration of peroxide ions in the rumen to a specific value (i.e., a C of about 10 mM) for a specific period of time (e.g., 1 hour) following administration of the composition. max In some embodiments, the methods of the present invention preferably increase the concentration of ruminal peroxide ions above a C of about 15 mM for a certain period of time (e.g., 1 hour) after administration of the composition. max In some embodiments, the methods of the present invention preferably increase the concentration of ruminal peroxide ions above a C of about 20 mM for a certain period of time (e.g., about 1 hour) after administration of the composition. max Not to increase beyond In some embodiments, the methods of the invention comprise administering a composition of the invention to a ruminant to produce a ruminant having a C concentration of 0.01 to 100 mM in the rumen of the ruminant. max , or 0.01 to 50 mM C max , or 0.01 to 40 mM C max , or 0.01 to 30 mM C max , or 0.01 to 20 mM C max , or 0.01 to 15 mM C max , or 0.01 to 10 mM C max For example, the method of the present invention can include orally administering a composition of the present invention to a ruminant in a dose that provides 0.01 to 10 mM of hydrogen peroxide or peroxide ions in the ruminant's rumen. max The method may include orally administering to the subject a dose providing about 100 mg of hydrogen peroxide or peroxide ions.

[0044] In some embodiments, the methods of the invention include administering a composition of the invention to a ruminant to produce a ruminant having a C concentration of 0.1 to 100 mM in the rumen of the ruminant. max , or 0.1 to 50 mM C max , or 0.1 to 40 mM C max , or 0.1 to 30 mM C max , or 0.1 to 20 mM C max , or 0.1 to 15 mM C max , or 0.1 to 10 mM C max For example, the method of the invention can include administering a composition of the invention orally to a ruminant in a dose that provides 0.1 to 10 mM hydrogen peroxide or peroxide ions in the ruminant's rumen. max The method may include orally administering to the subject a dose providing about 100 mg of hydrogen peroxide or peroxide ions. In a preferred embodiment, the method of the invention comprises administering a composition of the invention to a ruminant to provide less than 100 mM, preferably less than 50 mM, preferably less than 40 mM, preferably less than 30 mM, preferably less than 20 mM, preferably less than 15 mM, preferably less than 10 mM C in the ruminant's rumen. max For example, the methods of the invention include orally administering a composition of the invention to a ruminant in a dosage that provides less than 10 mM hydrogen peroxide or peroxide ions in the ruminant's rumen. max The method may include orally administering to the subject a dose providing about 100 mg of hydrogen peroxide or peroxide ions.

[0045] In some embodiments, the methods of the invention may include a dose escalation period in which the dose is gradually increased to a target dose. The target dose may be any of the doses described herein. For example, the methods of the invention may include a dose escalation period in which the composition is administered to the animal at an initial dose of at least about 10% of the target dose over the first 7-14 (e.g., 14) administrations to a given animal. Preferably, the methods of the invention may include a dose escalation period in which the composition is administered to the animal at an initial dose of at least about 50% of the target dose over the first 7-14 (e.g., 7) administrations. Preferably, the methods of the invention may include a dose escalation period in which the composition is administered to the animal at an initial dose of at least about 75% of the target dose over the first 3-7 (e.g., 7) administrations.

[0046] In particularly preferred embodiments, the methods of the invention include administering to the animal a composition that provides the animal with about 25-300 g (e.g., 25 g, 50 g, 100 g, 150 g, 200 g, or 300 g, particularly 200 g) of calcium peroxide. Preferably, the methods of the invention may include administering to the animal once a day a composition that provides the animal with about 25-300 g (e.g., 25 g, 50 g, 100 g, 150 g, 200 g, or 300 g, particularly 200 g) of calcium peroxide. In some such embodiments, the composition includes about 25-300 g (e.g., 25 g, 50 g, 100 g, 150 g, 200 g, or 300 g, particularly 200 g) of calcium peroxide. In some such embodiments, the composition comprises feed and calcium peroxide in proportions such that a daily feeding provides about 25 to 300 g (e.g., 25 g, 50 g, 100 g, 150 g, 200 g, or 300 g, particularly 200 g) of calcium peroxide.

[0047] Digestibility: The present invention provides methods for reducing methane production in ruminant animals (eg, ruminant animals) without negatively affecting (eg, substantially reducing) the digestibility of the animal. Digestibility, particularly dry matter digestibility, can be calculated from the feed material present after digestion as a percentage of the total feed material before digestion (e.g. by dry mass). Preferably, the method of the invention does not reduce digestibility by more than about 25%. More preferably, the method of the invention does not reduce digestibility by more than about 20%. More preferably, the method of the invention does not reduce digestibility by more than about 15%. Preferably, the method of the invention does not reduce digestibility by more than about 10%. More preferably, the method of the invention does not reduce digestibility by more than about 7%. More preferably, the method of the invention does not reduce digestibility by more than about 6%. More preferably, the method of the invention does not reduce digestibility by more than about 5%. More preferably, the method of the invention does not reduce digestibility by more than about 4%. More preferably, the method of the invention does not reduce digestibility by more than about 3%. More preferably, the method of the invention does not reduce digestibility by more than about 1%. For example, the reduction may be less than about 5%. The term "without substantially reducing digestibility" may mean that digestibility is not reduced by such amount.

[0048] The present invention provides a method for reducing methane production in ruminants, which avoids substantial bioclearance in the digestive tract (e.g., the ruminant's rumen). Preferably, the method of the present invention avoids substantial bioclearance even after extended periods of treatment (e.g., one week, preferably one month). Some slight, transient bioclearance may occur. In some preferred embodiments, the methods of the invention reduce the ruminal protozoan population in ruminants by no more than about 40%. Preferably, the methods of the invention reduce the ruminal protozoan population in ruminants by no more than about 25%. Preferably, the methods of the invention reduce the ruminal protozoan population in ruminants by no more than about 20%. Preferably, the methods of the invention reduce the ruminal protozoan population in ruminants by no more than about 10%. In particularly preferred embodiments, the methods of the invention do not substantially reduce the ruminal protozoan population in ruminants. In some embodiments, the protozoan population is measured by conventional means, such as, for example, taking a sample and counting the protozoans using a microscope.

[0049] The present invention provides a method for reducing methane production without substantially reducing microbiome function in the digestive tract (e.g., the rumen of a ruminant), where the microbiome function makes nutrients available to the animal (and does not include methane production). Preferably, the method of the present invention does not reduce microbiome function by more than about 20%, preferably more than about 15%, preferably more than about 10%, preferably more than about 5%, preferably more than about 4%, preferably more than about 3%, preferably more than about 2%, preferably more than about 1%. Most preferably, the method of the present invention does not reduce the protozoan population in the digestive tract (e.g., the rumen of a ruminant). The present invention provides a method for reducing methane production without substantially reducing feed efficiency. In general, the percentage of feed converted into digestible carbon available to the animal is not reduced by the method of the present invention. In particular, the present invention may reduce the percentage of feed converted into digestible carbon available to the animal by no more than about 30%, preferably no more than about 20%, preferably no more than about 10%, and most preferably the percentage of feed converted into digestible carbon available to the animal is not substantially reduced. In some embodiments, the method of the present invention can increase the percentage of feed converted into digestible carbon available to the animal by at least about 5%, preferably at least about 10%. Preferably at least about 15%. Preferably at least about 20%. Preferably at least about 25%. For example, the method of the present invention can not substantially reduce the percentage of feed converted into digestible carbon that may be available to the animal (e.g., ruminant).

[0050] Previous methods of reducing methane production in animals often involve bioremoval at the expense of reduced digestibility, particularly due to impaired microbiome function. This type of approach can be characterized by the level of methane production correlating with reduced methanogen populations and / or protozoan populations in the digestive tract (e.g., rumen). Such traditional methods may not be suitable for long-term use (e.g., days or weeks), and previous experiments have often been terminated before long-term use was investigated. Preferably, the method of the present invention does not substantially acidify the digestive tract, for example, the method of the present invention may not substantially reduce the pH of the rumen. Preferably, the method of the present invention does not reduce the pH of the rumen below about 6. Preferably, the method of the present invention does not reduce the pH of the rumen below about 6.1. Preferably, the method of the present invention does not reduce the pH of the rumen below about 6.2. Preferably, the method of the present invention does not reduce the pH of the rumen below about 6.3. Preferably, the method of the present invention does not reduce the pH of the rumen below about 6.4. For example, the method of the present invention does not reduce the pH of the rumen below about 6.4. The pH of the digestive tract may not fall below about 6.4 for the first few hours (e.g., about 2 hours) after administration of the composition. In some embodiments, the methods and compositions of the invention, when administered to an animal, do not substantially reduce the body weight of the animal to which the compositions are administered. Instead, the methods and compositions of the invention, when administered to an animal, preferably cause the animal to gain weight, which may be due to, for example, improved digestibility.

[0051] Safety: Preferably, the methods of the invention are safe. In particular, the methods of the invention preferably involve the administration of compositions that are substantially free of toxic components. Any toxic components, if present, are preferably in non-toxic amounts and / or provide non-toxic concentrations over time. In some embodiments, no toxic components are present at all. In a preferred embodiment, the methods of the present invention do not substantially increase the concentration of iodide in meat and / or milk produced by or from an animal (eg, a ruminant). Preferably, the compositions of the present invention are safe to administer to animals. In particular, the compositions of the present invention are preferably substantially free of toxic components. Any toxic components, if present, are preferably in non-toxic amounts and / or provide non-toxic concentrations over time. In some embodiments, no toxic components are present at all. In preferred embodiments, the methods of the present invention, when administered to an animal, do not substantially increase the concentration of iodide in the meat and / or milk produced by or from the animal (eg, a ruminant).

[0052] Further ingredients in use: The method of the present invention may further comprise administration of an additional anti-methanogen (i.e., a substance or composition that reduces the production of methane from the animal). Some additional anti-methanogens are known in the art, such as 3-nitrooxypropanol (3NOP), coenzyme M analogs, halogenated aliphatic C1-C2 hydrocarbons, such as bromoform; pterin compounds, hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-S-CoA) reductase inhibitors, fats and fatty acids, plant secondary metabolites, such as tannins, flavonoids, organosulfur compounds, essential oils, allicin, alternative hydrogen sinks, such as nitrates and sulfates, nitro compounds, propionate and butyrate enhancers, unsaturated organic acids, inhibitors of hydrogen-producing bacteria, such as ionophores or bacteriocins. A preferred anti-methanogen is 3NOP. Such additional methanogens may be administered (i) prior to, (ii) after, or (iii) simultaneously with the administration of the compositions disclosed herein. As mentioned below, such anti-methanogens may also be present in the composition. In some preferred embodiments, the method of the present invention comprises administering only one anti-methanogen. In some embodiments, the method does not comprise administering an additional anti-methanogen. For example, the method of the present invention may comprise administering a composition that is substantially free of 3NOP (e.g., does not contain 3NOP).

[0053] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for reducing methane production from an animal, comprising orally administering to the animal a composition, the composition comprising (i) a source of peroxide and (ii) a catalase. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for reducing methane production from an animal, comprising orally administering to the animal a composition, the composition comprising (i) a source of peroxide and (ii) a peroxidase. The inventors have discovered that compositions comprising both a source of peroxide and a peroxidase or catalase exhibit accelerated decomposition of peroxide to oxygen. The presence of peroxidase or catalase has the advantage of increasing ORP (due to improved oxygen release) as well as reducing peroxide accumulation (due to peroxide decomposition) and any negative effects associated with peroxide accumulation, such as ruminal bioremoval.

[0054] Further methods of the present invention: In one aspect, the present invention provides a method for reducing methane production from an animal by increasing the redox potential in the animal's digestive tract without substantially reducing digestibility, the method comprising orally administering to the animal a composition comprising an oxidizing agent. The inventors have discovered that increasing the redox potential while avoiding substantial reduction in digestibility is a new and effective approach to reducing methane production. This approach can be contrasted with previous approaches that may focus on bioremoval at the expense of reduced digestibility. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method for reducing methane production from an animal by increasing the redox potential in the animal's digestive tract without substantially reducing digestibility, comprising orally administering to the animal a composition comprising an oxidizing agent, wherein about 0.05% (by weight) of the composition is the oxidizing agent. Preferably, the oxidizing agent is about 0.1% of the composition, preferably about 0.15%, preferably about 0.3%, preferably about 0.6%, preferably about 1.2%, preferably about 2%, preferably about 2.5%.

[0055] Iodides, nitrates, and thiocyanates: Preferably, the compositions of the present invention are substantially free of iodide or iodide sources. Preferably, the compositions of the present invention are free of iodide or iodide sources. For example, it is generally desirable for iodide to be absent from animal food products, as iodide may be found in subsequent animal products, such as milk. In particular, the compositions of the present invention may contain less than 1% by weight of iodide or iodide sources. More preferably, the compositions of the present invention may contain less than 0.5% by weight of iodide or iodide sources. More preferably, the compositions of the present invention may contain less than 0.1% by weight of iodide or iodide sources. More preferably, the compositions of the present invention may contain less than 0.01% by weight of iodide or iodide sources. Most preferably, the compositions of the present invention are free of iodide or iodide sources. For example, the compositions of the present invention may contain less than 0.01% by weight of iodide or iodide sources.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, any iodide or source of iodide in the compositions of the invention is at a level such that the compositions of the invention, during use, do not substantially increase the concentration of iodide in meat and / or milk produced by or from an animal (such as a ruminant) to which the composition is orally administered. The increase in iodide concentration can be measured relative to the normal iodide level of an animal consuming substantially the same diet but not receiving the composition of the invention as part of or in addition to the diet. Preferably, the composition of the present invention may be substantially free of nitrates or nitrate sources. In particular, the composition of the present invention may contain less than 1% by weight of nitrates or nitrate sources. More preferably, the composition of the present invention may contain less than 0.5% by weight of nitrates or nitrate sources. More preferably, the composition of the present invention may contain less than 0.1% by weight of nitrates or nitrate sources. More preferably, the composition of the present invention may contain less than 0.01% by weight of nitrates or nitrate sources. Most preferably, the composition of the present invention is free of nitrates or nitrate sources. For example, the composition of the present invention may contain less than 0.01% by weight of nitrates or nitrate sources. Preferably, the composition of the present invention is free of nitrates. Preferably, the composition of the present invention is substantially free of thiocyanate or a source of thiocyanate. Preferably, the composition of the present invention is free of thiocyanate or a source of thiocyanate. In particular, the composition of the present invention may contain less than 1% by weight of thiocyanate or a source of thiocyanate. More preferably, the composition of the present invention may contain less than 0.1% by weight of thiocyanate or a source of thiocyanate. More preferably, the composition of the present invention may contain less than 0.01% by weight of thiocyanate or a source of thiocyanate. Most preferably, the composition of the present invention is free of thiocyanate or a source of thiocyanate. For example, the composition of the present invention may contain less than 0.01% by weight of thiocyanate or a source of thiocyanate.

[0057] Formulation: The compositions of the present invention are preferably formulated for oral administration.

[0058] The preferred compositions of the present invention do not include features of an enteric formulation, such as an enteric coating. The preferred compositions of the present invention are capable of delivering the oxidizing agent (at least) to the stomach (e.g., rumen) of an animal. The preferred compositions of the present invention are capable of delivering the oxidizing agent (at least) to the mouth and esophagus of an animal, for example, for exposure to saliva. In some preferred embodiments, the compositions do not include hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. In some preferred embodiments, the compositions of the present invention are formulated to avoid delivery of oxidizing agents to the intestine (e.g., hindgut or colon) of the animal to which the composition is administered. In some embodiments, this can be achieved by enteric formulation features, such as a composition that does not include an enteric coating. In some preferred embodiments, the composition does not include hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

[0059] In some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention may be in the form of a bolus, which is a single unit dosage form containing an oxidizing agent that is typically administered orally and configured to remain in the gastrointestinal tract and release the oxidizing agent over a period of time.

[0060] In some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention may include one or more oxides such as, but not limited to, phosphorus(V) oxide (PO), sodium oxide (NaO), iron oxide (e.g., iron(II) oxide, iron(III) oxide, or combinations thereof), zinc oxide (ZnO), and / or magnesium oxide (MgO); waxes; carbonates; trace elements; magnesium stearate; hydrogenated fats; salts; conventional excipients for animal boluses; or combinations thereof (e.g., all of the above). In some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention may include one or more oxides, such as, but not limited to, phosphorus(V) oxide (PO), sodium oxide (NaO), and / or magnesium oxide (MgO); waxes; carbonates; trace elements; salts; conventional excipients for animal boluses, or combinations thereof (e.g., all of the above). In some embodiments, the composition may include iron oxide (e.g., iron(II) oxide, iron(III) oxide, or a combination thereof), zinc oxide, magnesium stearate, hydrogenated fats, or a combination thereof (e.g., all of the above).

[0061] In some embodiments where the invention is in the form of a bolus, the composition may include conventional excipients for animal boluses. In some embodiments where the invention is in the form of a bolus, the composition may include iron oxide, zinc oxide, magnesium stearate, hydrogenated fat, or combinations thereof (e.g., all of the above). When the composition is administered as a bolus, administration may be periodic, for example, the bolus may be administered once a week and / or once a month. Usually, the bolus will be administered once a week or less frequently. For example, the bolus may be administered every two weeks. The bolus may optionally include a shell and / or coating. The composition of the present invention may be formulated as a bolus using conventional means.

[0062] The composition of the present invention may be an animal food product. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions of the present invention are formulated as a feed additive. Such compositions are suitable for addition to food prior to ingestion. The feed additive of the present invention may further comprise an animal feed ingredient. A variety of acceptable animal feed ingredients are known in the art, with preferred animal feed ingredients being corn, barley, soybean, and / or molasses. In some embodiments, the composition of the present invention may be provided as an animal food product that comprises (i.e. further comprises) a food, e.g., a food suitable for the entire diet of an animal. In some embodiments, the present invention is provided as a feed additive suitable for addition to an animal feed prior to feeding. In this case, the composition may optionally comprise a food, or the composition may be free of a food. The compositions of the present invention may also include pharma- ceutically acceptable carriers and / or diluents, such as water, saline, emulsions, gels, hydrogels, or solids such as pellets.

[0063] The compositions and compositions for use in the methods of the present invention may further comprise excipients. A variety of suitable excipients are known in the art. Excipients may include, but are not limited to, anti-adherents, binders, coatings, colorants, disintegrants, flavors, glidants, lubricants, preservatives, adsorbents, sweeteners, and vehicles. In some embodiments, the additional excipients can include, but are not limited to, density modifiers, water soluble bulking agents, water insoluble bulking agents, and polymers. The composition of the present invention may be provided as an aqueous solution, a saline solution, an emulsion, a gel, a hydrogel, a paste, a pellet, or a powder. In a preferred embodiment, the feed additive is provided as a pellet. In another preferred embodiment, the feed additive is provided as a powder.

[0064] In some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention may be provided as a powder that is incorporated into a concentrated ration, hi other embodiments, the compositions of the present invention may be provided as a compressed powder that is incorporated into a feed nut. The compositions of the present invention may generally be in solid or liquid form. Preferably, the compositions of the present invention are in solid form. Alternatively, the compositions of the present invention may be in liquid form, for example, the compositions of the present invention may include a liquid oxidizing agent (e.g., a liquid source of peroxide, for example, an encapsulated liquid source of peroxide). In some preferred embodiments, the compositions and compositions for use in the methods of the present invention are not gnawed or licked. In some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention are for feeding and are not for gnawed or licked or for administration via fistulation and / or cannulation.

[0065] Optional coating: In one aspect, the invention provides a composition for oral administration to an animal, comprising an oxidizing agent and a coating. The compositions of the invention described herein may preferably comprise a coating. Alternatively, the composition may be a capsule. In one aspect, the invention provides a composition for oral administration to an animal comprising an oxidizing agent and a coating, the composition preferably not including a source of iodide. The coating may be suitable for improving the storage stability of the composition.Thus, in some preferred embodiments, the composition is a coated storage-stable composition.For example, in some embodiments, the composition of the present invention comprises a coating that reduces the degradation of oxidizing agents and improves storage stability (e.g., reduces degradation in air). Coatings may also be suitable for preventing deterioration in the presence of organic feed materials. For example, in some preferred embodiments, the compositions of the present invention include a coating that reduces oxidative degradation in the presence of animal feed. Such coatings can reduce deterioration during the period between when the composition is mixed with food and when the mixture is ingested. Alternatively or additionally, such coatings can improve storage stability by reducing deterioration when the composition is mixed with food and stored.

[0066] The coating can also improve the release profile of the composition. For example, in some preferred embodiments, the compositions of the present invention include a coating that slows the release of the oxidizing agent into the gastrointestinal tract. Such a coating can, for example, provide a controlled release, such as a delayed release and / or sustained release. A composition having a coating can be prepared by formulating another composition of the present invention (e.g., the compositions of Examples 1 and 2) into a solid form (e.g., pellets) and then coating the pellets with a coating material. A preferred coating composition delivers an increase in ORP to the intended site (e.g., the stomach, e.g., the ruminant rumen). This feature may be advantageous in avoiding oxidant degradation in the mouth. For example, a preferred coating is saliva resistant (e.g., reduces degradation or release of oxidants by saliva during oral administration). The coating may also preferably avoid irritation in the mouth. The coating may also preferably target the primary site of methane production (e.g., the stomach, e.g., the ruminant rumen). In an alternative embodiment, the composition comprises an enteric coating. The enteric coating may be used to allow passage through the stomach and small intestine to allow release in the large intestine.

[0067] Preferred coated compositions extend the delivery of ORP.Slow-release coating may be particularly preferred when the composition comprises a source of peroxide as oxidizing agent.In particular, this can help to keep peroxide concentration low, avoiding substantial negative effects on digestibility, for example, due to ruminal biocides that may be caused by higher concentrations.In some preferred embodiments, the composition comprises slow-release coating. For example, when the oxidizing agent is a source of peroxide, a high concentration of peroxide, e.g., a C above a certain value (e.g., about 10 mM, about 15 mM, or about 20 mM), can be used. max It may be desirable to avoid the release of peroxide into the rumen of an animal, and therefore it may be preferable to coat the compositions of the present invention with a coating that provides controlled or extended release when administered to an animal, thus avoiding a sudden and / or substantial increase in peroxide concentration in the animal's gastrointestinal tract (e.g., stomach, such as the rumen, of a ruminant animal).

[0068] Preferred coatings can also protect the composition from pressure. Preferred coatings can also protect the composition from moisture. Preferred coatings can also protect the composition from heat. Advantageously, such features can prevent degradation of the composition (e.g., decomposition of the peroxide source) prior to administration, e.g., during processing, production, and / or storage. Preferred coatings include at least one of the following: oil (e.g., coconut oil), gylcerin, glycerol, silica hydrogel, poly(methyl methacrylate) encapsulation, poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), alginate, poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), hard fat, ethylcellulose, N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), acrylic acid, hydroxyethylmethanecrylate-oligo(hydroxybutyrate), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), methacrylamide chitosan, cyanoacrylate, sodium alginate, polyisobutylene, isobutylene isoprene copolymer, styrene-butadiene copolymer, polyvinyl acetate, polyisoprene, polyethylene, vinyl acetate, and combinations thereof. Such coatings may be used individually or in combination. For example, hydrogen peroxide can be bound to PVP and then encapsulated in PLGA. Preferably, hydrophobic materials for encapsulation / enclosure may be used to slow the oxygen release rate, whereas hydrophilic materials may be used to increase the oxygen release / diffusion rate. Preferred coatings are non-enteric coatings. For example, preferred coatings may not have features that prevent delivery to (at least) the stomach (e.g., the rumen) of an animal. For example, preferred coatings may not include features that prevent release in low pH environments (e.g., pH less than 4).

[0069] Dosage and amount in the composition: The compositions of the present invention may include a dose of oxidizing agent based on the body weight of the animal. For example, in some preferred embodiments, the compositions include a dose that provides the animal with about 1 to about 35 mg (e.g., about 8 to about 35 mg, or about 3 to about 15 mg) of hydrogen peroxide per kg of body weight. Alternatively, the compositions may include a dose of oxidizing agent that provides the same amount of peroxide ions (e.g., delivered to the gastrointestinal tract) as about 1 to about 35 mg (e.g., about 8 to about 35 mg, or about 3 to about 15 mg) of hydrogen peroxide per kg of body weight.

[0070] The compositions of the present invention may contain higher or lower doses of the oxidizing agent. For example, in some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention may contain a dose of about 0.01 to about 1050 mg of the oxidizing agent per kg of the animal's body weight. Preferably, the compositions of the present invention contain a dose of about 0.01 to about 500 mg of the oxidizing agent per kg of the animal's body weight. Preferably, the compositions of the present invention contain a dose of about 0.01 to about 350 mg of the oxidizing agent per kg of the animal's body weight. Preferably, the compositions of the present invention contain a dose of about 0.1 to about 250 mg of the oxidizing agent per kg of the animal's body weight. Preferably, the compositions of the present invention contain a dose of about 0.5 to about 150 mg of the oxidizing agent per kg of the animal's body weight. Preferably, the compositions of the present invention contain a dose of about 1 to about 100 mg of the oxidizing agent per kg of the animal's body weight. In a preferred embodiment, for example when the animal is a cow, the compositions of the invention may comprise a dose that provides the animal with about 8 to about 35 mg of hydrogen peroxide per kg of body weight. Alternatively, the compositions may comprise a dose of an oxidizing agent that provides the same amount of peroxide ions (e.g., delivered to the digestive tract) as about 8 to about 35 mg of hydrogen peroxide per kg of body weight.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, for example when the animal is a cow, the compositions of the invention may comprise a dose that provides the animal with about 0.01 to about 2250 mg of hydrogen peroxide per kg of body weight (e.g., about 0.01 to 1500 mg of hydrogen peroxide per kg of body weight, about 0.01 to 750 mg of hydrogen peroxide per kg of body weight, about 0.1 to 350 mg of hydrogen peroxide per kg of body weight, or about 8 to 100 mg of hydrogen peroxide per kg of body weight). Alternatively, the compositions may comprise a dose of oxidizing agent that provides (e.g., delivered to the digestive tract) an amount of peroxide ion equivalent to about 0.01 to about 2250 mg of hydrogen peroxide per kg of body weight (e.g., about 0.01 to 1500 mg of hydrogen peroxide per kg of body weight, about 0.01 to 750 mg of hydrogen peroxide per kg of body weight, about 0.1 to 350 mg of hydrogen peroxide per kg of body weight, or about 8 to 100 mg of hydrogen peroxide per kg of body weight). In a preferred embodiment, for example when the animal is a sheep, the compositions of the invention may comprise a dosage that provides the animal with about 3 to about 15 mg of hydrogen peroxide per kg of body weight. Alternatively, the compositions may comprise a dosage of an oxidizing agent that provides the same amount of peroxide ions (e.g., delivered to the digestive tract) as about 3 to about 35 mg of hydrogen peroxide per kg of body weight. In a preferred embodiment, for example when the animal is a sheep, the compositions of the invention may comprise a dose that provides the animal with about 0.01 to about 750 mg of hydrogen peroxide per kg of body weight (e.g., about 0.1 to 350 mg of hydrogen peroxide per kg of body weight, or about 8 to 100 mg of hydrogen peroxide per kg of body weight). Alternatively, the compositions may comprise a dose of oxidizing agent that provides (e.g., delivered to the digestive tract) an amount of peroxide ions equivalent to about 0.01 to about 750 mg of hydrogen peroxide per kg of body weight (e.g., about 0.1 to 350 mg of hydrogen peroxide per kg of body weight, or about 8 to 100 mg of hydrogen peroxide per kg of body weight).

[0072] The compositions of the present invention may include a dose based on the stomach volume of an animal. For example, the compositions of the present invention may include a dose based on the rumen volume of a ruminant animal. The compositions of the present invention may contain higher doses of oxidizing agent. For example, in some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention contain a dose that provides a ruminant with about 150 to 450 mg of hydrogen peroxide per liter of ruminal volume. Alternatively, the compositions may contain a dose of oxidizing agent that provides a ruminant with the same amount of peroxide ions (e.g., delivered to the digestive tract) as about 150 to about 450 mg of hydrogen peroxide per liter of ruminal volume. For example, in some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention include a dosage that provides a ruminant with about 35 to about 150 mg of hydrogen peroxide per L of ruminal volume. Alternatively, the compositions may include a dosage of an oxidizing agent that provides a ruminant with the same amount of peroxide ions (e.g., delivered to the digestive tract) as about 35 to about 150 mg of hydrogen peroxide per L of ruminal volume.

[0073] The compositions of the present invention provide a specific C max For example, in some embodiments, the dose may include a dose configured to provide about 0.5 to about 30 mM hydrogen peroxide or peroxide ions to the ruminant's rumen. max of hydrogen peroxide or peroxide ions are preferred. The compositions of the present invention provide a specific C max For example, in some embodiments, the dosage may include a dosage configured to provide about 0.1 to about 10 mM hydrogen peroxide or peroxide ions to the ruminant's rumen. max of hydrogen peroxide or peroxide ions are preferred. In some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention are formulated to provide a dose of oxidizing agent that increases the ORP in the digestive tract of an animal (e.g., in the stomach, e.g., in the ruminant's rumen) by a certain amount.In particular, the compositions of the present invention may contain a dose of oxidizing agent that increases the ORP by at least about +10mV, preferably at least about +50mV, preferably at least about +100mV, preferably at least about +150mV, preferably at least about +200mV, preferably at least about +250mV, preferably at least about +300mV.For example, the compositions of the present invention may contain a dose of oxidizing agent that increases the ORP in the digestive tract of an animal (e.g., in the stomach, e.g., in the ruminant's rumen) by at least about +100mV.

[0074] In some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention are formulated to provide a dose of oxidizing agent that maintains a particular ORP range in the digestive tract of an animal (e.g., in the stomach, e.g., in the ruminant's rumen). In particular, the compositions of the present invention may be formulated to provide a dose of oxidizing agent that maintains an ORP in the digestive tract of an animal (e.g., in the ruminant's rumen) of between -250mV and +250mV, preferably between -200mV and +200mV, preferably between -200mV and +150mV, preferably between -200mV and +100mV, preferably between -200mV and +50mV, preferably between -200mV and 0mV, preferably between -200mV and -50mV, and most preferably between about -150mV and about -50mV, over a period of time. This period of time may be at least about 1 hour. Alternatively, this period of time may be at least about 2 hours, about 3 hours, about 4 hours, about 5 hours, or about 6 hours. For example, the compositions of the present invention may be formulated to provide a dose of oxidizing agent that provides an ORP range of about -150 mV to -50 mV over a period of time in the gastrointestinal tract of an animal (e.g., the stomach, e.g., the rumen of a ruminant animal).

[0075] In some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention may be formulated to provide a dose of oxidizing agent that increases the mean ORP above a particular potential in the digestive tract of an animal (e.g., stomach, e.g., ruminant rumen). In particular, the compositions of the present invention can increase the mean ORP to at least about -200mV, preferably at least about -150mV, preferably at least about -100mV, preferably at least about -50mV, preferably at least about -0mV, preferably at least about +50mV, and most preferably at least about +100mV. The mean ORP is preferably taken from administration to about 1 hour after administration. In some alternative embodiments, the mean ORP is taken from administration to about 2 hours, about 3 hours, about 4 hours, about 5 hours, or about 6 hours after administration.

[0076] For example, the compositions of the present invention can be formulated to provide a dose of oxidizing agent that increases the mean ORP in the gastrointestinal tract of an animal (e.g., the stomach, e.g., the rumen of a ruminant animal) to at least about -150 mV from administration to about 1 hour after administration. The composition is suitable for increasing ORP for a period of time after administration of the composition. Typically, the composition of the present invention is formulated to be capable of increasing ORP to at least about -150mV. The composition is preferably formulated to provide an ORP at or above a target level for at least about 1 hour, preferably at least about 2 hours, preferably at least about 3 hours, preferably at least about 4 hours, preferably at least about 4 hours, preferably at least about 5 hours, preferably at least about 6 hours. For example, the ORP can be increased to at least about -200mV for at least 6 hours. The ORP increases in the major gastric components of the digestive tract, such as the rumen. This may be the first chamber of the digestive tract. The increase may be measured at a single time point or over a period of time, for example, averaging. The ORP can be measured by conventional means, such as the method described in Example 3.

[0077] In some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention can be formulated to provide a transient increase in ORP in the digestive tract of an animal (e.g., stomach, e.g., ruminant rumen). In particular, the compositions of the present invention can increase ORP to at least about 0 mV, preferably to at least about +50 mV, preferably to at least about +100 mV, and most preferably to at least about +150 mV over a period of time. This period can be about 1 hour, or about 2 hours, or about 3 hours. This period can be less than about 4 hours, or less than about 3 hours, or less than about 2 hours. For example, the compositions of the present invention can be formulated to provide an increase in ORP to at least +50 mV over a period of less than 4 hours.

[0078] In some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention provide a specific ORP profile in the animal's digestive tract (e.g., stomach, e.g., ruminant rumen). The compositions of the present invention can be formulated to provide a dose of oxidizing agent that increases the ORP to at least a certain potential above the initial value (average) for at least a certain period of time. For example, in some preferred embodiments, the compositions are formulated to provide a dose of oxidizing agent that increases the ORP by about +50 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP may remain elevated by about +50 mV for an initial period of at least about 1 hour. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +100 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +100 mV for an initial period of at least about 1 hour. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +150 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +150 mV for an initial period of at least about 1 hour. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +200 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +200 mV for an initial period of at least about 1 hour. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +250 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +250 mV for an initial period of at least about 1 hour. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +300 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +300 mV for an initial period of at least about 1 hour. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +350 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +350 mV for an initial period of at least about 1 hour. For example, the compositions of the present invention can be formulated to provide a dose of oxidant that increases the ORP (e.g., in the rumen of a ruminant) by about +100 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP may remain elevated by about +100 mV for an initial period of at least about 1 hour.

[0079] The compositions of the present invention may be formulated to provide a dose of oxidizing agent that increases the ORP by about +50 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP may remain elevated by about +50 mV for an initial period of at least about 4 hours. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +100 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +100 mV for an initial period of at least about 4 hours. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +150 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +150 mV for an initial period of at least about 4 hours. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +200 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +200 mV for an initial period of at least about 4 hours. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +250 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +250 mV for an initial period of at least about 4 hours. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +300 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +300 mV for an initial period of at least about 4 hours. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +350 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +350 mV for an initial period of at least about 4 hours. For example, the composition of the present invention can be formulated to provide a dose of oxidizing agent that increases the ORP (e.g., in the rumen of a ruminant) by about +100 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP may remain elevated by about +100 mV for an initial period of at least about 2 hours.

[0080] The present invention may increase the ORP by about +50 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP may remain elevated by about +50 mV for an initial period of at least about 8 hours. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +100 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +100 mV for an initial period of at least about 8 hours. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +150 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +150 mV for an initial period of at least about 8 hours. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +200 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +200 mV for an initial period of at least about 8 hours. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +250 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +250 mV for an initial period of at least about 8 hours. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +300 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +300 mV for an initial period of at least about 8 hours. Preferably, the present invention increases the ORP by about +350 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP remains elevated by about +350 mV for an initial period of at least about 8 hours. For example, the composition of the present invention can be formulated to provide a dose of oxidizing agent that increases the ORP (e.g., in the rumen of a ruminant) by about +100 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP), and the ORP may remain elevated by about +100 mV for an initial period of at least about 3 hours.

[0081] In many embodiments described herein, a minimum ORP increase is mentioned. An additional preferred feature of such embodiments is a maximum ORP increase such that the compositions and methods provide an ORP increase that falls within the target range, thus avoiding excessive increases. For example, in some preferred embodiments, the ORP increase is not greater than about 100 mV, about 150 mV, about 200 mV, about 250 mV, about 300 mV, about 350 mV, or about 400 mV above the target minimum. In preferred embodiments, the ORP increase is not greater than about 200 mV above the target minimum. For example, for an embodiment that provides an ORP increase of about +50 mV (from initial ORP to peak ORP) over a period of time, in some preferred embodiments, the ORP increase is about +50 mV to about +150 mV. Setting a maximum ORP is a preferred embodiment of all of the ORP increases mentioned (e.g., about 100 mV, about 150 mV, about 200 mV, about 250 mV, about 300 mV, about 350 mV, or about 400 mV above the target minimum).

[0082] In one aspect, the invention provides a composition comprising an oxidizing agent, the composition being formulated to provide a dose of the oxidizing agent that increases and / or maintains the ORP in the gastrointestinal tract of an animal (e.g., the rumen of a ruminant animal), as described in any of the preceding embodiments. In a preferred embodiment, about 0.05% (by weight), preferably about 0.1%, preferably about 0.15%, preferably about 0.3%, preferably about 0.6%, preferably about 1.2%, preferably about 2%, preferably about 2.5% of the composition of the present invention is an oxidizing agent. For example, about 1.2% (by weight) of the composition of the present invention may be an oxidizing agent. In a preferred embodiment, at least about 0.05% (by weight) of the composition of the present invention is an oxidizing agent, preferably at least about 0.1%, preferably at least about 0.15%, preferably at least about 0.3%, preferably at least about 0.6%, preferably at least about 1.2%, preferably at least about 2%, preferably at least about 2.4%. For example, about 1.2% (by weight) of the composition of the present invention may be an oxidizing agent. In some embodiments, from about 0.05% to about 10% (by weight), preferably from about 0.1% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 2.5%, preferably from about 1% to about 2%, of the compositions of the invention is an oxidizing agent.

[0083] In other embodiments, substantially all of the compositions of the invention are oxidizing agents, for example, greater than about 90%, greater than about 95%, greater than about 99%, or about 100% (by mass) of the compositions of the invention are oxidizing agents. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises about 25 g of calcium peroxide. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises about 50 g of calcium peroxide. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises about 100 g of calcium peroxide. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises about 150 g of calcium peroxide. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises about 200 g of calcium peroxide. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises about 300 g of calcium peroxide.

[0084] Further ingredients in the composition: The compositions of the present invention may further comprise a source of peroxidase, such as peroxidase or catalase, and / or a peroxidase-producing organism (e.g., yeast). The introduction of peroxidase or catalase into the compositions of the present invention may allow for the accelerated decomposition of peroxides to oxygen. This has the advantage of maximizing ORP increase while minimizing peroxide accumulation and any negative effects associated with peroxide accumulation, such as ruminal bioremoval. Alternatively, this can be achieved using a non-biological catalyst (e.g., a metal ion, such as iron) that accelerates the decomposition of peroxides to oxygen. Thus, the compositions of the present invention may further comprise a peroxidase, a source of peroxidase, a peroxidase-producing organism, and / or a non-biological catalyst (that accelerates the decomposition of peroxides to oxygen). The compositions of the present invention may further comprise additional active ingredients, such as additional anti-methanogens (i.e., substances or compositions that reduce the production of methane from animals). Some additional anti-methanogens are, for example, 3-nitrooxypropanol (3NOP), coenzyme M analogs, halogenated aliphatic C1-C2 hydrocarbons, such as bromoform; pterin compounds, hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-S-CoA) reductase inhibitors, fats and fatty acids, plant secondary metabolites, such as tannins, flavonoids, organic sulfur compounds, essential oils, allicin, alternative hydrogen sinks, such as nitrates and sulfates, nitro compounds, propionate and butyrate enhancers, unsaturated organic acids, inhibitors of hydrogen-producing bacteria, such as ionophores or bacteriocins. A preferred anti-methanogen is 3NOP. In some embodiments, the additional active ingredients are in the same formulation as the present composition (e.g., mixed in a unit dose formulation). However, in other embodiments, the composition comprises one part comprising an oxidizing agent as described herein and at least one other part comprising a further active ingredient as described herein, preferably the two parts can be administered separately, simultaneously or sequentially.

[0085] In some preferred embodiments, the compositions of the invention comprise only one anti-methanogen. In some embodiments, the compositions do not include administration of additional anti-methanogens. For example, the methods of the invention may be substantially free of 3NOP. In one aspect, the invention provides a composition for oral administration to an animal comprising an oxidizing agent and catalase (preferably, the composition does not include a source of iodide). In a preferred embodiment, the compositions of the present invention comprise an oxidizing agent that is a source of peroxide and further comprise a peroxidase. A variety of peroxidases are known in the art and generally include, but are not limited to, heme peroxidase, haloperoxidase, cytochrome c peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase, vanadium bromoperoxidase, manganese peroxidase, and NADH peroxidase. In some preferred embodiments, the oxidizing agents and / or compositions of the present invention are substantially free of peroxidase.

[0086] The inventors have discovered that compositions that include both an oxidant (e.g., a source of oxygen, particularly a source of peroxide) and peroxidase or catalase exhibit accelerated decomposition to oxygen. Such compositions have the advantage of increasing ORP by rapidly releasing oxygen while minimizing oxidant concentrations, e.g., peroxide accumulation. This can be advantageous, for example, to avoid negative effects associated with high peroxide levels or peroxide accumulation, e.g., negative effects on ruminal bioremoval and digestibility. However, in some preferred embodiments, the natural decomposition of the oxidizing agent in the absence of peroxidase or catalase is sufficient to achieve the effect of increasing the oxidizing agent concentration, e.g., ORP, by rapidly releasing oxygen while minimizing peroxide buildup. Thus, in some preferred embodiments, the compositions of the present invention are substantially free of catalase and / or peroxidase.

[0087] Oxidizer: Generally, the methods of the invention involve administering to an animal (e.g., a ruminant) an oxidizing agent. Typically, the oxidizing agent is a source of oxygen. The oxidizing agent is preferably a source of peroxide. A source of peroxide as a source of oxygen. The source of peroxide can be selected from the list including, but not limited to, hydrogen peroxide, urea hydrogen peroxide, sodium percarbonate, magnesium peroxide, sodium peroxide, lithium peroxide, and calcium peroxide, or combinations thereof. In some preferred embodiments, the source of peroxide can be selected from the list including hydrogen peroxide, urea hydrogen peroxide, magnesium peroxide, sodium peroxide, lithium peroxide, and calcium peroxide, or combinations thereof. In some preferred embodiments, the source of peroxide can be selected from the list including hydrogen peroxide, urea hydrogen peroxide, magnesium peroxide, sodium peroxide, and lithium peroxide, or combinations thereof. In some preferred embodiments, the source of peroxide can be selected from the list including urea hydrogen peroxide, magnesium peroxide, sodium peroxide, and lithium peroxide, or combinations thereof. Metal ions can catalyze the decomposition of peroxide to oxygen.

[0088] In some preferred embodiments, the peroxide source (oxygen source) can be selected from the list including, but not limited to, hydrogen peroxide, urea hydrogen peroxide, sodium percarbonate, magnesium peroxide, sodium peroxide, zinc peroxide, lithium peroxide, and calcium peroxide, or combinations thereof. In particularly preferred embodiments, the source of peroxide (source of oxygen) is selected from the list including, but not limited to, urea hydrogen peroxide, sodium percarbonate, magnesium peroxide, sodium peroxide, lithium peroxide, and calcium peroxide, or combinations thereof. A particularly preferred source of peroxide is urea hydrogen peroxide, which the inventors have found to be particularly effective and has the added benefit of, for example, ammonia production.

[0089] Another particularly preferred source of peroxide is calcium peroxide, which the inventors have found to provide a desirable increase in ORP in the rumen, especially when administered orally. The peroxide source (oxygen source) is preferably in solid form. In some embodiments, this means that the peroxide source is incorporated into the animal's feed as a solid ingredient. In some other embodiments, this means that the peroxide source is formulated as a solid bolus for oral administration. Other potential sources of oxygen include perfluorocarbons and endoperoxides. Alternatively, an enzymatic oxygen source can be used, and other biological catalysts such as yeast may also be present. In one aspect, the present invention provides a method for reducing methane production from an animal, comprising orally administering to the animal a composition comprising urea hydrogen peroxide, magnesium peroxide, or a combination thereof, preferably the composition is substantially free of iodide or sources of iodide. For example, preferably, the present invention provides a method for reducing methane production from an animal, comprising orally administering to the animal a composition comprising urea hydrogen peroxide, preferably the composition is substantially free of iodide or sources of iodide. The inventors have discovered that oral administration of a composition comprising urea hydrogen peroxide, magnesium peroxide, or a combination thereof is particularly effective in reducing methane production, particularly in ruminant animals.

[0090] Enzymatic oxidant systems: In some embodiments, the oxidizing agent may be an enzymatic oxidizing agent system. For example, the composition may include an enzyme and additional components (e.g., a source of oxygen or a source of peroxide) that collectively produce an oxidizing effect. In some embodiments, the composition includes an enzymatic oxidizing agent system (e.g., a source of oxygen or a source of peroxide) that reacts with an endogenous component of the animal to produce an oxidizing effect. In a preferred embodiment, the oxidizing agent is non-enzymatic.However, in the embodiment in which the oxidizing agent in the composition of the present invention is an enzymatic oxidizing agent system, the enzymatic oxidizing agent system preferably does not include a peroxidase, such as an animal heme-dependent peroxidase.Preferably, the composition of the present invention does not include lactoperoxidase. Enzymatic oxidant systems are known in the art. One preferred enzymatic oxidant system comprises an oxidoreductase enzyme and a suitable substrate for the enzyme to produce hydrogen peroxide. Alternatively, the substrate may be endogenous (not present in the composition). In some embodiments, an enzymatic oxidant system provides for the reaction of glucose with glucose oxidase, resulting in the production of gluconic acid and peroxide. Such a system is discussed in WO2012140272, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0091] In some embodiments, the enzymatic oxidant system comprises an oxidoreductase enzyme and a suitable substrate for the enzyme to produce hydrogen peroxide. The oxidoreductase may be glucose oxidase, which reacts with glucose to produce hydrogen peroxide. Similarly, galactose oxidase, which reacts with galactose to produce hydrogen peroxide, may also be used. In some embodiments, peroxide may be produced from glucose by the action of glucose oxidase. In some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention may further comprise disaccharide sugars. The disaccharides can be hydrolyzed by the corresponding glycoside hydrolases, such as sucrose and sucrase, to release monosaccharide sugars. The monosaccharide sugars can then act as additional sources of hydrogen peroxide by using the corresponding oxidoreductase enzymes. In addition, oligosaccharides or polysaccharides can be added that contain more than two sugar molecules and are cleaved to produce a source of hydrogen peroxide. In some embodiments, the compositions of the invention comprise two enzymes to derive a source of hydrogen peroxide: a glycoside hydrolase, which breaks down disaccharide sugars into their constituent monosaccharides, and an additional oxidoreductase, which reacts with the monosaccharide sugars to release hydrogen peroxide.

[0092] In some embodiments, the composition may further comprise a source of additional hydrogen peroxide, for example, exogenous addition of a solution of hydrogen peroxide or its release by a suitable perhydrate, such as sodium percarbonate. Alternatively or in addition, a number of enzymes can be used to generate hydrogen peroxide. Xanthine oxidoreductase / oxidase reacts with either hypoxanthine or xanthine to generate hydrogen peroxide. Thus, xanthine oxidoreductase / oxidase and / or xanthine can be added to the composition to generate hydrogen peroxide. Similarly, sugar alcohols can be reacted with their appropriate oxidase enzymes to generate a source of hydrogen peroxide. For example, glycerol oxidase reacts with glycerol to generate a source of hydrogen peroxide, and thus glycerol oxidase / glycerol can be added to the composition. Another example would be mannitol, which reacts with mannitol oxidase. In addition to this, citric acid is known to release hydrogen peroxide, and thus can also be added to the composition.

[0093] Similarly, L-amino acid oxidase is an enzyme that reacts with free amino acids to produce hydrogen peroxide, and its addition (with or without an L-amino acid supplement) can provide a source of hydrogen peroxide. By varying the oxidoreductase and sugar, other methods can be used to produce hydrogen peroxide, by other enzymatic reactions (L-amino acid oxidase and L-amino acids, xanthine oxidoreductase / oxidase and xanthine / hypoxanthine), by addition of a peroxide generator such as sodium percarbonate, or by direct addition of a solution of hydrogen peroxide. In some embodiments, the source of peroxide may be ruminal microorganisms, such as lactic acid bacteria, which secrete hydrogen peroxide. Various other bacteria in the rumen, such as streptococci, can act to provide an endogenous source of hydrogen peroxide. The peroxide produced by such bacteria can in turn act as a source of oxygen through decomposition of the peroxide. In some preferred embodiments, the source of peroxide is not a ruminal microorganism or bacterium, for example, in some preferred embodiments, the source of peroxide (source of oxygen) is not a lactic acid bacterium.

[0094] Animals: The compositions and methods of the present invention are intended for use in animals.The present invention is particularly useful in ruminants, and the most preferred subject is cattle.Examples of ruminants include cattle, sheep, goats, deer, giraffes, antelopes, and camels.Preferably, the ruminants are cows or sheep. In some embodiments, the animal is a silage-fed ruminant, i.e., the ruminant is silage-fed before ingesting the composition of the present invention or before being subjected to the method of the present invention. In some embodiments, the animal (e.g., ruminant) is a pasture-fed livestock, i.e., the animal (e.g., ruminant) is grass-fed before ingesting the composition of the present invention or before being subjected to the method of the present invention. In some embodiments, the animal is intensively raised, i.e., the animal (e.g., ruminant) is fed a balanced ration or concentrate feed before ingesting the composition of the present invention or before being subjected to the method of the present invention. In some embodiments, the animal is intensively raised, i.e., the animal (e.g., ruminant) is fed by grazing outdoors on pasture before ingesting the composition of the present invention or before being subjected to the method of the present invention. The present invention is also suitable for use with other non-ruminant animals, particularly pigs. Although such animals are not ruminants, they still produce significant amounts of methane. In some preferred embodiments, the animal is not fistulated or cannulated. In particularly preferred embodiments, the animal is a non-fistulated ruminant (e.g., a cow). For example, this can mean that the animal is a cow that has not been surgically fistulated or cannulated.

[0095] Animal Performance Enhancement In a further aspect, the present invention provides a composition comprising an oxidant for improving animal performance. The composition may be any composition of the present invention as described elsewhere herein. In a preferred embodiment, the method for reducing methane production from an animal as described herein may further comprise improving animal performance. In some embodiments, the present invention encourages non-methanogenic microbial pathways that produce volatile fatty acids rather than methane from excess hydrogen. In some embodiments, the non-methanogenic microbial pathways can include fumarate reduction and / or fermentation. In some embodiments, the reduction in methanogenic activity can be accompanied by an increase in non-methanogenic activity (e.g., acetogenic activity) that produces volatile fatty acids and / or an increase in non-methanogenic microbial population (e.g., fermenting microbial population and fumarate reducing microbial population) in the rumen. As a result of an increase in non-methanogenic activity (e.g., acetogenic activity) that produces volatile fatty acids and / or an increase in non-methanogenic microbial population (e.g., fermenting microbial population and fumarate reducing microbial population) in the rumen, improved animal performance can be observed because more hydrogen can be diverted to produce volatile fatty acids rather than waste methane gas. The present invention can encourage non-methanogenic microbial pathways that produce acetate rather than methane from excess hydrogen. In some embodiments, the non-methanogenic microbial pathways can include acetate production (e.g., homoacetogenesis) microbial pathways. Thus, a reduction in methanogenic activity may be accompanied by an increase in acetogenic (e.g., homoacetogenic) activity and / or an increase in the acetogenic (e.g., homoacetogen) population in the rumen. As a result of the increase in acetogenic (e.g., homoacetogenic) activity and / or an increase in the acetogenic (e.g., homoacetogen) population, improved animal performance may be observed as more hydrogen can be diverted towards the production of acetate rather than waste methane gas.

[0096] The present invention can encourage non-methanogenic microbial pathways that produce propionic acid and / or medium chain fatty acids (e.g., valeric acid and / or caproic acid) from excess hydrogen rather than methane. Thus, a reduction in methanogenic activity can be accompanied by an increase in microbial activity that produces propionic acid and / or medium chain fatty acids (e.g., valeric acid and / or caproic acid) and / or an increase in the population of propionic acid-producing and / or medium chain fatty acid-producing (e.g., valeric acid-producing and / or caproic acid-producing) microorganisms in the rumen. In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method for improving animal performance comprising orally administering to the animal a composition comprising an oxidizing agent, the composition may be any composition of the present invention as described elsewhere herein.

[0097] In a preferred embodiment, the improved animal performance is increased milk production, increased animal weight gain, improved milk quality of the animal, increased volatile fatty acid content in the animal's stomach (e.g., rumen), reduced finish time of an animal (e.g., beef cattle), improved carcass quality, improved feed efficiency, and / or improved feed recuperation ratio. In a preferred embodiment, any such improvement can be measured in comparison to an animal not subjected to the methods, compositions, or uses of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the term "increased milk production" can include an increased milk volume yield and / or an increased milk solids yield. In a preferred embodiment, the term "increased milk volume yield" means an increase in milk volume compared to the average volume produced by a ruminant not subjected to the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the term "increased milk solids yield" means an increase in milk solids mass compared to the average mass produced by a ruminant not subjected to the present invention.

[0098] In one embodiment, the method of the present invention increases milk volume yield by at least 1%. In one embodiment, the method of the present invention increases milk volume yield by at least 2%. In one embodiment, the method of the present invention increases milk volume yield by at least 5%. In one embodiment, the method of the present invention increases milk volume yield by at least 10%. In one embodiment, the method of the present invention increases milk volume yield by at least 15%. In one embodiment, the method of the present invention increases milk volume yield by at least 20%. In one embodiment, the method of the present invention increases milk volume yield by at least 25%. In another embodiment, the method of the present invention increases milk volume yield by at least 1% to about 2%. In one embodiment, the method of the present invention increases milk volume yield by about 1% to about 5%. In one embodiment, the method of the present invention increases milk volume yield by about 1% to about 10%. In one embodiment, the method of the present invention increases milk volume yield by about 1% to about 15%. In one embodiment, the method of the present invention increases milk volume yield by about 1% to about 20%. In one embodiment, the method of the present invention increases milk volume yield by about 1% to about 25%.

[0099] In one embodiment, the method of the present invention increases milk solids yield by at least 1%. In one embodiment, the method of the present invention increases milk solids yield by at least 2%. In one embodiment, the method of the present invention increases milk solids yield by at least 5%. In one embodiment, the method of the present invention increases milk solids yield by at least 10%. In one embodiment, the method of the present invention increases milk solids yield by at least 15%. In one embodiment, the method of the present invention increases milk solids yield by at least 20%. In one embodiment, the method of the present invention increases milk solids yield by at least 25%. In an embodiment, the method of the present invention increases milk solids yield by about 1% to about 2%. In an embodiment, the method of the present invention increases milk solids yield by about 1% to about 5%. In an embodiment, the method of the present invention increases milk solids yield by about 1% to about 10%. In an embodiment, the method of the present invention increases milk solids yield by about 1% to about 15%. In an embodiment, the method of the present invention increases milk solids yield by about 1% to about 20%. In an embodiment, the method of the present invention increases milk solids yield by about 1% to about 25%. In some embodiments, "reduced finish time" refers to a reduction in the time it takes to reach a final designated mass before slaughter compared to the average finish time of animals not subjected to the method of the invention. The method of the invention can reduce the finish time by at least 1 day, at least 2 days, at least 5 days, at least 10 days, or at least 20 days.

[0100] Also, in some embodiments, the present invention can result in an increase in volatile fatty acids (VFAs) in the rumen. In a preferred embodiment, the method of the present invention can be used to increase the concentration of one or more VFAs selected from acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, and / or caproic acid. In a preferred embodiment, the method of the present invention results in an increase in VFA concentration of at least about 1%. Preferably, the method of the present invention results in an increase in VFA concentration of at least about 5%. Preferably, the method of the present invention results in an increase in VFA concentration of at least about 10%. Such VFAs that can be produced by microbial digestion in animals, such as ruminants, are the most rapidly metabolized and therefore can be an important indicator of VFA production. In some embodiments, an increase in VFAs is an indicator of increased digestion in the animal and is therefore a desirable outcome.

[0101] In a preferred embodiment, the invention may include administering a second component that accelerates the increase in acetogenic activity and / or the increase in the acetogenic population. In a preferred embodiment, the second component comprises a probiotic. In a preferred embodiment, the second component may comprise a live culture of acetogenic bacteria. For example, the second component may include at least one of the following, or a combination thereof: Acetitomaculum ruminis, Acetoanaerobium noterae, Acetobacterium bakii, Acetobacterium carbinolicum, Acetobacterium dehalogenans, Acetobacterium fimetarium, Acetobacterium malicum, Acetobacterium paludosum, Acetobacterium tundrae, Acetobacterium wieringae, Acetobacterium wieringae, Acetobacterium woodii, Acetohalobium arabaticum, Acetonema longum, Alkalibaculum bacchi, Blautia coccoides ga-1a, Blautia hydrogenotrophica, Blautia producta u-1a, Blautia schinkii, Butyribacterium methylotrophicum a, Calderihabitans maritimus, Carboxydothermus ferrilesens ferrireducens, Carboxydothermus hydrogenoformanshydrogenoformans, carboxydothermus pertinax, clostridium aceticum, clostridium autoethanogenum a, clostridium carboxydivorans, clostridium coskatii a, clostridioides, difficile 630a, clostridium drakei, clostridium formicaceticum, clostridium ljungdahlii, clostridium magnum, clostridium methoxybenzovorans methoxybenzovorans, Clostridium ragsdalei, Clostridium scatologenes, Desulfotomaculum thermobenzoicum subsp. thermosyntrophicum, Eubacterium aggregans, Eubacterium limosum, Fuchsiella alkaliacetigena, Fuchsiella ferrireducens, Holophaga foetidac, Marvinbryantia formatexigens, Moorella glycerinicus glycerinic), Moorella mulderi, Moorella thermoaceticathermoacetica, moorella thermoautotrophica, oxobacter pfennigii, sporomusa acidovorans, sporomusa aerivorans, sporomusa malonica, sporomusa ovata, sporomusa paucivorans, sporomusa rhizae, sporomusa silvacetica, sporomusa sphaeroides, sporomusa thermitida termitida, Terrisporobacter glycolicus RD-1a, Terrisporobacter mayombei, Thermeacetogenium phaeum, Thermoanaerobacter kivui, and Treponema primitia. The second component may also include a component that stimulates acetogenic bacteria growth.

[0102] In a preferred embodiment, the second component may comprise a live culture of fumaric acid reducing bacteria, for example, the second component may comprise at least one microorganism from the phyla Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, and Firmicutes. For example, the second component may include at least one of Mitsuokella jalaludinii, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Fibrobacter succinogenes, Selenomonas lactilyca, Selenomonas ruminantium, Veillonella parvula, and Wolinella succinogenes, or a combination thereof. The second component may also include a component that stimulates fumaric acid reducing bacteria growth (e.g., fumaric acid).

[0103] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method for improving animal performance comprising orally administering to an animal an additional anti-methanogen and / or oxidant and a second component that accelerates the increase in non-methanogenic activity producing volatile fatty acids and / or the increase in non-methanogenic microbial population (e.g. fermenting microbial population and fumarate reducing microbial population). In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method for improving animal performance comprising orally administering to a ruminant an additional anti-methanogen and / or oxidant and a second component that accelerates the increase in acetogenic activity and / or the increase in acetogen population. Some additional anti-methanogens are known in the art, such as 3-nitrooxypropanol (3NOP), coenzyme M analogs, halogenated aliphatic C1-C2 hydrocarbons, such as bromoform; pterin compounds, hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-S-CoA) reductase inhibitors, fats and fatty acids, plant secondary metabolites, such as tannins, flavonoids, organosulfur compounds, essential oils, allicin, alternative hydrogen sinks, such as nitrates and sulfates, nitro compounds, propionate and butyrate enhancers, unsaturated organic acids, inhibitors of hydrogen-producing bacteria, such as ionophores or bacteriocins, seaweed and seaweed extracts. A preferred anti-methanogen is 3NOP.

[0104] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method for improving animal performance comprising administering to an animal (e.g., a ruminant) 3NOP and, optionally, a second component (e.g., a probiotic) that increases acetogenic activity and / or accelerates the growth of the acetogenic bacteria population. In some preferred embodiments, the methods of the invention increase the stomach (e.g., rumen) acetogen (e.g., homoacetogen) population, for example, by greater than about 10%. Preferably, the methods of the invention increase the stomach (e.g., rumen) acetogen (e.g., homoacetogen) population by greater than about 20%. Preferably, the methods of the invention increase the stomach (e.g., rumen) ruminal acetogen population by greater than about 25%. Preferably, the methods of the invention increase the stomach (e.g., rumen) acetogen population by greater than about 30%. In some embodiments, the acetogen population is measured by conventional means, for example by taking a sample and counting the acetogens using a microscope.

[0105] In some embodiments, the present invention achieves improved animal performance (e.g., weight gain) over time following repeated administration of the present invention. For example, improved animal performance (e.g., weight gain) can be achieved in a maintenance phase. In some embodiments, a temporary reduction in animal performance (eg, weight loss), for example during a correction phase, is followed by a long-term improvement in animal performance (eg, weight gain), for example during a maintenance phase. Without wishing to be bound by theory, a temporary or transient reduction in animal performance (e.g., weight loss) may be caused by hydrogen accumulation. In some embodiments, the period of hydrogen accumulation is followed by a period of increased non-methanogenic microbial pathways and a long-term reduction in methane production.

[0106] The present invention also relates to the following additional numbered embodiments: 1. A composition comprising an oxidizing agent for improving animal performance. 2. A method for improving animal performance comprising orally administering to the animal a composition comprising an oxidizing agent. 3. A method for improving animal performance comprising orally administering to an animal an additional anti-methanogen and / or oxidant, and a second component that increases non-methanogenic activity that produces volatile fatty acids and / or accelerates the increase in non-methanogenic microbial population. 4. The method of embodiment 3, wherein the increase in non-methanogenic activity comprises an increase in acetogenic activity. 5. The method of embodiment 3 or 4, wherein the increase in the non-methanogenic microbial population comprises an increase in the acetogen population. 6. The method or composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein the composition is substantially free of iodide or sources of iodide. 7. The method or composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein the composition comprises a peroxidase or catalase, a peroxidase-producing organism, or a non-biological catalyst that catalyzes the decomposition of peroxide. 8. The method or composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein the oxidizing agent is an enzymatic oxidizing agent system. 9. The method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the animal is a ruminant. 10. The method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the animal is a bovine. 11. The method of embodiment 2 or 3, wherein the animal is a ruminant and the stomach is the rumen. 12. The method or composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein the improved animal performance comprises one or more of: increased milk production, increased animal weight gain, improved milk quality of the animal, increased volatile fatty acid content in the stomach (e.g., rumen) of the animal, reduced feed-finishing time of the animal (e.g., beef cattle), improved carcass quality, improved feed efficiency, and improved feed recovery. 13. The method or composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein the oxidizing agent is a source of oxygen (O2). 14. The method or composition of embodiment 13, wherein the source of oxygen is a source of peroxide. 15. The method or composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein the oxidizing agent is a source of oxygen selected from hydrogen peroxide, urea hydrogen peroxide, sodium percarbonate, magnesium peroxide, sodium peroxide, lithium peroxide, and calcium peroxide, or combinations thereof. 16. The method or composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein the oxidizing agent is urea hydrogen peroxide. 17. The method or composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein the oxidizing agent is calcium peroxide. 18. The method or composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein the oxidizing agent is a peroxide producing bacterium, and optionally the peroxide producing bacterium is a lactic acid bacterium. 19. The method of any preceding embodiment, comprising adding the composition to food prior to oral administration. 20. A method according to any preceding claim, comprising the steps of: (i) sprinkling the composition onto the food prior to feeding; and (ii) feeding a mixture of the food and the composition to a ruminant animal. 21. The method or composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein the composition further comprises a food ingredient, optionally the food ingredient comprises corn, barley, soybean, and / or molasses. 22. The composition or method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the composition comprises a coating comprising coconut oil, glycerin, glycerol, silica hydrogel, poly(methyl methacrylate) encapsulation, poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), alginate, poly(vinylpyrrolidone) PVP, hard fat, ethylcellulose, N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), acrylic acid, hydroxyethylmethane chloride-oligo(hydroxybutyrate), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), methacrylamide chitosan, cyanoacrylate, sodium alginate, polyisobutylene, isobutylene-isoprene copolymer, styrene-butadiene copolymer, polyvinyl acetate, polyisoprene, polyethylene, vinyl acetate, or a combination thereof. 23. The composition or method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the composition comprises a coating comprising coconut oil. 24. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein the composition comprises iron oxide, zinc oxide, magnesium stearate, hydrogenated fat, or a combination thereof. 25. The method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the composition increases the redox potential in the animal's stomach by at least about +100 mV. 26. The method of any preceding embodiment, wherein oral administration of the composition increases the redox potential in the stomach of the animal for a period of at least about 1 hour following oral administration. 27. The method of any preceding embodiment, wherein oral administration of the composition induces and maintains a redox potential of about -200 mV to about -100 mV in the stomach for at least about 1 hour. 28. The method of any preceding embodiment, wherein oral administration of the composition does not reduce gastric pH by more than 10%. 29. The method of any preceding embodiment, further comprising administering an additional anti-methanogen. 30. The method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the additional anti-methanogen is 3-nitrooxypropanol. 31. The composition or method of any preceding embodiment, wherein about 0.01 to about 0.1% by weight of the composition is an oxidizing agent. 32. The composition or method of any preceding embodiment, wherein about 0.05% to about 10%, preferably about 0.1% to about 5%, preferably about 0.5% to about 2.5%, preferably about 1% to about 2% of the composition by weight is an oxidizing agent. 33. The composition or method of any preceding embodiment, wherein substantially all of the composition is an oxidizing agent. 34. The method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the composition used is a composition described in any preceding embodiment. 35. Use of a composition according to any preceding embodiment for improving animal performance. EXAMPLES

[0107] The compositions and methods of the present invention are illustrated by the following non-limiting examples. Example 1 – RUSITEC Composition Screening First Run A well-established assay for investigating the rumen, known as the Rumen Simulation Technique (RUSITEC), has been described by Czerkawski and Breckenridge (British Journal of Nutrition, 1997, vol. 38(3): 371-384). The inventors have used the RUSITEC system to screen ex vivo the effects of a series of compositions of the invention as feed additives.

[0108] Experimental details: The RUSITEC setup used 800ml vessels, with four replicates for each feed additive / control being screened. The results shown below are the average of the results from the four replicate experiments. Fresh rumen fluid and digesta were collected from >3 fistulated donor animals acclimated to a diet similar to that being tested in the vessel. The collected contents were pooled to eliminate variability. A minimum of 500ml of rumen fluid and 90g of digesta were collected per vessel. The purpose of using the digesta is to allow the microorganisms to replicate on the fiber mat and attach to the newly introduced feed bag. For each experiment, a feed composition containing either a control composition or a composition containing a feed additive was added to the RUSITEC system in a porous bag. In addition, a second bag containing grass silage (the "forage bag") was added to the vessel. 450ml of rumen fluid, 350ml of anaerobic saliva, the appropriate bag containing the feed composition, the forage bag, and 80g of the digesta pool were added to each vessel. The dry mass of each of the feed compositions and the hay bag was recorded before addition. Artificial saliva was prepared according to McDougall (Biochemical Journal, 1948, vol. 43 (1), pp. 99-109) and pumped into the vessels at a rate of 27.5 ml per hour. Each vessel was kept at a constant temperature of 39°C during the experimental procedure. The overflow vessel was kept at 2°C. The bags containing the feed compositions were removed and replaced with new bags every 24 hours, and the hay bag was replaced every 48 hours. The following feed compositions were added to the RUSITEC system:

[0109] Reference Composition CO: A control composition (20 g) consisting of roasted barley, wheat distillers dried grains, dried cereals, dried beet pulp, soybean (bean) hulls, sugar cane molasses, flaked corn, soybeans, sodium chloride, and calcium carbonate. Reference Composition A ("LARS 1X"): A feed composition consisting of 0.54 g urea hydrogen peroxide, 0.06 g potassium iodide, and Composition CO (20 g). Composition B of the invention: a feed composition consisting of 0.54 g of urea hydrogen peroxide and composition CO (20 g).

[0110] Results 1.1: Measurements included biogas production, specifically methane acidity and ammonia production. The total volume of gas produced, specifically the volume of methane and ammonia emanating from the system, was monitored over a 21 day period. In addition, the pH of the basin and overflow rumen fluid was measured daily. The results are also shown in attached Figure 1. [Table 1] 1 Reduction in percentage of CH4 in total gas compared to control = (Percentage of CH4 in total gas of CO - Percentage of CH4 in total gas of X) / Percentage of CH4 in total gas of CO x 100, where X is A, B, or C. 2 Reduction in daily CH4 production compared to control (%) = (CH4 production of CO (mmol / day) - CH4 production of B (mmol / day)) / CH4 production of CO (mmol / day) x 100.

[0111] Conclusion 1.1: It was observed that composition B, which did not contain a source of iodide, achieved a significant reduction in total gas generation volume compared to the control (see Figure 3). Composition B also achieved a significant (greater than 50%) reduction in methane production volume compared to the control (see Figure 2). Composition B also achieved an overall reduction in the amount of methane produced per day in the rumen compared to the control (see Figure 4). Result 1.2: The cumulative volume of CH4 generated by RUSITEC was recorded over the 21-day experimental period. [Table 2] The pH was also monitored and the results are shown in Figure 6.

[0112] Conclusion 1.2: As shown in Table 1.2, administration of Composition B significantly reduced the cumulative volume of methane generated from the rumen over the 21 day trial period compared to the control. Notably, the reduction was greater than 60% compared to the control. Notably, as shown in Figure 6, administration of Composition B did not result in substantial ruminal acidification compared to the control Composition CO. In particular, it was observed that Composition B maintained a similar pH as the control Composition CO, in addition to reducing methane production as described above. This lack of substantial acidification is surprising: from the biogas production results, it would be expected (without wishing to be bound by theory) that compositions that inhibit ruminal methane production would also promote the metabolic formation of volatile fatty acids. Thus, a corresponding ruminal acidification (which may negatively affect feed digestibility in ruminants) would be expected, but was not observed.

[0113] Experiment 1.3: The effect of each feed additive composition on dry matter digestibility was evaluated by measuring the change in dry mass of the feed compositions before and after simulated digestion using the RUSITEC model described above. At each of the change intervals specified above, when the feed composition bag or hay bag was removed from the container, it was washed with 25 ml of saliva to dislodge as many microorganisms as possible, and the washings were returned to the container. During the final 7 days of the trial (days 15-21), following the saliva wash, the feed and hay bags were washed in a washing machine with a 30 minute rinse cycle without heat, detergent, or spin-drying. After washing, the bags were dried at a temperature of 55°C for 48 hours, and the dry mass was recorded. Result 1.3: The dry matter digestibility of each of the screened compositions was measured as described above. [Table 3] 3 Digestibility (%) = (1 - (dry mass of feed material after digestion / dry mass of feed material before digestion)) x 100. 4 The average digestibility refers to the average digestibility of both the pellet and forage compositions.

[0114] Conclusion 1.3: These results indicate that administration of Composition B does not appear to have a substantial negative effect on digestibility, as shown in Figures 7-10. Notably, Composition B was observed to retain digestibility similar to the control Composition CO and to a greater extent than the active control Composition A.

[0115] Result 1.4: The volume of ammonia evolved from the system was monitored over a period of 21 days. [Table 4]

[0116] Conclusion 1.4: Administration of Composition B achieved an overall increase in the amount of ammonia generated from the rumen compared to the control Composition CO. Notably, as shown in Figure 5, Composition B was observed to achieve a greater increase compared to the control Composition CO and a greater increase than the active control Composition A.

[0117] The reduction of ammonia production in the rumen is linked to ruminal bioremoval. Therefore, the increased ammonia production levels observed by the inventors for composition B of the present invention suggest that the method and composition of the present invention avoids substantial ruminal bioremoval. Thus, the inventors have shown that the method and composition of the present invention can surprisingly achieve a desirable reduction in methane production without causing substantial ruminal bioremoval, thereby avoiding some of the negative effects associated with ruminal bioremoval, such as reduced digestibility. Result 1.5: The amount of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) produced (mmoles per liter) in the control composition experiment and the composition B experiment was measured at 21 days. [Table 5]

[0118] Example 2 – Second Run of RUSITEC Composition Screening The method of Example 1 was repeated using an additional series of compositions. Reference Composition CO: A control composition (20 g) consisting of roasted barley, wheat distillers dried grains, dried cereals, dried beet pulp, soybean (bean) hulls, sugar cane molasses, flaked corn, soybeans, sodium chloride, and calcium carbonate. Reference composition D ("UHP 0.5x"): feed composition consisting of 0.27 g urea hydrogen peroxide and composition CO (20 g). Composition E ("MgO20.5x"): A feed composition consisting of 0.162 g of magnesium peroxide complex (this complex contains 24% to 28% magnesium peroxide) and Composition CO (20 g). Reference composition G ("UHP 0.25x"): feed composition consisting of 0.135 g urea hydrogen peroxide composition CO (20 g).

[0119] Results 2.1: Measurements included biogas production and pH as described above. [Table 6]

[0120] A reduction in the total volume of gas produced from the rumen was achieved compared to the control by administration of compositions D, E, and G. Composition D achieved the greatest reduction in total volume of gas produced compared to the control (see also FIG. 13). Administration of Compositions D, E, and G achieved an overall significant reduction in the volume of methane generated from the rumen compared to the control Composition CO. Notably, Composition D achieved a greater than 50% reduction in methane production volume compared to the control Composition CO (see also FIG. 12). Administration of Compositions D, E, and G achieved an overall significant reduction in the amount of methane produced in the rumen per day compared to the control Composition CO. Notably, Composition D achieved a greater than 50% reduction in daily methane production compared to the control Composition CO (see also FIG. 14).

[0121] Notably, as shown in Figure 15, administration of Compositions D, E, and G did not lead to significant ruminal acidification compared to the control Composition CO. In particular, it was observed that Compositions D and G, in addition to the reduction in methane production described above, also resulted in an increase in pH compared to the control Composition CO. These results suggest that Compositions D, E, and G can exert an inhibitory effect on methane production without causing ruminal acidification and without negatively affecting digestibility.

[0122] Result 2.2: The dry matter digestibility of each of the screened compositions was measured as described above. [Table 7]

[0123] Conclusion 2.2: The dry matter digestibility results, as shown in Figures 16-19, indicate that administration of Compositions D, E, or G does not appear to have a substantial negative effect on digestibility.

[0124] Illustrative Example 3 - ORP Assay The ORP in an animal's stomach (and the effect of the composition of the present invention on the ORP) can be measured by conventional means for measuring ORP. For example, the following preferred method can be used: (i) prepare an ORP meter bolus by applying a commercially available pH bolus, (ii) initiate an ORP measurement, (iii) administer the composition under study, and (iv) measure the effect of the composition on ORP over time by taking ORP measurements at regular intervals.

[0125] For example, the ORP in an animal's stomach (e.g., rumen) can be measured using a bolus electrode, which is an approximately 100 mm by 20 mm capsule that is inserted into the rumen by mouth or via a fistula. The bolus transmits measurements to a control station data logger within a range of 500 m.

[0126] Example 4 – ORP Data Initial experiments have demonstrated that the compositions and methods of the present invention increase the ORP in the stomach of an animal, particularly in the rumen of a ruminant. The inventors have observed that methane production typically requires an ORP of about -200 mV or lower in the digestive tract (e.g., the rumen). The inventors have also observed that the compositions of the present invention (e.g., compositions B, D, E, G of Examples 1 and 2) are capable of achieving an increase in ORP of at least about +100 mV (i.e., raising the ORP above about -100 mV) in the digestive tract of an animal for a sustained period of time, e.g., for longer than about 2-4 hours.

[0127] Discussion: Without wishing to be bound by theory, these results are believed to support that increasing ORP is responsible for reducing methanogenic activity without substantially reducing digestibility (and thus maintaining feed efficiency and animal performance). In particular, when using a peroxide source, the concentration of peroxide in the stomach remains low (as peroxide is continuously released to ensure a continuous supply of oxygen through rapid decomposition). The elevated ORP remains persistent, and thus the peroxide source composition is functioning as a source of oxygen rather than reducing any methanogenic activity caused by the slight and negligible bioremoval effect of peroxide.

[0128] Example 5 – In vivo methane emission studies experiment A methane emission study was conducted to determine the effect that feeding different doses of the feed additive would have on enteric fermentation. In general, animals (in this example, adult ewes weighing approximately 80 kg at the start of the trial) were fed 500 g of concentrate diet (30% corn meal, 30% barley, 16.5% soybean hulls, 15.5% soybean meal, 5% molasses, 3% minerals and vitamins) supplemented with the feed additive at 8 am every day. Any leftover concentrate / additive was recorded. The sheep were then allowed free access to grass silage and water throughout the day, and the amount of silage eaten was recorded for each animal.

[0129] The body weights of all animals were recorded at the start of the study ("week 1") and after 49 days ("week 7"). Methane emissions were recorded by using Portable Accumulation Chambers (PACs). Briefly, these are closed chambers in which individual animals reside for a period of 1 hour. During this period, measurements of methane, oxygen, and carbon dioxide are taken at 0, 25, and 50 minutes. These data points are temperature and humidity controlled to allow for hourly and daily emission rates of the three gases. Animals were placed in the PACs at weeks 1 and 9 as defined above. Twelve adult ewes, at least 2 years of age, were divided into two groups of six: one group received urea hydrogen peroxide at a dose of 2.355 g per day (referred to as group 1) and the other group received urea hydrogen peroxide at a dose of 4.71 g per day (referred to as group 2).

[0130] Control group: sheep were fed 0.5 kg of feed concentrate containing animal feed daily for a period of 7 weeks. Treatment group 1 (UHP 0.5x): sheep were fed the same animal feed as the control group plus 0.5 kg of feed concentrate containing 0.15% (by mass) urea hydrogen peroxide daily for a period of 7 weeks. Treatment group 2 (UHP 1x): sheep were fed the same animal feed as the control group plus 0.5 kg of feed concentrate containing 0.3% (by mass) urea hydrogen peroxide daily for a period of 7 weeks. The amount of methane emitted per day (CH4 / day) and per animal body weight (CH4 / BW) can be seen in the table below.

[0131] result The average methane production for each animal during weeks 1 and 7 of the study is shown below. Also shown is the methane production relative to the animal's body weight (BW) (i.e. liters of methane per kg of animal weight). [Table 8] [Table 9] [Table 10] [Table 11]

[0132] Example 6 – In vivo feed efficiency study Experimental: A study was conducted to determine how the ingestion of a feed additive would affect animal performance. It is estimated that 2-12% of the energy content of animal feed is lost through enteric fermentation. This study investigated whether a potential reduction in enteric fermentation would result in additional energy being redirected to the animals. This would be indicated by an improvement in the feed:gain index, i.e., the ability of the animals to increase their rate of weight gain per unit of feed eaten.

[0133] Sixty adult ewes (average starting weight approximately 80 kg) were divided into three equal groups of 20 sheep per group. The animals were fed as described above in Animal Studies - Methane Emissions. The animals were grouped into control (no feed additive), treatment group 1 (2.355 g urea-hydrogen peroxide daily), and treatment group 2 (4.71 g urea-hydrogen peroxide daily). Animals were weighed at the start of the experiment (day 1) and at the end of the study (day 49). The mass of all food ingested (DMI) was weighed and recorded throughout the study.

[0134] The feed:gain ratio was calculated as follows: Weight Gain = Final Weight - Starting Weight Feed:gain ratio = weight gain / daily DMI This was calculated on an individual animal basis and on a group basis, as can be seen in the table below.

[0135] Results: The weights of the animals at the start and end of the study are shown below along with the average daily dry matter intake (DMI) of the animals. The ratio of weight gain to DMI was then calculated to determine the feed efficiency of each animal. [Table 12] [Table 13] [Table 14] [Table 15]

[0136] Conclusion: The treatment group administered the feed concentrate containing urea hydrogen peroxide showed a significant reduction in methane production by week 7. Feed efficiency results demonstrate that such treatment did not negatively affect weight gain and therefore did not cause a substantial negative effect on feed digestibility. Notably, animals in the treatment group gained more weight on average than the control group, demonstrating that the present invention has a positive effect on digestibility and feed efficiency. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the compositions and methods of the present invention increase ORP and reduce methane production in animals, thereby allowing more food mass to be directed to the animals rather than to methanogens in the digestive tract.

[0137] Example 7 – Higher Dose Animal Studies Further animal studies based on the studies described in Examples 5 and 6 are ongoing using higher doses of urea hydrogen peroxide in two additional treatment groups. Higher dose studies include trying feed concentrate compositions containing 0.6% urea hydrogen peroxide (UHP 2x) and 1.2% urea hydrogen peroxide (UHP 4x). It is expected that treatments containing higher concentrations of urea hydrogen peroxide will be more effective at reducing methane production from ruminants while retaining other beneficial properties such as having no substantial negative effect on digestibility and potentially improving feed efficiency.

[0138] Example 8 – Ex vivo bioremoval studies Experimental: An ex vivo study was conducted to investigate the effect of the compositions of the present invention on protozoan populations in ruminal fluid. The study consisted of treating diluted fresh ruminal fluid ("RF") with increasing concentrations of test compositions containing urea hydrogen peroxide and potassium iodide ("UHP+KI") and control compositions ("Water" and "N2:CO2"), further diluting the samples, and then counting the protozoan populations under a microscope. The experiment was repeated in triplicate. The experiment was carried out in closed vials under an N2:CO2 (80:20) atmosphere. Results: As shown below, protozoan counts were not substantially affected by the treatments of the present invention compared to untreated samples. Furthermore, no trend toward decreased protozoan populations was observed with increasing test treatment concentrations. [Table 16]

[0139] Conclusion: Surprisingly, there is no reduction in protozoan counts associated with the test treatments. Furthermore, there is no correlation between increasing concentrations of the test composition and any reduction in protozoan counts. Therefore, it would be expected that the compositions of the present invention would not be considered to substantially bioclean the rumen at the concentrations tested. In this experiment, potassium iodide was used. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is expected that potassium iodide promotes the decomposition of urea hydrogen peroxide and the resulting release of oxygen. Other experiments herein demonstrate that similar oxygen release is possible in the absence of potassium iodide, so similar results are expected with the treatment composition of the present invention that is substantially free of potassium iodide.

[0140] The experiments also showed that exposing rumen fluid to a mixture of atmospheric gases (N2 and CO2) was associated with a reduction in protozoan numbers, suggesting that exposure of rumen fluid to atmospheric gases, for example via a fistula, may lead to a reduction in protozoan numbers and therefore bioremoval.

[0141] Example 9 – Further ORP Assays and Data Experiment: An in vivo study was conducted to investigate the effect of the feed additive of the present invention on the ruminal ORP of cattle. The study involved administering an ORP measurement bolus to each cow, allowing ORP readings to be recorded every 10 minutes, and dividing the cattle into three groups: a control group (receiving a diet without any of the feed additive of the present invention), a low dose group (receiving 100g CaO2 per day with the diet, the additive being delivered in a single morning feeding), and a high dose group (receiving 200g CaO2 per day with the diet, the additive being delivered in a single morning feeding). After approximately 450 hours, the rumen was opened.

[0142] result: The results of this study are shown in Figure 20, which plots ruminal ORP levels (mV) over time, measured at 10 minute intervals, for the control, low dose, and high dose groups, respectively. The average baseline ORP reading measured in the control animals is approximately -440 mV. This average baseline ORP reading of approximately -440 mV may be useful to aid in the comparison of control ORP to the increase in ORP from animals receiving the additive. The rumen was opened approximately 450 hours later. ORP results after this time should be ignored. After each morning feeding, ruminal ORP increases by at least +100 mV for a period lasting at least 1 hour. In treated animals, a cumulative effect was observed after multiple feeding cycles, with the duration of sustained ORP elevation becoming longer with each subsequent feeding. In addition, with increasing number of feeding cycles, the baseline of treated animals gradually increased above that observed in the control group. This effect is particularly pronounced in the high dose group. A "correction phase" can be observed over an initial period of about the first 300-350 hours, as the ORP profile shows an overall increase, with specific increases after each dose, while there is a transient reduction in ORP below baseline between doses. After an initial period of approximately 300-350 hours, a "maintenance phase" can be observed until the end of the study, in which the ORP profile shows an overall increase, with a specific increase after each dose, and no substantial reduction in ORP below baseline between doses.

[0143] Conclusions: The ORP profiles observed in vivo were consistent with those generated in the RUSITEC ex vivo assay, and a strong correlation between increased ORP and reduced methane emissions was also observed. Therefore, a corresponding reduction in methane emissions would be expected in treated animals. The observation that the baseline ORP of treated animals gradually increases over time suggests that the treatment of the present invention results in a sustained shift toward a higher baseline ORP.

[0144] Example 10 – Comparison of ex vivo (RUSITEC) assay with in vivo ORP measurements Additionally, ex vivo (RUSITEC) and in vivo studies were conducted to investigate the correlation between the effect of the feed additive of the present invention on ruminal ORP in cattle and the effects observed in the RUSITEC experiments (such as those described in Examples 1 and 2). Experiment 10.1: The in vivo study involved administering the same ORP measurement bolus as described in Example 9 to four cows. Two cows, designated B423 and B419, were fed 221.7 g of calcium peroxide (CaO2) per day incorporated in 3 kg of a conventional feed concentrate mix. Two cows, designated B420 and B421, were control animals and were fed only 3 kg of a conventional feed concentrate mix per day without the additive of the invention present. The ORP measurement bolus entered the rumen at approximately 13 hours and administration of feed (with or without additive) to the animals began at approximately 18 hours. Results 10.1: Figures 21 and 22 show the measured ORP levels (y-axis) in the rumen of the studied cattle as a function of time (x-axis).

[0145] Experiment 10.2: For comparison with the in vivo data, various RUSITEC experiments described in Examples 1 and 2 were set up to measure ORP over a 24 hour period on day 16 and to test several different oxidants, including calcium peroxide. ORP in the RUSITEC ruminal system was measured at regular intervals. Result 10.2: In Figure 23, the ORP (mV, x-axis) is plotted as a function of time (hours, y-axis) for each of the oxidizers tested.

[0146] Conclusion: The in vivo ORP profiles are comparable to those observed in the RUSITEC ex vivo model with the same calcium peroxide content (i.e. equivalent dose), confirming that the ex vivo model (RUSITEC) reflects the ruminal response.

[0147] From the above description, those skilled in the art will recognize various modifications of the present invention in addition to those described herein that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. All references cited in this application, including all patents, patent applications, and publications, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A method for reducing methane production from a non-human animal by increasing the redox potential in the stomach of the non-human animal, the method comprising orally administering to the non-human animal a composition comprising an oxidizing agent.

2. A method for improving animal performance, comprising orally administering to a non-human animal a composition comprising an oxidizing agent.

3. The method described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the composition is administered to the animal at a dose that increases the gastric redox potential by at least about +10 mV for a period of at least about 1 hour.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the improved animal performance comprises one or more of increased milk production, increased animal weight gain, improved animal milk quality, increased volatile fatty acid content in the animal's stomach, reduced animal feed termination time, improved carcass quality, improved feed efficiency, and improved feed recovery.

5. A composition in the form of a bolus for oral administration to a non-human animal, comprising: (i) calcium peroxide, (ii) excipients, and (iii) Coating A composition comprising:

6. A composition in the form of pellets, comprising: (i) calcium peroxide, (ii) a food ingredient, and (iii) Coating A composition comprising:

7. The method described in claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein the composition is administered to a ruminant at a dose that increases the gastric redox potential by at least about +10 mV for a period of at least about 2 hours, and / or by at least about +50 mV for a period of at least about 1 hour.

8. 10. The method of claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein the composition is substantially free of iodide or sources of iodide.

9. 7. The method or composition of any one of claims 1, 2 and 4-6, wherein the composition comprises peroxidase or catalase, a peroxidase-producing organism, or a non-biological catalyst that catalyzes the decomposition of peroxide, or is an enzymatic oxidant system.

10. 10. The method of claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein the animal is a ruminant, e.g., a cow.

11. A method according to claim 1, 2 or 4, which (i) does not substantially reduce the digestibility of food in the stomach, and / or (ii) increases feed efficiency.

12. 10. The method of claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein the oxidizing agent is a source of oxygen selected from hydrogen peroxide, urea hydrogen peroxide, sodium percarbonate, magnesium peroxide, sodium peroxide, lithium peroxide, and calcium peroxide, or combinations thereof.

13. 5. The method of claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein the oxidizing agent is calcium peroxide.

14. 10. The method of claim 1, 2 or 4, comprising adding the composition to food prior to oral administration, for example, by (i) sprinkling the composition onto food prior to feeding, and (ii) feeding a mixture of food and composition to a ruminant.

15. The method of claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein (i) the method comprises administering a composition, e.g., a bolus, or (ii) the diet of the ruminant consists essentially of a feed comprising the composition of the present invention, or (iii) the diet of the ruminant consists essentially of the composition of the present invention, or (iv) the administering step is feeding the animal.

16. 7. The method or composition of any one of claims 1, 2 and 4-6, wherein the composition further comprises a food ingredient, optionally the food ingredient comprises corn, barley, soybeans, and / or molasses.

17. 7. The composition or method of any one of claims 1, 2, and 4-6, wherein the composition comprises a coating comprising coconut oil, gylcerin, glycerol, silica hydrogel, poly(methyl methacrylate) encapsulation, poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), alginate, poly(vinylpyrrolidone) PVP, hard fat, ethylcellulose, N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), acrylic acid, hydroxyethylmethane acrylate-oligo(hydroxybutyrate), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), methacrylamide chitosan, cyanoacrylate, sodium alginate, polyisobutylene, isobutylene-isoprene copolymer, styrene-butadiene copolymer, polyvinyl acetate, polyisoprene, polyethylene, vinyl acetate, or a combination thereof.

18. 10. The method of claim 1, 2, or 4, wherein the composition increases the redox potential in the stomach of the animal by at least about +10 mV.

19. 10. The method of claim 1, 2, or 4, wherein oral administration of the composition increases the redox potential in the stomach of the animal for a period of at least about 1 hour after oral administration.

20. 10. The method of claim 1, 2, or 4, wherein oral administration of the composition induces and maintains a redox potential of about -200 mV to about -100 mV in the stomach of the animal for at least about 1 hour.

21. 10. The method of claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein oral administration of the composition does not reduce ruminal pH below about 6.

22. 10. The method of claim 1, 2 or 4, further comprising administering an additional anti-methanogen, optionally wherein the additional anti-methanogen is 3-nitrooxypropanol.

23. The composition or method of any one of claims 1, 2, and 4-6, wherein (i) from about 0.05% to about 10% by weight of the composition is the oxidizing agent, preferably from about 0.1% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 2.5%, preferably from about 1% to about 2%, or (ii) substantially all of the composition is the oxidizing agent.

24. The method of claim 1, 2 or 4, which does not reduce the ruminal protozoan population in ruminants by more than about 40%.

25. The method of claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein the oxidizing agent is administered at a dose of about 0.01% to about 20% by weight of the animal's dry matter intake.

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