How to improve feed intake

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for improving the feed intake of farm animals, such as livestock animals and pets, and humans, more particularly pigs and piglets. The method is directed to providing a composition comprising benzocaine and feed ingredients that are tailored to the needs of the animal of interest. The method also provides a composition suitable for use in the method according to the present invention.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for increasing feed or food intake, and compositions particularly suitable therefor, more particularly to a method for increasing the feed intake of farm animals (e.g. livestock animals), pets and humans, and compositions particularly suitable therefor, which comprises mixing benzocaine with the feed.

[0002] The present invention aims to improve the feed or food intake of farm animals, such as livestock animals, pets and humans, more particularly pigs and other young livestock animals. In livestock farming, it is an economic interest for animals, particularly pigs, to grow easily. In this disclosure, pigs, pig weaning, pig feed and piglet weaning feed are described as examples, but the specific matters described herein can also be suitably applied to other livestock animals (e.g., cows, goats, sheep and horses), pets and humans. Pigs require high energy feed with low fiber and sufficient protein. Pigs consume large amounts of feed quickly. To raise and maintain healthy livestock, maximize growth and reproduction, and increase production, it is necessary to feed them with appropriate feed and a balanced diet from weaning to slaughter. Pigs eat about 4% of their body weight per day, and therefore require the essential nutrients required per day, namely water, carbohydrates, fats, proteins (amino acids), minerals and vitamins. [Background technology]

[0003] With a proper diet, a weight gain of about 0.68 kg to 0.77 kg per day can be expected up to a body weight of about 50 kg. After that, a weight gain of 0.82 kg to 1.0 kg per day can be achieved. Raw materials for pig feed include, among others: wheat, wheat all-purpose flour, barley, barley flour, rye, rye all-purpose flour, corn, corn flour, potato protein, beet pulp, molasses, alfalfa forage meal, forage beet, sunflower seed flakes, rapeseed flakes, linseed flakes, palm kernel flakes, cottonseed, tapioca, citrus fruits, corn gluten, corn flour, corn feed meal, oats, peas, broad beans, soybean flakes, rapeseed flakes, linseed, corn cob mix (CCM), triticale, soybeans, soybean flakes.

[0004] Food for pigs for livestock production should not contain high sugar foods, dog food, cracked corn, milk, fish, meat, fruit or potatoes unless processed. Sugary foods reduce growth rate and milk, meat and fish can carry viruses. The skin and seeds of apples, pears, apricots and peaches contain cyanogenic glycosides that are released when chewed and cause illness. Potatoes contain a natural toxin that can cause severe stomach pains.

[0005] It is most important to understand that the appropriate food supply depends on the developmental stage of the pig and other conditions, such as pregnancy.

[0006] Piglets, i.e. young pigs weighing less than 18 kg, should be introduced to solid food through weaner rations (also called creep feeding) while still suckling. Food requirements increase daily depending on the pig's weight.

[0007] Growing pigs weighing 18kg to 60kg and finishing pigs weighing 60kg to market weight (approximately 100kg or more) should be transitioned from a high-nutrient, high-protein growing pig diet to a low-nutrient finishing pig diet.

[0008] In the first few weeks after birth, piglets grow rapidly, but within three weeks, their nutritional requirements exceed the sow's ability to provide them. In fact, the sow's milk production peaks in less than one month and then gradually declines. The most important aspects at this stage are the preparation of the digestive tract for weaning and the intake of a diet that contains mainly components of plant origin.

[0009] Therefore, creep feeding is performed from pre-weaning in the farrowing room to post-weaning in the nursery to increase the piglets' nutritional intake and to acclimate them to solid food before weaning. Creep feeding is a transitional strategy in pig production designed to successfully introduce solid food to piglets and prepare their digestive system for weaning. Creep feeding during the first week of life next to the sow allows the piglets to learn to eat solid food. Feed intake is very low during the first two weeks of life, as milk constitutes the majority of their diet. Physiologically, the piglets are not yet ready to digest solid food. Here, the small amount of feed ingested makes the following difference: the piglet learns that there is more available than just milk and the digestive tract is stimulated to produce the necessary enzymes to digest the unknown substances.

[0010] Although creep feeding does not guarantee an increase in weaning weight, the main benefits come from increased post-weaning feed intake and improved gastrointestinal development. Because weaning is a stressful time for piglets, creep feeding can prepare the gastrointestinal tract and improve their overall health and well-being when they enter the nursery. Recent studies have shown that higher quality creep feed and subsequent nutrition during weaning can help pigs perform better and feel better. Creep feeding prepares the piglet's gastrointestinal tract for the intake of solid food.

[0011] In nature, sows gradually wean their piglets over a period of 12 weeks. In current production systems, piglets are weaned between 21 and 28 days after birth. At this age, piglets are quite vulnerable as their immune and digestive systems are not fully developed.

[0012] It is known that the higher the feed intake during the first week after weaning, the better the overall growth-finishing performance. A difference of 50-100 grams per day during the first week after weaning can even gain a full week until reaching market age. However, even if piglets consume 300 grams of feed per day during the first week after weaning, their genetic potential is not exhausted here. Today, with the proper use of good quality feed, a daily feed intake of 200-250 grams can be accommodated. The goal is to reach 300 grams and even exceed it.

[0013] From week 3 onwards, starter feed intake increases steadily. At this stage, growth potential is very high and sow milk production is declining, so supplemental feeding can provide the nutrients necessary to promote piglet growth.

[0014] Weaning is a stressful process for piglets because they are separated from their mothers and possibly even from their littermates. They are moved to new stables with new feeding techniques and climate, and are placed with piglets from other litters. Further stress comes from the daily reduced availability of sow's milk, their main source of feed, and they are forced to consume solid feed that is very different in composition to sow's milk. The older the piglet, the more stable they are and the better they are able to cope with these challenges.

[0015] After weaning, maintaining feed intake is the most important factor in avoiding what is commonly known as the "weaning dip."

[0016] A steady feed intake after weaning avoids starving piglets starting to overeat after a few days and overloading the intestine with feed that the piglet cannot efficiently digest. Intestinal pathogens thrive on undigested nutrients, which often results in purulent and edematous diseases.

[0017] Moreover, several studies have demonstrated that piglets have better growth performance immediately after weaning and also show better performance up to slaughter.

[0018] The best way to ensure that piglets continue to eat after weaning is to prepare them in advance: they know how to eat and their intestines are able to digest solid feed more effectively. Nevertheless, the intestine is still developing and needs support to get through the stressful weaning period. Feed for weaned piglets must meet the same high quality standards as weaning feed.

[0019] In US Patent US7,754234, a composition comprising an antacid and a local anesthetic is disclosed. The composition is used to relieve pain or discomfort associated with a sore throat, and therefore the present invention is also directed to a method for relieving pain or discomfort associated with a sore throat, comprising instructing a human to orally administer the composition. The disclosure describes the use of lidocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine, or dyclonine in combination with a starch paste and, optionally, a sweetener.

[0020] The composition is concerned only with relieving the pain of discomfort, and at the same time does not provide nutritious food or increase feed intake.

[0021] US Patent US10,828,272 discloses a method for promoting food intake and food retention in mammals by inserting a flowable local anesthetic into the esophageal lumen of a patient through a gastrointestinal tube.The local anesthetic can be amethocaine, articaine, benzocaine, bupivacaine, chloroprocaine, cinchocaine, cyclomethycaine, dibucaine, dietocaine, etidocaine, larocaine, levobupivacaine, lidocaine, lignocaine, mepivacaine, novocaine, piperocaine, prilocaine, procaine, proparacaine, propoxycaine, QX-222, QX-314, ropivacaine, tetracaine, trimecaine, menthol, eugenol, or a safe pharmaceutical formulation of tetrodotoxin, saxitoxin, or neosaxitoxin. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0022] The present disclosure is useful for patients having problems with food intake or food retention. The present disclosure relates to a medical procedure performed by a medical specialist, not a method that can be used by farmers, breeders and pet owners.

[0023] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2020 / 0376026 discloses a method of improving efficiency, growth and performance in an animal by orally administering an effective amount of a therapeutic clay to the animal.

[0024] The terms used herein are used according to their ordinary meaning. In case of doubt, the use of terms can be further understood as follows.

[0025] In this specification, the term "feed" is used either collectively for "feed and food" or for feed only. When only human consumption is meant, the term "food" is used. Both terms refer to ingredients that are commonly used in the daily diet of the animal or human and that have nutritional value.

[0026] In this specification, the terms "creep feed" and "weaning feed" are used interchangeably. It refers to a feed specially adapted to help baby animals get used to solid food instead of mother's milk. This type of feed is commercially available but can also be made by hand.

[0027] Promoting food or feed intake and food or feed retention means not only an increase in the amount of food eaten, but also increasing the total amount of food eaten within a day by shortening one or more intervals between feedings, or by shortening the time spent eating and increasing the frequency of feeding. [Means for solving the problem]

[0028] The present invention contributes to improving the results in the reproduction of livestock animals by providing a method for improving feed intake in farmed animals by feeding them in the form of a composition, said composition comprising benzocaine and feed ingredients which are tailored to the specific needs of the animal of interest.

[0029] The method is particularly suitable for weaning piglets, since piglets and sows in particular can benefit from a smooth and problem-free weaning period.

[0030] However, the method may also be suitably used for other domestic animals, such as pets, and for humans, provided the feed ingredients are formulated for consumption by the animal or humans of interest.

[0031] The present specification is also directed to a method of improving the feed intake of livestock animals, such as piglets or pigs, calves or cows or bulls, sheep or lambs, horses or foals, by feeding them with feed in the form of a composition comprising benzocaine and a feed ingredient in accordance with the present specification.

[0032] Preferably, the feed ingredients are tailored to the specific needs of a young animal, such as a piglet or a pig. Thus, for young animals, such as piglets, the feed is preferably a weaner feed and is fed to the piglet during the weaning period.

[0033] Preferably, the benzocaine is present in the composition in solid form, more preferably in solid, particulate form, which facilitates administration and storage of benzocaine.

[0034] Typically the feed contains dairy products, fiber and a good source of protein.

[0035] In addition, the feed may contain feed additives such as enzymes, acidulants or organic acids, probiotics, phytogenic feed additives or botanicals, and / or toxin binders and combinations thereof.

[0036] The amount of benzocaine present in the composition is preferably calculated to provide a dosage of 0.2 to 20 mg of benzocaine per kg of animal per day.

[0037] The feed is provided to a pig or piglet and the amount of benzocaine present in the composition is calculated to provide 10-1000 mg of benzocaine per piglet or pig per day.

[0038] The present disclosure is also directed to compositions particularly suitable for use in the methods according to the invention, said compositions comprising benzocaine and a feed ingredient for farm animals or humans, the benzocaine being tailored to the particular needs of the animal of interest.

[0039] The benzocaine in the composition is preferably present in a solid, particulate form for ease of administration and storage.

[0040] Compositions according to the present disclosure preferably include feeds that include dairy products, fiber and a high quality protein source. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows the percentage of food intake relative to placebo intake. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows the increase in body weight for the pigs on day 8. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows the results of a group analysis of the percent growth on day 7 of the lightest 50% and heaviest 50% animals for animals in the placebo group and for animals fed the benzocaine-containing diet. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows the feed conversion ratio of pigs as a percentage of weight gain per unit of feed intake. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows the weaning dip. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042] As noted above, the present specification is directed to a method of improving feed intake in a farmed animal by feeding the animal with the feed in the form of a composition, the composition comprising benzocaine and feed ingredients that are tailored to the specific needs of the animal of interest.

[0043] Provided the feed ingredients are formulated for consumption by an animal or human of interest, the method may also be suitably used for other domestic animals, such as pets, and even for humans.

[0044] By farm animals, both livestock animals and pets are intended. By livestock animals, cattle (cows and bulls), sheep (lambs), pigs (pigs), goats and horses are intended. The method can be used to improve the feed intake at any stage of the development of livestock animals or to increase the feed intake by adding the feed composition during a defined and limited period during the life of the animal. The latter situation may occur when the animal has a reduced appetite due to illness, after surgery or medical treatment, or in other stressful situations. In that case, the method according to the present specification may be suitably used for pets and even for humans.

[0045] Thus, the term "feed ingredients tailored to the specific needs of an animal" refers to a combination of feed ingredients that benefits both the nutritional and health requirements of the animal of interest at the particular time (growth stage and / or condition) of the animal.

[0046] The results are particularly beneficial when the method is applied early after weaning, especially in the first week after weaning.

[0047] The inventors have discovered that when using the methods described herein, piglets and sows benefit from a smooth and problem-free weaning period, as demonstrated by improved feed conversion and generally healthier piglets.

[0048] However, as described above, the method may also be suitably used for other domestic animals, such as pets, and for humans, provided the feed ingredients are formulated for consumption by the animal or humans of interest.

[0049] The present specification is also directed to a method of improving the feed intake of livestock animals, such as piglets or pigs, calves or cows or bulls, sheep or lambs, horses or foals, by feeding them a composition comprising benzocaine and a feed ingredient according to the present specification.

[0050] Benzocaine is known as a local anesthetic. It is practically insoluble in water, but soluble in dilute acid and very soluble in ethanol, chloroform, and ethyl ether. The melting point of benzocaine is 88-90°C.

[0051] It is surprising that benzocaine is particularly effective in this action, since other local anesthetics have been reported to reduce food intake when administered to the stomach (Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behaviour, Vol 3, p69-74, 1975). It seems likely that other anesthetics may improve food intake behavior by using coatings to mask the anesthetic from acting in the oral cavity, to prevent swallowing, or to cause some other aversive taste. The absence of such coatings may explain previous results of the food intake inhibitory effect of local anesthetics when they are administered mixed with food (ibid.). Surprisingly, benzocaine does not appear to have such a repellent effect.

[0052] Our comparative studies have also demonstrated that other local anesthetics do not provide the positive results provided by the use of benzocaine.

[0053] The composition used in the method according to the present invention preferably contains benzocaine in solid form, more preferably in solid, particulate form. It has been found that benzocaine can be suitably added to the normal feed of farm animals, if it is adjusted to the specific needs of the animal. Since benzocaine is solid at room temperature and usually exists in the form of crystalline particulate form, it can be easily added to normal animal feed in solid form. This makes it easy for farmers or pet owners to set the dosage and easy to store.

[0054] Benzocaine may be added to the feed ingredients without coating the particles.

[0055] Of course, if circumstances so require, benzocaine may also be added to the feed ingredients in solution or in the form of an emulsifier.

[0056] The feed ingredients in the composition may include dairy products, fiber and high quality protein sources. Suitable dairy products are milk, milk powder, lactose, etc. High quality protein sources are obtained from concentrated soy protein, potato protein, and small amounts of less digestible protein sources are simultaneously introduced. These ingredients are also suitable for compositions for cattle, sheep and horses, but can be adjusted to the specific needs and the specific situation of the animal of interest, for example, during weaning, after surgery, after or during medical treatment, after or during illness, or other stressful situations.

[0057] When the composition is used for other domestic animals or humans, the ingredients are appropriately adjusted according to the type of animal of interest. For example, in the case of carnivorous pets, in addition to benzocaine, animal fat and protein are usually present. When applied to humans, any normal food ingredient can be used, but food ingredients that are easy to swallow and have high nutritional value are preferred. For example, the use of benzocaine in yogurt high-energy protein shakes is preferred for humans, because benzocaine is also believed not to adversely affect the taste or texture of the food. The use of solid particulate benzocaine in liquid, emulsified or suspended food ingredients has the advantage that the dosage can be easily determined.

[0058] During the weaning stage, fiber becomes an important part of the diet. Indigestible fiber (e.g. lignocellulose) can help stabilize the intestine, aid in intestinal development and contribute to faster intestinal transit, giving less time for pathogens to grow.

[0059] The feedstuff may further comprise feed additives, such as enzymes, acidulants or organic acids, probiotics, phytogenic feed additives or botanical substances, and / or toxin-binding agents, and combinations thereof.

[0060] As mentioned previously, weaning feeds are commercially available and contain ingredients that are believed to improve the transition from breast milk to solid food.

[0061] To further stabilize the intestine, weaning diets usually contain one or more of the following feed additives:

[0062] Enzymes. Non-starch-polysaccharides (NSP) degrading enzymes reduce viscosity and increase the availability of nutrients in the digesta. Phytase breaks down phytic acid complexes and increases the availability of phosphorus and also other nutrients.

[0063] Acidulants or organic acids: These serve to raise the pH value in the stomach, thereby increasing the breakdown of proteins and also reducing the bacterial load in the digesta.

[0064] Probiotics. Beneficial bacteria stabilize the intestinal flora and eliminate pathogenic bacteria by increasing the proportion of "good" bacteria.

[0065] Phytogenic feed additives or botanicals. They consist of plant-based substances, e.g. essential oils, that have a wide variety of functions, ranging from increasing feed intake through better palatability, to improving protein digestibility and fighting pathogens.

[0066] Toxin binding agents. Mycotoxins and endotoxins can have detrimental effects on piglet health and development. Avoiding these stressors adds much to maintaining piglet health at this vulnerable stage.

[0067] The method according to the present invention is particularly suitable for weaning, since it has been found to reduce the weaning dip, as explained above. The weaning feed can also be used for other baby animals. The feed composition according to the present invention has further been found to be suitable for post-weaning feed.

[0068] Depending on the age and weight of the pig or piglet, an appropriate dosage is selected to obtain an effective increase in feed intake.

[0069] The amount of benzocaine present in the feed may be calculated to provide a dosage of 0.2 to 20 mg of benzocaine per kg of animal per day, which in the case of pigs or piglets corresponds to about 10 to about 1000 mg of benzocaine per piglet or pig per day.

[0070] The invention also relates to a method of improving feed intake in livestock animals, such as piglets or pigs, calves or cows or bulls, sheep or lambs, horses or mares or foals, goats or kids, by feeding them a composition comprising benzocaine and a feed ingredient in accordance with the present invention.

[0071] The present invention is further directed to a method of improving food intake in a pet, such as a dog or cat, by providing a composition comprising benzocaine and a feed ingredient in accordance with the present invention.

[0072] As indicated above, this method has the advantage that benzocaine only needs to be added to the feed, providing an expedited administration without causing additional stress to the farm animal or pet.

[0073] Similar advantages are provided for improving food intake in humans by providing the food in the form of a composition comprising benzocaine and a food ingredient according to the present invention. A food suitable for humans may be a shake or yogurt, since benzocaine can be added without adversely affecting the taste and / or texture of the food.

[0074] The method further relates to feeding weaned piglets a composition comprising benzocaine and a feed ingredient, which, as explained above, has been found to reduce weaning dip for pigs.

[0075] The inventors do not have a complete and definite explanation for the mechanism of action of benzocaine in the present invention. It is possible that satiety signals originating from the surface of the stomach and / or duodenum are blunted by benzocaine, and this may cause the animals to postpone the end of the meal. Another possibility is that benzocaine reduces aversive or repulsive signals originating from certain components in the food, which then cause aversive or repulsive sensations that would normally inhibit further intake or affect future perception of the same or similar food. However, it is believed that the mechanism of action is not based on the reduction of pain before, during, or after feeding, because the test animals did not experience pain.

[0076] Although some observations on the stomach effects of local anesthetics in the context of food intake have been described in the prior art, they may not lead to the effects disclosed herein. Uneyama et al. (Am. J. Physiol. Gastrointestin. & Liver Physiol., Vol 291, pp 1163-1170, 2006) describe chemosensing of glutamate in the stomach wall, signaled to the central nervous system by the gastric branch of the vagus nerve. Uneyama reports that this chemosensing signal can be blocked by lidocaine. However, it is known that glutamate in food induces overeating, and thus Uneyama's results may suggest a reduction in food intake, if anything at all, by blunting the signal arising from glutamate chemosensation. Chee et al (Chemical Senses, Vol 30, pp 393-400, 2005) reported their observations on the effects of local anesthetics to the pharynx on eating and swallowing. A decrease in swallowing velocity, a prolongation of the swallow interval, and no change in swallowing ability were observed, leading the authors of this disclosure to conclude that chemosensory input influences swallowing function.

[0077] The following examples illustrate, but do not limit, the methods and compositions of the present disclosure.

[0078] Working Example

[0079] Example 1 Weaning Mice with Diets Containing Various Local Anesthetics

[0080] Experimental preparation

[0081] Litters of mice are weaned on postnatal day 18. Siblings are divided into two groups (placebo and active) with group sizes ranging from 7 to 10 mice.

[0082] The pups are fed food laced with a local anesthetic ad libitum daily and are weighed daily.

[0083] result

[0084] In Tables I-IV below, mice were administered lidocaine (comparative), prilocaine (comparative), bupivacaine (comparative) and benzocaine (according to the invention) and the results are plotted as percentage weight gain on day 14 compared to baseline, which is the weight of the mice at the start of the experiment. Placebo and experimental scores are statistically compared by Student's t-test (*p<0.05; **p<0.01; ***p<0.001). Dose is shown on the x-axis and in mg per day for the sibling group.

[0085] [Table 1]

[0086] [Table 11]

[0087] [Table 111]

[0088] [Table 1V]

[0089] conclusion

[0090] Lidocaine, prilocaine and bupivacaine are either inactive (low doses) or inhibit growth in mice (compared to placebo). Benzocaine enhances proliferation at low doses (25, 50 and 100 mg), while it inhibits proliferation at 200 mg.

[0091] Example 2 Weaning piglets using diets containing different amounts of benzocaine

[0092] Experimental preparation

[0093] Six groups of 21 piglets were treated.

[0094] They were fed controlled amounts of diet (see Table V below).

[0095] [Table V]

[0096] Prior to dosing, the food pellets were soaked in water for 30 minutes and then benzocaine (0 g (3x), 5 g, 12.75 g or 17 g, corresponding to doses of 0, 30, 75 and 100 mg per pig per day, respectively) was added and mixed. The group of piglets that received the food containing 0% benzocaine is referred to as the placebo group.

[0097] The amount of feed consumed was recorded.

[0098] Piglets were weighed on days 1 (baseline), 4 and 8.

[0099] The percentage of food intake relative to placebo intake is shown in FIG.

[0100] FIG. 1 shows that during the first 3 days, pigs' feed intake is initially reduced, possibly due to the novel taste of the feed or intestinal soothing, and from the fourth day onwards, pigs administered 30 mg and 75 mg benzocaine per day show increased feed intake, possibly due to reduced satiety.

[0101] FIG. 2 shows the gain in body weight for the pigs on day 8. The percentages at the top of each column give the gain in body weight as a percentage of the weight gain of pigs in the placebo group. The numbers within the columns indicate the number of pigs. Six piglets died during the experiment.

[0102] In FIG. 3 the results of a group analysis of the percent growth on day 7 of the lightest 50% and the heaviest 50% animals for animals in the placebo group and for animals in the group fed the benzocaine-containing diet are given.

[0103] These results show that the increase in growth in the benzocaine-fed group occurs mainly in lighter animals, which means that a more homogenous group of pigs is obtained.

[0104] In Figure 4, the feed conversion ratio of pigs is given as a percentage of weight gain per unit of feed intake. In the placebo group, i.e. the group fed a diet without benzocaine, about 12.8 kg of feed was required for 1 kg of weight gain (meat gain). This conversion ratio improves when the dose of benzocaine in the diet is increased to 2.6 kg of feed per kg of meat.

[0105] The optimal dose was found to be 75 mg per day. It was further found that the general condition of the pigs treated with benzocaine was better than that of the placebo group. There was less soiling and less diarrhea.

Claims

1. 1. A method for improving feed intake in farmed animals by feeding them in the form of a composition, said composition comprising benzocaine and feed ingredients formulated to meet the specific needs of the animal of interest.

2. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the feed ingredients are tailored to the specific needs of the piglet or pig.

3. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the benzocaine is present in the composition in solid, particulate form.

4. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the feed ingredients include dairy products, fiber, and a high quality protein source.

5. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the feed comprises feed additives, such as enzymes, acidulants or organic acids, probiotics, phytogenic feed additives or botanical substances, and / or toxin-binding agents and combinations thereof.

6. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the feed is a weaner feed and is provided to young animals, preferably piglets, at the weaning stage.

7. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the amount of benzocaine present in the composition is calculated to provide a dosage of 0.2 to 20 mg of benzocaine per kg of animal per day.

8. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the feed is provided to a pig or piglet and the amount of benzocaine present in the composition is calculated to provide a dosage of 10 to 1000 mg of benzocaine per piglet or pig per day.

9. 10. A composition suitable for use in the method of claim 1, comprising benzocaine, a feed ingredient for domestic animals or humans, and benzocaine tailored to the specific needs of the domestic animal or human.

10. 10. The composition of claim 9, wherein the benzocaine is present in solid, particulate form.

11. 11. The composition of claim 9 or 10, wherein the feed comprises dairy products, fiber and a high quality protein source.

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