Method of promoting livestock growth

Abstract

To provide a feed and a method that can promote the growth of ruminant offspring.SOLUTION: Provided are a feed comprising carotenoids for promoting weight gain in ruminant offspring, and a method of increasing the body weight of ruminant offspring, the method comprising administering the feed to ruminant offspring.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a ruminant feed containing a carotenoid for promoting weight gain in ruminant young, and a method for increasing the weight of ruminant young, comprising feeding said feed to ruminant young. [Background technology]

[0002] At birth, the digestive organs of calves and other ruminant animals are immature, and their growth and health are greatly affected by the rearing method and environment. During the weaning period in particular, calves are under high stress due to metabolic changes and environmental changes that accompany the development of the digestive organs and changes in the feed they are given.

[0003] Ruminant animals in such a high stress state are at risk of diseases such as diarrhea and pneumonia, and are prone to growth retardation associated with illness. For example, growth retardation of calves and lambs hinders the stable growth of healthy calves and lambs, and also leads to a prolonged rearing period, which is problematic from the economics of livestock farming.

[0004] Meanwhile, carotenoids are naturally occurring pigment components with colors such as yellow, red, and orange. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of administering a carotenoid-oxygen copolymer to prevent mastitis in dairy cows. The carotenoid used in Patent Document 1 is a carotenoid-oxygen copolymer, and the use and effects of the carotenoid itself are not disclosed. Furthermore, Patent Document 1 does not relate to the effect of increasing the weight of calves.

[0005] Patent Document 2 also discloses a feed additive for preventing diarrhea in calves, which contains multiple ingredients such as Chinese herbal additives and natural astaxanthin. Patent Document 2 suggests that ingredients other than natural astaxanthin contained in the feed additive, such as Chinese herbal additives and β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyric acid, play a good role in preventing diarrhea in calves. On the other hand, it is suggested that natural astaxanthin can effectively remove oxygen radicals and is contained in the feed additive for the purpose of enhancing the resistance ability of the living body against oxidative stress. Thus, Patent Document 2 does not disclose that natural astaxanthin exhibits a weight gain effect in calves. Patent Document 2 also does not disclose the use of a carotenoid mixture such as astaxanthin, adonixanthin, and adonirubin. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 163786 [Patent Document 2] Chinese Patent No. 109770078 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Under these circumstances, there has been a demand for feed and methods capable of promoting the growth of young ruminants such as calves. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] As a result of intensive research, the inventors of the present invention have found that adding a carotenoid such as astaxanthin to feed promotes the growth (weight gain) of young ruminants such as calves. They have also found that feeding young ruminants such as calves with feed containing added carotenoids such as astaxanthin improves inflammatory indicators in the body and / or activates hormone secretion.

[0009] That is, the present invention relates to the following. [1] A feed containing carotenoids for promoting the growth of young ruminants. [2] The feed described in [1], wherein the carotenoid is derived from bacteria belonging to the genus Paracoccus. [3] The feed described in [1], wherein the carotenoid is at least one selected from astaxanthin, adonirubin, adonixanthin and canthaxanthin. [4] A hormone secretion enhancer in ruminant young, including carotenoids. [5] Anti-inflammatory agents in ruminant pups, including carotenoids. [6] A feed according to [4] or [5], wherein the carotenoid is derived from bacteria belonging to the genus Paracoccus. [7] The feed according to [4] or [5], wherein the carotenoid is at least one selected from astaxanthin, adonirubin, adonixanthin and canthaxanthin. [8] A method for increasing the weight of ruminant offspring, comprising feeding the offspring a feed containing a carotenoid. [9] The method described in [8], wherein the concentration of at least one of insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 in the plasma of ruminant pups fed a feed containing a carotenoid is increased compared to the corresponding concentration in the plasma of ruminant pups not fed the feed.

[10] The method according to [8], wherein the concentration of an inflammatory marker in the plasma of a ruminant pup fed a feed containing a carotenoid is reduced compared to the corresponding concentration in the plasma of a ruminant pup not fed the feed.

[11] A method for enhancing hormone secretion in ruminant offspring, comprising feeding the offspring a feed containing a carotenoid.

[12] A method for inhibiting inflammation in ruminant young, comprising feeding the young ruminant a feed containing a carotenoid.

[13] The method according to [8],

[11] or

[12] , wherein the carotenoid is derived from a bacterium belonging to the genus Paracoccus.

[14] The method according to [8],

[11] or

[12] , wherein the carotenoid is at least one selected from astaxanthin, adonirubin, adonixanthin and canthaxanthin. Effect of the Invention

[0010] The present invention provides a feed for promoting the growth or weight gain of young ruminants such as calves, which contains a carotenoid. In another aspect of the present invention, a hormone secretion enhancer in young ruminants or an inflammation suppressant in young ruminants, which contains a carotenoid, is provided.

[0011] Feeding a ruminant young with a feed containing a carotenoid makes it possible to increase the weight (promote growth) of the ruminant young. Thus, the present invention can provide a method for increasing the weight of a ruminant young or a method for promoting weight gain. Feeding a ruminant young with a feed containing a carotenoid also increases the concentration of hormones such as insulin or insulin-like growth factor-1. Thus, in another embodiment of the present invention, a method for enhancing hormone secretion in a ruminant young can be provided. Feeding a ruminant young with a feed containing a carotenoid also reduces the concentration of an inflammatory marker. Thus, in another embodiment of the present invention, a method for suppressing inflammation in a ruminant young can be provided.

[0012] The present invention promotes the growth of ruminant calves, thereby enabling the stable growth and supply of healthy ruminant calves. In another embodiment, the promotion of weight gain is expected to shorten the time until weaning and the rearing period. The shortening of the suckling period and early weaning are expected to bring about economic benefits in livestock farming, such as reduced feed costs and reduced labor associated with suckling work. In addition, in the case of dairy calves, the promotion of growth makes it possible to become pregnant earlier, and the earlier first calving is expected to bring about benefits in dairy farming management, such as increased milk production at first birth. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1]Figure 1A shows the weights (kg) of calves at the beginning and end of the study, and Figure 1B shows the daily gain (kg / day) before weaning, after weaning, and throughout the study. † indicates 0.05≦p<0.15 vs. control. [Diagram 2] Figure 2 shows plasma hormone concentrations. Figure 2A shows insulin (ng / ml), and Figure 2B shows IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-1) (ng / ml). * indicates p<0.05 vs. control, † indicates 0.05≦p<0.15 vs. control. [Diagram 3] Figure 3 shows the plasma inflammatory marker concentrations. Figure 3A shows haptoglobin (Hp) (μg / ml), Figure 3B shows lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) (μg / ml), and Figure 3C shows serum amyloid A (SAA) (μg / ml). * indicates p<0.05 vs. control, † indicates 0.05≦p<0.15 vs. control. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The present invention will be described in more detail below. The scope of the present invention is not limited to these descriptions, and other than the following examples, the present invention can be appropriately modified and implemented without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0015] The present invention relates to a feed or feed composition for promoting weight gain in ruminant offspring, comprising a carotenoid (hereinafter also referred to as "the feed of the present invention"), and a method for increasing the weight of ruminant offspring, comprising feeding the feed containing a carotenoid to the ruminant offspring. The feed of the present invention contains a carotenoid, and the weight of ruminant offspring fed with the feed is increased and growth is promoted. Furthermore, the concentrations of hormones such as insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 are increased and / or the concentrations of inflammatory markers are decreased in ruminant offspring fed with the feed of the present invention. It is presumed that the increase in secretion of these hormones and the suppression of inflammation contribute to the weight gain of ruminant offspring.

[0016] During the weaning period, ruminant calves are under high stress due to metabolic changes accompanying the development of the digestive organs, and the risk of diseases such as diarrhea and pneumonia, as well as the associated slowdown in growth, are considered to be issues. By adding carotenoids such as astaxanthin to milk (whole milk, milk replacer, etc.) during the suckling period and to weaning food after the weaning transition period, the secretion of hormones involved in the growth of ruminant calves is increased in vivo and / or inflammation indicators in vivo are improved, and growth promotion (weight gain) after weaning is achieved. Therefore, the feed of the present invention can be fed to ruminant calves from birth to the period after weaning. The weaned ruminant calves are, for example, ruminant calves up to 13 weeks of age. In this specification, the "ruminant calves" refers to ruminant calves up to 13 weeks of age.

[0017] One of the characteristics of ruminants is that they have four stomachs. The digestive function of ruminants is significantly different from that of animals with one stomach (monogastric animals) such as humans, pigs, and birds. In this specification, "ruminants" includes cattle, sheep, goats, giraffes, bison, deer, wildebeest, antelope, and the like. In the present invention, ruminants are preferably cattle, sheep, or goats. Ruminants are mammals that have their own nutrient digestion, absorption, and metabolic systems, such as having multiple stomachs. For example, since the metabolic systems of humans and cows are significantly different, knowledge obtained from humans cannot be directly applied to ruminants.

[0018] In this specification, the carotenoid may be at least one selected from astaxanthin, adonirubin, adonixanthin, canthaxanthin, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, β-carotene and lutein. In the present invention, the preferred carotenoid is astaxanthin, adonirubin, adonixanthin, canthaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin or β-carotene, the more preferred carotenoid is astaxanthin, adonirubin, adonixanthin or canthaxanthin, and the particularly preferred carotenoid is astaxanthin, adonirubin or adonixanthin. Astaxanthin, adonirubin, adonixanthin, canthaxanthin, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein are xanthophyll. The feed of the present invention may contain one or more carotenoids. When the feed of the present invention contains multiple carotenoids, it can contain any combination containing the above carotenoids. Such combinations include, but are not limited to, combinations containing astaxanthin, adonirubin, adonixanthin and canthaxanthin. In the present specification, the carotenoid may be in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

[0019] The carotenoid contained in the feed of the present invention may be a synthetic carotenoid that is chemically synthesized, or may be a carotenoid that is naturally derived from animals, plants, microorganisms, etc. Those skilled in the art can produce carotenoids by known methods such as chemical synthesis methods or methods using microorganisms such as bacteria and yeast. The carotenoid may be a purified product or a partially produced product. For example, in the case of chemical synthesis, the carotenoid can be produced by the method described in Pure & Appl. Chem., Vol. 51 pp535-564 (1979), etc. In addition, in the case of using bacteria, the carotenoid can be produced by the method described in JP-A-2010-172293, JP-A-2005-087097, WO-A-2010 / 087400, WO-A-2010 / 044469, JP-A-2001-352995, etc. Furthermore, when yeast is used, it can be produced by the methods described in JP-A-5-76347, JP-A-6-319531, JP-A-8-214870, and the like.

[0020] The carotenoids used may be commercially available products or may be obtained by appropriate production.

[0021] In the present invention, carotenoids derived from carotenoid-producing microorganisms, i.e., carotenoids obtained from carotenoid-producing microorganisms, can be used. Furthermore, carotenoids derived from carotenoid-producing microorganisms may be those that have been subjected to chemical or enzymatic modification or other treatments after being obtained from the microorganisms.

[0022] The carotenoid-producing microorganism is not particularly limited as long as it is a microorganism that produces carotenoid, and examples thereof include the green alga Haematococcus pluvialis, the red yeast Phaffia rhodozyma, bacteria belonging to the genus Paracoccus, bacteria belonging to the genus Brevundimonas, bacteria belonging to the genus Erythrobacter, bacteria belonging to the genus Sphingomonas, etc. In the present invention, bacteria belonging to the genus Paracoccus, Brevundimonas, or Erythrobacter are preferably used, and more preferably bacteria belonging to the genus Paracoccus.

[0023] In the present invention, as the bacteria belonging to the genus Paracoccus, Paracoccus carotinifaciens, Paracoccus marcusii, Paracoccus haeundaensis and Paracoccus zeaxanthinifaciens are preferably used, and Paracoccus carotinifaciens is particularly preferably used.

[0024] Specific examples of strains of bacteria belonging to the genus Paracoccus include Paracoccus carotinifaciens E-396 strain (FERM BP-4283) and Paracoccus bacteria A-581-1 strain (FERM BP-4671), and mutants thereof are also preferably used in the present invention. Examples of carotenoid-producing bacteria belonging to the genus Brevundimonas include Brevundimonas SD212 strain (JP Patent Publication 2009-27995), Brevundimonas FERM P-20515, 20516 strain (JP Patent Publication 2006-340676), and Brevundimonas vesicularis (Gene, Vol. 379, p. 101-108, 1 Sep 2006). Examples of carotenoid-producing bacteria belonging to the genus Erythrobacter include Erythrobacter JPCC species M (JP Patent Publication No. 2008-259452) and Erythrobacter JPCC species O (JP Patent Publication No. 2008-259449).

[0025] In the present invention, the carotenoid-producing bacteria used are preferably those having a nucleotide sequence substantially identical to that of the E-396 strain 16S ribosomal RNA. Here, "substantially identical" means that the nucleotide sequence is preferably 90% or more, 95% or more, more preferably 96% or more, even more preferably 97% or more, particularly preferably 98% or more, and most preferably 99% or more homologous, taking into consideration the frequency of errors during sequencing. Identity and homology can be determined, for example, by the gene analysis software Clustal W.

[0026] This classification method for microorganisms based on the identity and homology of the base sequence of 16S ribosomal RNA has become mainstream in recent years. Conventional microbial classification methods are based on bacteriological properties such as motility, nutritional requirements, and sugar assimilation, so there are cases where microorganisms are misclassified when changes in characteristics occur due to natural mutations. In contrast, the base sequence of 16S ribosomal RNA is genetically stable, so classification methods based on its identity and homology have a much higher reliability than conventional classification methods.

[0027] The homologies of the 16S ribosomal RNA sequence of Paracoccus carotinifaciens E-396 to those of other carotenoid-producing bacteria, Paracoccus marcusii DSM 11574, Paracoccus N-81106, Paracoccus haeundaensis BC 74171, Paracoccus A-581-1, Paracoccus zeaxanthinifaciens ATCC 21588, and Paracoccus sp. PC-1, are 99.7%, 99.7%, 99.6%, 99.4%, 95.7%, and 95.4%, respectively, indicating that these strains are taxonomically very closely related. Therefore, it can be said that these strains form a single group of carotenoid-producing bacteria. For this reason, these strains are preferably used in the present invention, and carotenoids derived from these strains can be contained in feed.

[0028] In the present invention, a carotenoid-producing microorganism is appropriately cultured, and the resulting culture can be used as a carotenoid. The method for culturing the microorganism may be any method as long as the conditions are such that carotenoids are produced, and a person skilled in the art can appropriately select or change the method from known methods. A person skilled in the art can further concentrate, dry, pulverize, extract, or purify the culture based on known techniques, and the obtained precipitate concentrate, dried cells, extract, purified product, or a combination thereof can be used as a carotenoid in the present invention.

[0029] In the present invention, the dried cells of a microorganism that produces carotenoids may be commercially available products, such as Panaferd-P or Panaferd-AX (ENEOS Techno Materials Corporation).

[0030] The carotenoid-producing microorganism contains at least one carotenoid selected from astaxanthin, adonirubin, adonixanthin, canthaxanthin, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, β-carotene, and lutein. The carotenoid preferably contains at least one carotenoid selected from astaxanthin, adonirubin, adonixanthin, canthaxanthin, and β-carotene.

[0031] The content of carotenoid in the feed of the present invention can be appropriately determined according to various conditions such as the type of ruminant offspring and the growth stage (e.g., suckling period, weaning transition period, post-weaning). The daily feeding amount of carotenoid in the present invention may be 0.4 mg to 12 mg, 0.4 mg to 4 mg, or 1.2 mg to 3.2 mg per kg of metabolic body weight. For example, the daily feeding amount of astaxanthin in the present invention may be 0.2 mg to 6 mg, 0.2 mg to 2 mg, or 0.6 mg to 1.6 mg per kg of metabolic body weight. The content of carotenoid in the feed of the present invention may be, for example, 1 to 2000 ppm, 1 to 400 ppm, 4 to 200 ppm, or 20 to 120 ppm. For example, the content of astaxanthin in the feed of the present invention may be 0.5 to 1000 ppm, 1 to 500 ppm, 1 to 200 ppm, 1 to 100 ppm, 5 to 100 ppm, 10 to 100 ppm, or 10 to 60 ppm. In one embodiment, astaxanthin is contained in the feed at 2 to 100 ppm or 10 to 60 ppm. In the present invention, a carotenoid containing astaxanthin in the above content can be used for the feed.

[0032] When dry cells of a bacterium belonging to the genus Paracoccus are used, the feeding amount of the dry cells of the bacterium belonging to the genus Paracoccus in the present invention may be 0.01 g to 0.3 g, 0.01 g to 0.1 g, or 0.03 g to 0.08 g per kg of metabolic body weight. The content of the dry cells of the bacterium belonging to the genus Paracoccus in the feed of the present invention may be 0.01% (w / w) to 5% (w / w), 0.01% to 1% (w / w), 0.01% to 0.5% (w / w), or 0.05% to 0.3% (w / w).

[0033] In the case of cows, adult cows have a ruminant stomach of about 200 L, so the actual energy requirement and the amount of additives added to the feed are calculated by the metabolic weight, which is the body weight raised to the power of 0.75 (BW^0.75 or BW 0.75 In the present invention, the amount of the feed of the present invention to be fed or the amount of carotenoid contained in the feed may preferably be set as the amount per metabolic body weight.

[0034] Carotenoids can be added to milk during lactation, weaning food after the weaning transition period, or drinking water, and then the added feed or water can be given to ruminant young, allowing the young ruminant to ingest carotenoids. Usually, liquid milk such as whole milk or milk replacer is given to lactating ruminant young, and hay and artificial milk (solid (pellet) feed) is given to ruminant young from the weaning transition period to the weaning period. Carotenoids can be added to these commonly used feeds and drinking water to produce feed containing carotenoids. For example, carotenoids can be added to whole milk, milk replacer, and artificial milk.

[0035] The carotenoid-containing feed of the present invention can be fed to young ruminants as it is, or can be mixed with another feed as a feed additive and then fed to young ruminants.

[0036] In addition, feed other than carotenoids may be feed used in normal breeding. Such normal feed may be commercially available feed, or may be feed containing additives in commercially available feed, etc. Additives may be those normally used in breeding ruminant young. That is, the feed of the present invention may contain flavorings, minerals, vitamins, organic minerals, pasture, plant feed ingredients, crystalline amino acids, oils and fats, fatty acids, fatty acid calcium, adsorbents, minerals, plant extracts, fermented products, flavorings, organic acids, antibiotics, animal feed, microbial components, herbal medicines, enzymes, oligosaccharides, wood-based feed, binders, other plant processing by-products, etc.

[0037] The feed of the present invention may be in any form, such as powder, granules, pellets, cubes, paste, liquid, etc. It is preferable that the feed be in a form that is ingestible by young ruminants.

[0038] The feed of the present invention is intended for ruminant young animals that are 13 weeks or younger after birth. Usually, the digestive system of ruminant young animals at this age is insufficiently developed and is still in the process of development. The feed of the present invention can be applied to ruminant young animals that are fed whole milk, milk replacer, etc. during the suckling period. The feed of the present invention can also be applied to ruminant young animals that are fed whole milk, milk replacer, etc., and roughage such as hay and / or artificial milk (weaning food) during the subsequent suckling transition period. Furthermore, the feed of the present invention can also be applied to ruminant young animals that have subsequently reached the weaning period. When roughage or artificial milk is fed to ruminant young animals, those skilled in the art can appropriately set the start time of feeding and the weaning time.

[0039] The period for feeding the feed of the present invention can be appropriately selected depending on various conditions such as the type of ruminant offspring. The feed of the present invention can usually be fed from 0 weeks after birth. The feed of the present invention may be fed continuously throughout the entire period from the start of administration to 13 weeks of age or less, or may be fed only for a part of the period. The feed of the present invention may be fed repeatedly and interrupted for any period. The period for feeding the feed of the present invention is not limited, and may be, for example, 13 weeks, 12 weeks, 11 weeks, 10 weeks, 9 weeks, 8 weeks, 7 weeks, 6 weeks, 5 weeks, 4 weeks, 3 weeks, 2 weeks, 1 week, 6 days, 5 days, 4 days, 3 days, 2 days, or 1 day. The "partial period" may be, for example, 10% or more, 20% or more, 30% or more, 50% or more, 70% or more, or 90% or more of the entire period.

[0040] Feeding of the feed of the present invention is not limited to feeding a pre-prepared feed of the present invention to young ruminants, but also includes feeding a combination of the components contained in the feed of the present invention to young ruminants. For example, each pre-mixed component can be prepared and mixed before or at the time of feeding, or each can be fed separately.

[0041] Furthermore, feeding the feed of the present invention includes raising ruminant young in the presence of the feed of the present invention, administering the feed of the present invention to the ruminant young, having the ruminant young ingest the feed of the present invention, and feeding the feed of the present invention to the ruminant young as feed.

[0042] The feed of the present invention may be fed once a day or divided into several times a day. The feed of the present invention may also be fed once every few days. The amount of the feed of the present invention fed at each feeding may be constant or may vary. The amount of the feed of the present invention fed is not particularly limited. Those skilled in the art can appropriately adjust the amount of the feed of the present invention fed based on the type, weight, and breeding method of the ruminant offspring. The composition of the feed of the present invention fed at each feeding may be constant or may vary.

[0043] The method for feeding the feed of the present invention can be appropriately selected depending on the type and growth rate of the ruminant offspring, the rearing environment, etc.

[0044] The raising of ruminant young can be carried out in the same manner as conventional methods for raising ruminant young, except for feeding the feed of the present invention.

[0045] It has been shown in the Examples that ruminant calves fed with a feed containing carotenoids have a greater weight gain than ruminant calves fed with a feed not containing carotenoids. In particular, ruminant calves fed with the feed of the present invention from 4 days after birth showed a greater weight gain after weaning than ruminant calves fed with a feed not containing carotenoids. Thus, a feed containing carotenoids has a weight gain effect on ruminant calves. When the feed of the present invention is given to ruminant calves before weaning, it is possible to promote the weight gain of ruminant calves, for example, the weight gain of ruminant calves after weaning. Weight gain refers to the amount of weight gain per day.

[0046] One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for increasing the weight of ruminant young, comprising feeding the feed of the present invention to the ruminant young. Feeding the feed of the present invention to the ruminant young and raising them promotes weight gain, particularly in the case of weaned ruminant young, compared to ruminant young not fed the feed of the present invention.

[0047] In addition, it has been shown in the Examples that ruminant calves fed a feed containing a carotenoid have higher plasma concentrations of hormones (e.g., insulin, IGF-1) involved in the growth or weight gain of ruminant calves compared to ruminant calves fed a feed not containing a carotenoid. Thus, a feed containing a carotenoid has the effect of enhancing hormone secretion in ruminant calves. In another embodiment of the present invention, a hormone secretion enhancer for use in ruminant calves is provided.

[0048] In another embodiment of the method for increasing the weight of ruminant offspring, the concentration of at least one of insulin or IGF-1 in the plasma of the ruminant offspring is increased compared to the corresponding insulin or IGF-1 concentration in the plasma of ruminant offspring fed a feed that does not contain carotenoids or of ruminant offspring not fed the feed of the present invention.

[0049] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for enhancing secretion of at least one hormone, insulin and IGF-1, in a ruminant young, comprising feeding the feed of the present invention to the ruminant young, whereby the plasma concentration of at least one hormone, insulin and IGF-1, can be increased compared to a ruminant young not fed the feed of the present invention.

[0050] In addition, it has been shown in the Examples that inflammatory marker values ​​are lower in ruminant calves fed with a feed containing carotenoids than in ruminant calves fed with a feed not containing carotenoids. Thus, a feed containing carotenoids has an anti-inflammatory effect in ruminant calves. In another aspect of the present invention, an anti-inflammatory agent for use in ruminant calves is provided.

[0051] In another embodiment of the method for increasing the weight of ruminant offspring, the concentration of an inflammatory marker in the plasma of the ruminant offspring is reduced compared to the concentration of a corresponding inflammatory marker in the plasma of ruminant offspring fed a diet not containing carotenoids or not fed the diet of the present invention, the inflammatory marker being at least one selected from haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), and lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP).

[0052] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for suppressing inflammation in ruminant offspring, comprising feeding the feed of the present invention to the offspring, wherein the plasma concentration of an inflammatory marker can be reduced compared to offspring not fed the feed of the present invention.

[0053] In this specification, when a numerical range is described using "to" it is intended to include the lower limit and the upper limit unless otherwise specified. For example, the description "10 to 20" is intended to include both the lower limit "10" and the upper limit "20". In other words, "10 to 20" has the same meaning as "10 or more and 20 or less".

[0054] In this specification, the values ​​of "%" and "ppm" are meant to mean weight ratios. In this specification, "1 mg / kg" is synonymous with "1 ppm." EXAMPLES

[0055] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0056] [Test Method] (1) Test animals and test period The study was conducted on 14 Holstein calves (12 males and 2 females) between the ages of 4 days and 70 days (10 weeks). They were weaned at 7 weeks of age.

[0057] (2) Feeding management The test cows were individually housed in hutches. During the suckling period, they were fed whole milk, and after weaning, they were fed artificial milk (weaning food) and hay until they were fully fed. During the weaning transition period, they were fed whole milk, artificial milk (weaning food), and hay. They were allowed to drink water ad libitum.

[0058] (3) Test treatment area Whole milk was given in equal portions twice a day, at 6:30 am and 4:30 pm, according to the high-nutrition feeding regime. Calf starter (New Make Star, National Dairy Cooperative Association) was used as artificial milk (weaning food) and chopped crane grass hay was used as hay throughout the study period after the weaning transition period. The weaning transition period began at 6 weeks of age, and weaning occurred at 7 weeks of age. The experimental treatments were a control group (no carotenoids added, n=7) and an added group (Paracoccus powder 0.07 g / kg BW^0.75 / day / head (astaxanthin, 1.4 mg / kg BW^0.75 / day / head), n=7). "BW^0.75" represents metabolic body weight. The Paracoccus powder used was Panaferd AX (ENEOS Techno Materials Corporation). Panaferd-AX contains the carotenoids astaxanthin 2%, adonirubin 0.9%, canthaxanthin 0.2%, and adonixanthin 0.1%. Panaferd-AX also contains a small amount of β-carotene. The Paracoccus powder was added to whole milk or artificial milk (baby food).

[0059] (4) Sampling, analysis items and analysis methods Body weight: Body weight was measured at each week of age. Blood collection and processing: Blood was collected from the jugular vein using a vacuum blood collection tube for collecting heparin plasma. After blood collection, the test tube was immediately placed on ice. A proteolytic inhibitor was added to the collected blood. The blood was centrifuged for 20 minutes to obtain plasma. Blood was collected at 2-week intervals before feeding. Analytical items: The following concentrations in plasma were measured. Plasma carotenoid concentrations Plasma hormone (IGF-1, cortisol, insulin) concentrations Antioxidant markers (SOD activity, TBARS concentration) Inflammatory markers (haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP)) concentrations Plasma metabolite (AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, γ-GDP, triglyceride (TG), T-CHO, HDL-C, LDL-C, NEFA, IgA, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (CRE), total bilirubin (T-BIL), glucose (GLU), ketone body) concentrations

[0060] Analysis method: Plasma carotenoid concentration: Plasma carotenoid concentration was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using a Cosmosil 5SL-II 4.5ID×250mm column and a mixture of acetone and hexane (15:85) (1.0ml / min) with detection at 450nm wavelength. Plasma hormone concentrations: Plasma hormone concentrations were measured using time-resolved flouroimmunoassay (TR-FIA). For the measurement of plasma IGF-1 concentrations, anti-human IGF-1 polyclonal antibody was used as the primary antibody, anti-rabbit IgG goat plasma was used as the secondary antibody, and human-IGF-1 was used as the standard. For the measurement of plasma insulin concentrations, anti-human insulin antibody was used as the primary antibody, anti-guinea pig IgG goat serum was used as the secondary antibody, and bovine insulin was used as the standard. First, the primary antibody was seeded on the plate to which the secondary antibody was bound, and the plate was shaken at 20°C for more than 8 hours. After washing the plate, the standard or measurement sample was dispensed and shaken again at 20°C for more than 8 hours. Eu-labeled IGF-1 or insulin was seeded, shaken at 20°C for 2 hours, washed, and then enhancer reagent was added, and the fluorescence intensity was measured using a multi-label counter. Inflammatory marker concentrations: Haptoglobin (Hp) concentrations were measured using the Bovine Haptoglobin ELISA Kit (Abcam). Serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations were measured using the SAA EIASA Kit (Immunology Consultants Laboratory, Inc.). Lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) concentrations were measured using the LBP, various species, ELISA kit (Hycult Biotech Inc.).

[0061] (5) Lumen properties Rumen fluid samples were collected at 2-week intervals before feeding. The ammonia nitrogen concentration in the rumen fluid was measured using indophenol blue spectrophotometry. Various blanks, standard solutions (ammonium sulfate), and samples were seeded on a microplate, and phenol reagent was added and stirred. Alkaline hypochlorous acid reagent was then seeded and stirred, and the mixture was reacted at 37°C for 30 minutes, and the concentration was measured at 625 nm using a plate reader.

[0062] [result] (1) Plasma carotenoid concentration Plasma carotenoid concentrations at 2 weeks of age are shown in Table 1.

[0063] [Table 1]

[0064] As shown in Table 1, astaxanthin, adonirubin and canthaxanthin were detected in plasma only in the supplemented group. Astaxanthin, adonirubin and canthaxanthin are understood to be carotenoids derived from Panaferd. These results confirmed that the carotenoids added to the feed were absorbed by the calves.

[0065] (2) Weight and daily weight gain The body weights (kg) of the calves measured at the beginning and end of the study are shown in Figure 1A (†0.05≦p<0.15 vs. control). At the end of the study, the body weights of the calves in the supplemented group tended to be heavier than those in the control group. FIG. 1B also shows the daily weight gain (kg / day) for the pre-weaning period (0-6 weeks), the post-weaning period (7-10 weeks), and the entire test period. The greater the daily weight gain, the faster the livestock grows. Before weaning, after weaning, and throughout the entire test, the daily weight gain in the supplemented group was greater than that in the control group, indicating that the calves grew faster. In particular, a significant weight gain effect was observed after weaning. At weaning, when the dietary content changes, the calf's metabolic system changes, and the calf is exposed to stress that changes the metabolic system. Since the supplemented group showed an increase in weight during the post-weaning period, it is inferred that the carotenoid-containing feed of the present invention alleviates stress caused by changes in the metabolic system.

[0066] (3) Plasma hormone concentrations Calf growth is regulated by hormones, and insulin and IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-1) are known to be correlated with weight gain. IGF-1 is considered to be more involved in calf growth.

[0067] The concentrations of hormones in plasma are shown in Figure 2A (insulin) and Figure 2B (IGF-1). Plasma insulin in the supplemented group tended to be higher than the control group at 4 weeks, and remained high even at 8 and 10 weeks (Figure 2A). It is presumed that the changes in the glucose metabolism caused by the increase in food intake during growth and the change in dietary content during weaning were optimized by the increase in insulin, leading to weight gain. It was also confirmed that the amount of IGF-1 in plasma was higher in the supplemented group than in the control group (Figure 2B). In particular, at 6 and 10 weeks, the amount of IGF-1 in the supplemented group was significantly higher than that in the control group.

[0068] These results indicate that the carotenoid-containing feed of the present invention increases plasma hormone concentrations. Since these hormones are known to be related to the effect of weight gain, it is speculated that the increase in hormone secretion contributed to the weight gain of calves.

[0069] (4) Plasma inflammatory marker concentrations Figure 3 shows the concentrations of inflammatory markers in plasma. It is known that an inflammatory response occurs when a cow's physical strength declines and its barrier function is weakened by viruses, bacteria, etc. Haptoglobin (Hp) is a marker that responds to the early stage of inflammation, while serum amyloid A (SAA) and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) are markers that respond to long-term inflammation. A low value of the inflammatory marker means that the level of the inflammatory response in the cow is low. Cows with a low level of inflammatory response are able to use the energy they ingest efficiently to gain weight, and as a result, it is expected that they will gain weight.

[0070] The values ​​of inflammatory markers in plasma (Hp (Fig. 3A), LBP (Fig. 3B), and SAA (Fig. 3C)) were all significantly lower or tended to be lower in the supplemented group compared to the control group. These results indicate that the carotenoid-containing diet suppresses inflammation in calves.

[0071] (5) Lumen properties Since protein in feed is broken down in the rumen and ammonia is produced, a high ammonia concentration (ammonia nitrogen concentration) in rumen fluid suggests that the development of ruminal function is being promoted. Calves have underdeveloped rumens after birth, but when they are weaned, their diet is switched from milk to solid feed, and ruminal function develops as a result of ingesting solid feed. On the other hand, if ruminal function is not fully developed due to stress caused by the change in diet, this can lead to indigestion, diarrhea, and slowed growth.

[0072] Table 2 shows the concentration of ammonia nitrogen (NH3N) in ruminal fluid collected at 10 weeks of age.

[0073] [Table 2]

[0074] The ammonia nitrogen (NH3N) concentration was higher in the supplemented group than in the control group, indicating that the carotenoid-containing diet promotes the development of ruminal function. Furthermore, from these results, it is understood that the carotenoid-containing feed of the present invention is applicable to ruminants having a rumen. [Industrial Applicability]

[0075] The present invention provides a feed for promoting the growth or weight gain of young ruminants such as calves, which contains a carotenoid. In another aspect of the present invention, a hormone secretion enhancer in young ruminants or an inflammation suppressant in young ruminants, which contains a carotenoid, is provided.

[0076] Feeding a ruminant young with a feed containing a carotenoid makes it possible to increase the weight (promote growth) of the ruminant young. Thus, the present invention can provide a method for increasing the weight of a ruminant young or a method for promoting weight gain. Feeding a ruminant young with a feed containing a carotenoid also increases the concentration of hormones such as insulin or insulin-like growth factor-1. Thus, in another embodiment of the present invention, a method for enhancing hormone secretion in a ruminant young can be provided. Feeding a ruminant young with a feed containing a carotenoid also reduces the concentration of an inflammatory marker. Thus, in another embodiment of the present invention, a method for suppressing inflammation in a ruminant young can be provided.

[0077] The present invention promotes the growth of ruminant offspring, thereby enabling the stable growth and supply of healthy ruminant offspring. In another embodiment, the promotion of weight gain is expected to shorten the time until weaning and the rearing period. The shortening of the suckling period and early weaning are expected to bring about economic benefits in livestock farming, such as reduced feed costs and reduced labor associated with suckling work. In addition, in the case of dairy calves, the promotion of growth makes it possible to become pregnant earlier, and the earlier first calving is expected to bring about benefits in dairy farming management, such as increased milk production at first calving.

Claims

1. A feed containing carotenoids for promoting the growth of young ruminants.

2. The feed according to claim 1 , wherein the carotenoid is derived from a bacterium belonging to the genus Paracoccus.

3. 2. The feed of claim 1, wherein the carotenoid is at least one selected from astaxanthin, adonirubin, adonixanthin and canthaxanthin.

4. Hormonal secretion enhancers in ruminant pups, including carotenoids.

5. Anti-inflammatory agents in ruminant pups, including carotenoids.

6. The feed according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the carotenoid is derived from a bacterium belonging to the genus Paracoccus.

7. 6. The feed according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the carotenoid is at least one selected from astaxanthin, adonirubin, adonixanthin and canthaxanthin.

8. A method for increasing the body weight of ruminant young, comprising feeding said young ruminant a feed containing a carotenoid.

9. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the concentration of at least one of insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 in the plasma of ruminant pups fed a feed containing a carotenoid is increased compared to the corresponding concentration in the plasma of ruminant pups not fed said feed.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the concentration of an inflammatory marker in the plasma of a ruminant pup fed a feed containing a carotenoid is reduced compared to the corresponding concentration in the plasma of a ruminant pup not fed said feed.

11. A method for enhancing hormone secretion in ruminant offspring comprising feeding the ruminant offspring a feed containing a carotenoid.

12. A method for inhibiting inflammation in ruminant young comprising feeding the ruminant young a feed containing a carotenoid.

13. The method according to claim 8, 11 or 12, wherein the carotenoid is derived from a bacterium belonging to the genus Paracoccus.

14. The method of claim 8, 11 or 12, wherein the carotenoid is at least one selected from astaxanthin, adonirubin, adonixanthin and canthaxanthin.

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