Novel feed additive of fat-soluble vitamin

Abstract

To provide a feed additive containing at least a fat-soluble vitamin, and a method for producing the additive, and furthermore, a feed containing such a feed additive, and a replenishment method and a corresponding use.SOLUTION: A feed additive contains: a) fat-soluble vitamin in an amount within a range of at least 1 to 40 wt.%; b) lignosulfonate in an amount within a range of at least 5 to 55 wt.%; and c) at least one compound selected from hexose dimer, modified hexose dimer, hexose oligomer, modified hexose oligomer, hexose polymer, modified hexose polymer, and their arbitrary mixture in an amount of at least 10 wt.%, where the lignosulfonate and the compound c) form a matrix in which the fat-soluble vitamin is encapsulated, an amount of ethoxyquin in the feed additive is ≤0.5 wt.%, and an amount of butylated hydroxytoluene in the feed additive is ≤0.5 wt.% (the total amount is the total weight of the feed additive).SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001] [Summary of the Invention] The present invention relates to a) a fat-soluble vitamin in an amount in the range of at least 1 to 40% by weight; b) a lignosulfonate in an amount in the range of at least 5 to 55% by weight; and c) at least one compound selected from at least 10% by weight of hexose dimer, modified hexose dimer, hexose oligomer, modified hexose oligomer, hexose polymer, modified hexose polymer, and any mixture thereof A feed additive comprising The lignosulfonate and compound c) form a matrix in which the fat-soluble vitamin is encapsulated; The feed additive substantially does not contain ethoxyquin (= 6-ethoxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline); and The feed additive substantially does not contain butylated hydroxytoluene; All amounts are based on the total weight of the feed additive The feed additive is targeted.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for producing such a feed additive. A further object of the present invention is a feed containing such a feed additive, as well as a method for supplementing such a feed additive and feed and the corresponding use.

[0003] [Background of the Invention] Fat-soluble vitamins are important components in animal feed. However, they are easily oxidized and not water-soluble. Although various water-dispersible preparations containing fat-soluble vitamins already exist, there is still a need to improve their stability.

[0004] [Object of the Invention] Therefore, there is a need to provide a stable feed additive containing at least one fat-soluble vitamin.

[0005] Furthermore, it is necessary to provide a feed additive having a specific color so that the feed containing them has an attractive color.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a feed additive that does not contain animals, i.e., does not use compounds from animal sources such as gelatin.

[0007] Furthermore, the loss of fat-soluble vitamins during the production of the feed additive (so-called "process loss") should preferably be 7% or less of the initial amount, more preferably 5% or less of the initial amount, and most preferably 3% or less of the initial amount.

[0008] [Detailed Description] This requirement is a) a fat-soluble vitamin in an amount in the range of at least 1 to 40% by weight; b) a lignosulfonate in an amount in the range of at least 5 to 55% by weight; and c) at least one compound selected from at least 10% by weight of hexose dimer, modified hexose dimer, hexose oligomer, modified hexose oligomer, hexose polymer, modified hexose polymer, and any mixture thereof A feed additive comprising The lignosulfonate and compound c) form a matrix in which the fat-soluble vitamin is encapsulated; The feed additive substantially does not contain ethoxyquin, and The feed additive substantially does not contain butylated hydroxytoluene; All amounts are based on the total weight of the feed additive The present invention is satisfied by the feed additive according to the present invention.

[0009] The present invention also relates to a method for producing such a feed additive. A further object of the present invention is a feed containing such a feed additive, as well as a method for supplementing such a feed additive and feed and the corresponding use.

[0010] Details are shown below.

[0011] Advantageously, the feed additive of the present invention does not contain beeswax, which has been discussed for reasons of increasing the level of pesticide residues.

[0012] Preferably, the lignosulfonate and compound c) form a dense, glassy matrix as a mixture of compounds having various molecular sizes and characterized by different functional groups.

[0013] "Encapsulated" means that the fat-soluble vitamin is embedded in the matrix of the lignosulfonate b) and compound c), thereby being protected from oxidation and decomposition. The precursor of the feed additive, i.e., the dispersion obtained after performing step iv) of the method for producing the feed additive according to the present invention, forms an oil-in-water dispersion, the fat-soluble vitamin is the oil located in the internal phase, and the lignosulfonate acts as an emulsifier. Compound c) is a filler and additional emulsifier in the matrix that contributes to its stability. After "powder trapping" the dispersion, the matrix containing the fat-soluble vitamin is coated with an absorbent. "Coated" in the context of the present invention means that the absorbent surrounds the matrix.

[0014] The single compounds and their amounts of the feed additive according to the present invention can be determined as follows.

[0015] [Compound a): Fat-soluble vitamin] The fat-soluble vitamin can be extracted and analyzed, for example, by HPLC-DAD (High Performance Liquid Chromatography - Diode Array Detection) or HPLC-FL (High Performance Liquid Chromatography - Fluorescence Detection) in the same manner as the following published methods: W. Schuep, J. Schierle, Carotenoids, Volume 1A: Isolation and Analysis; Editors: G. Britton, S. Liaaen-Jensen, H. Pfander; Birkhaeuser Verlag Basel (CH), 1995.

[0016] [Compound b): Lignosulfonate] Lignosulfonate can be measured spectroscopically in a formulation according to procedures disclosed, for example, by G. Jayne and E. Pohl, Das Papier, 1967, 21, Vol. 10A, pages 645 - 653 (“Nachweis der Ligninsulfonsaeure in grosser Verduennung (Abwaesser von Sulfitzellstoff - Fabriken)”).

[0017] [Compound c)] Modified hexose polymers such as, for example, OSA starch can be qualitatively identified using wet chemical methods as described, for example, in the monograph “Modified Starches” (FAO JECFA Monograph 16). The quantification of OSA starch can be carried out by polarimetry (see, for example, Gorden A. Mitchel, Methods of Starch Analysis, 1990, 42, pages 131 - 134).

[0018] Mixtures of hexose, hexose dimers, hexose oligomers and / or hexose polymers, i.e., for example, starch hydrolysates, can be analyzed by size - exclusion chromatography; see, for example, White DR Jr, Hudson P, Adamson JT, Journal of chromatography A 2003, 997(1 - 2), pages 79 - 85 (“Dextrin characterization by high - performance anion - exchange chromatography--pulsed amperometric detection and size - exclusion chromatography--multi - angle light scattering - refractive index detection.”).

[0019] Hexoses and hexose dimers, i.e., for example, sucrose, can be analyzed by HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) with RI (refractive index) detection or pulsed amperometric detection; see, for example, Diana Duarte-Delgado, Carlos-Eduardo Narvaez-Cuenca, Luz-Patricia Restrepo-Sanchez, Ajjamada Kushalappa, Teresa Mosquera-Vasquez, Journal of Chromatography B 2015, Volume 975, pages 18-23 (“Development and validation of a liquid chromatographic method to quantify sucrose, glucose, and fructose in tubers of Solanum tuberosum Group Phureja”).

[0020] [Antioxidant] Antioxidants can be analyzed by HPLC-DAD / FL (high performance liquid chromatography - diode array detection / fluorescence detection), as disclosed, for example, by Paula Becker Pertuzatti, Marla Sganzerla, Andressa Carolina Jacques, Milene Teixeira Barcia, Rui Carlos Zambiazi, LWT - Food Science and Technology 2015, Volume 64, Issue 1, pages 259-263 (“Carotenoids, tocopherols and ascorbic acid content in yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) grown under different cultivation systems”).

[0021] [Absorbent] Coating with absorbents can be qualitatively characterized using microscopy techniques combined with spectroscopic techniques such as FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) for the identification of starch and X-ray fluorescence analysis for silicon dioxide; for example, P.V. Kowsik, N. Mazumder, Microsc. Res. Tech. 2018, 81, pages 1533 - 1540 (“Structural and chemical characterization of rice and potato starch granules using microscopy and spectroscopy.”) and M. Mutsuga, K. Sato, Y. Hirahara, Y. Kawamura, Food Addit. Contam. Part A Chem. Anal. Control Expo. Risk Assess. 2011, 28(4), pages 423 - 427 (“Analytical methods for SiO 2 and other inorganic oxides in titanium dioxide or certain silicates for food additive specifications”). Corresponding analytical methods for the measurement of other absorbents are known to those skilled in the art.

[0022] Details of the single compounds and their amounts in the feed additive according to the present invention are shown below.

[0023] [Compound a): Fat-soluble vitamin] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “fat-soluble vitamin” includes, in particular, vitamins A, D, E and / or K, corresponding provitamins and vitamin derivatives having an action similar to vitamins A, D, E or K (e.g., esters, in particular alkyl esters), and any mixtures thereof. Coenzyme Q10 is also included.

[0024] “Vitamin D” means vitamin D 3 (cholecalciferol) or vitamin D 2 (ergocalciferol), or both.

[0025] The "vitamin D derivative" is, for example, 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 (so-called "HyD"), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 or 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 and means any derivative of vitamin D such as these.

[0026] Vitamin K can be vitamin K 1 and / or vitamin K 2 and / or vitamin K 3 , particularly vitamin K 3 .

[0027] Particularly preferred examples of fat-soluble vitamins are vitamin A, vitamin A acetate, vitamin A propionate, vitamin A palmitate, D-α-tocopherol, DL-α-tocopherol, D-α-tocopheryl acetate, DL-α-tocopheryl acetate, D-α-tocopheryl succinate, DL-α-tocopheryl succinate, vitamin D 3 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and any mixture thereof. Most preferred are vitamin A acetate, vitamin D 3 and any mixture thereof.

[0028] Regarding the amount of fat-soluble vitamins in the feed additive of the present invention, the amount of the free form of the fat-soluble vitamin is calculated directly, but the amount of the derivative of the fat-soluble vitamin is calculated as the free form of the fat-soluble vitamin.

[0029] The amount of the fat-soluble vitamin is preferably in the range of 1.0 to 40% by weight, more preferably in the range of 5.0 to 35% by weight, still more preferably in the range of 10 to 30% by weight, and most preferably in the range of 15 to 25% by weight based on the total weight of the dry matter of the feed additive containing the absorbent so that the final amount thereof in the feed additive is within these ranges. These selections also apply to the above-preferred fat-soluble vitamins.

[0030] [Compound b): lignosulfonate] The lignosulfonates present in the feed additive according to the invention are in particular industrially produced products containing lignosulfonates having the most diverse cations. Sodium lignosulfonate, calcium lignosulfonate, magnesium lignosulfonate and ammonium lignosulfonate are particularly preferred. The feed additive according to the invention can contain, as component b), a single lignosulfonate or a mixture of several lignosulfonates. Furthermore, the lignosulfonates present in the feed additive according to the invention can be part of industrially produced products containing further components in addition to the lignosulfonates.

[0031] As is known, the biopolymer lignin is present in plants, especially in wood, together with cellulose. Wood contains, depending on the type, about 16 to 37% by weight of lignin. Chemically considered, lignin consists of an irregular polymer of methoxylated phenylpropane monomers (such as p - coumaryl alcohol, coniferyl alcohol, sinapyl alcohol, etc.) having a molecular weight estimated to be at least 20 kD. In the first step in the production of cellulose, the wood is decomposed, which is most often achieved by treatment with an alkaline sulfite solution at 125°C to 180°C. Thereby, cellulose is liberated and lignin is converted into the water - soluble derivative lignosulfonate (also known as "sulfite lignin"). On a smaller scale, the decomposition of wood is also achieved by treating the wood with sodium hydroxide and sodium tetrasulfide ("kraft process"). The lignin obtained by this method is called "kraft lignin" or "sulfate lignin" and is not water - soluble at neutral pH. More recent methods for the production of cellulose use, for the decomposition of wood, organic solvents such as, for example, alcohol mixed with water, and thus the lignin produced is called "organosolv lignin". This form of lignin is likewise not water - soluble. Currently, mainly lignosulfonates and kraft lignin are commercially available.

[0032] Often, after the decomposition of wood, cellulose is separated, and the resulting lignosulfonate-containing solution is concentrated to about 50% solids and sold in this form. Most producers also offer powdered products obtained by spray-drying the solution, and these solid forms also contain significant amounts of various sugars in addition to lignin. Some producers remove the sugars enzymatically and, if necessary, perform purification, such as ultracentrifugation, to produce lignin derivatives with a relatively high content of lignosulfonate from primary (crude) lignosulfonates. Kraft lignin is also provided and can be sulfonated to achieve water solubility, and the sulfonated products are suitable as lignosulfonates for use in the preparations according to the invention. Commercially available lignosulfonate products generally consist of about 40 - 90% lignosulfonate and small amounts of various sugars, ash, carbohydrates, acetates, formates, resins, etc., and the composition depends very much on the quality of the wood used.

[0033] Such water-soluble lignosulfonate products are also suitable for use in the feed additives according to the invention. In general, not only the crude products with relatively high contents of sugars and additional by-products, but also the aforementioned purified lignin derivatives can be used in the feed additives according to the invention, provided that such lignin derivatives are water-soluble or at least water-dispersible.

[0034] Preferred examples of suitable lignin derivatives are any of sodium lignosulfonate, ammonium lignosulfonate, magnesium lignosulfonate, and calcium lignosulfonate, and mixtures thereof. Sodium lignosulfonate and calcium lignosulfonate are particularly preferred. Calcium lignosulfonate is most preferred.

[0035] Suppliers of lignosulfonates are Borregaard Industries Limited, Norway; Burgo Group, Rayonier Advanced Materials, Wuhan Xinyingda Chemicals, Shenyang Xingzhenghe Chemical, Abelin Polymers, GREENAGROCHEM, Harbin Fecino Chemical, Karjala Pulp, Nippon Paper Industries, Pacific Dust Control, Sappi, The Dallas Group of America, Venki Chem and Xinyi Feihuang Chemical.

[0036] Particularly preferred calcium desugared lignosulfonate is available under the trade names Borrebright CY22P, Borresperse Na220 and Borrement CA120 from Borregaard Industries Limited, Norway, with Borrebright CY22P being particularly preferred. It is produced by cutting spruce timber into chips and feeding them together with a calcium bisulfite solution for digestion into a digester. During digestion at high temperature (130 - 140 °C), the lignin in the wood is depolymerized and sulfonated, which results in water-soluble lignosulfonate. At the end of digestion, the sulfite liquor contains calcium lignosulfonate and sugars. The sulfite solution (calcium lignosulfonate and sugars) is separated from the cellulose pulp by filtration. The sulfite alkaline liquor is concentrated to about 53% in an evaporation plant. The concentrated liquor is fed to a spray dryer to produce lignosulfonate powder (inlet temperature in the range of 200 - 250 °C).

[0037] The amount of lignosulfonate is selected such that its final amount in the feed additive is preferably in the range of 5 to 55% by weight, more preferably in the range of 5 to 50% by weight, even more preferably in the range of 5 to 45% by weight, and most preferably in the range of 10 to 40% by weight based on the total weight of the dry matter of the feed additive containing the absorbent.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the weight ratio of the fat-soluble vitamin a) to the lignosulfonate b) is in the range of 10:1 to 1:10, preferably in the range of 7:1 to 1:7, more preferably in the range of 5:1 to 1:5, even more preferably in the range of 3:1 to 1:3, and most preferably in the range of 2:1 to 1:2.

[0039] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the weight ratio of the compound c) to the lignosulfonate b) is in the range of 1:15 to 25:1, preferably in the range of 1:10 to 20:1, more preferably in the range of 1:7 to 15:1, even more preferably in the range of 1:5 to 10:1, particularly preferably in the range of 1:3 to 8:1, and most preferably in the range of 1:2 to 5:1.

[0040] [Compound c)] Compound c) is selected from hexose dimers, modified hexose dimers, hexose oligomers, modified hexose oligomers, hexose polymers, modified hexose polymers, and any mixture thereof. Hexoses may also be present. This means that mixtures of hexoses and hexose dimers are also included. An example of a mixture of hexoses and hexose dimers is invert sugar (glucose + fructose + sucrose).

[0041] Hexoses are monosaccharides having six carbon atoms. Hexoses are classified by functional groups, with aldohexoses having an aldehyde at the 1-position and ketohexoses having a ketone at the 2-position.

[0042] Preferably, compound c) is selected from an aldohexose oligomer or an aldohexose polymer or a modified aldohexose polymer or any mixture thereof.

[0043] The hexose in the hexose dimer may be one single hexose or two different hexoses from each other. Examples of hexose dimers are sucrose (glucose - fructose dimer), lactose (glucose - galactose dimer), maltose (glucose dimer with an a-(1 - 4) bond), isomaltose (glucose dimer with an a-(1 - 6) bond), trehalose (glucose dimer with an a-(1 - 1) bond) and nigerose (glucose dimer with an a-(1 - 3) bond), and any mixture thereof. One preferred example of a hexose dimer where the two hexoses are different from each other is sucrose, the glucose - fructose dimer.

[0044] The hexose in the aldohexose oligomer may be one single hexose or several different hexoses from each other. Preferably, the hexose is glucose. More preferred examples of aldohexose oligomers are hydrolyzed starch products such as glucose syrup, dried glucose syrup or dextrin. Such glucose syrups, dried glucose syrups and dextrins are classified according to their "dextrose equivalent" and may further contain hexoses, hexose dimers and hexose polymers.

[0045] "Dextrose" is another name for "glucose". The term "dextrose equivalent" (DE) indicates the degree of hydrolysis and is a measure of the amount of reducing sugar calculated as D - glucose based on the dry weight; the scale is based on native starch with a DE close to 0 and glucose with a DE of 100.

[0046] Maltodextrin is a dextrin having a DE in the range of 3 to 20, and hydrolyzed starch products having a DE > 20 are called "glucose syrup" or "dry glucose syrup" depending on their water content. "Glucose syrup" or "dry glucose syrup" can be used in the form of powder, fine granules or granules. Glucose syrup generally consists of a mixture of glucose, maltose, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides, and the amounts of these components vary.

[0047] Commercially available hexose oligomers containing hexose and hexose dimers are, for example, commercially available under the trade names Glucidex 21 (from Roquette), Glucidex IT 47 (from Roquette), Dextrose Monohydrate ST (from Roquette), Sirodex 331 (from Tate & Lyle), Glucamyl F 452 (from Tate & Lyle), and Raftisweet I 50 / 75 / 35 (from Lebbe Sugar Specialties), and Glucidex 21 and Glucidex 47 are particularly preferred.

[0048] The hexose in the hexose polymer and the modified hexose polymer may be a single hexose or a mixture of many hexoses. Preferably, one hexose or two different hexoses are present in the hexose-polymer or modified hexose-polymer of the present invention. More preferably, the modified hexose polymer is a modified food starch such as starch modified with octenyl succinic anhydride (so-called "OSA starch"), and in fact, it is a mixture of glucose, glucose dimer, glucose oligomer, glucose polymer (= starch), and OSA-modified glucose dimer, OSA-modified glucose oligomer and OSA-modified glucose polymer (= OSA-modified starch).

[0049] Further preferred modified hexose polymers are OSA starches modified according to the methods disclosed in WO 2020 / 093962, WO 2020 / 093919, WO 2020 / 093960 and CN 109517080 A.

[0050] Examples of hexose polymers, especially aldohexose polymers, are native starches, especially native corn starch. Further examples are starches from other plant sources such as waxy corn, wheat, tapioca, pea and potato.

[0051] The most preferred compound c) is a starch hydrolyzate, for example, a dry glucose syrup and dextrin having a DE in the range of 10 to 50, more preferably in the range of 15 to 40, even more preferably in the range of 15 to 30, and most preferably in the range of 15 to 25.

[0052] Commercially available examples of such starch hydrolyzates are dry glucose syrups such as Glucidex 21 and Glucidex IT47, and dextrins such as yellow dextrin. The most preferred examples are also mixtures thereof with modified food starches, and the weight ratio of the starch hydrolyzate, especially dextrin (e.g., yellow dextrin), to the modified food starch, especially OSA starch, is in the range of 1:10 to 10:1, preferably in the range of 1:7 to 7:1, more preferably in the range of 1:6 to 6:1, even more preferably in the range of 1:1 to 1:6, and most preferably in the range of 1:1 to 1:5, which is particularly preferred. This will be described in more detail below.

[0053] Glucidex 21 is a dry glucose syrup in the form of a fine powder having a DE in the range of 20 to 23, at least 50% of the particles being larger than 40 μm and at most 10% of the particles being larger than 250 μm. Glucidex 21 contains 3% glucose, 7% maltose, 90% oligosaccharides and polysaccharides.

[0054] Glucidex IT47 is a dried glucose syrup in the form of a fine powder having a DE in the range of 43 - 47, with at least 95% of the particles being larger than 40 μm and at most 5% of the particles being larger than 500 μm. Glucidex IT 47 contains 5% glucose, 50% maltose, 45% oligosaccharides and polysaccharides.

[0055] A further preferred compound c) is a starch hydrolyzate in which the maximum amount of reducing sugar is 10% by weight based on the total weight of the starch hydrolyzate.

[0056] The amount of compound c) is selected such that its final amount in the feed additive is at least 10% by weight, preferably in the range of 15 - 70% by weight, more preferably in the range of 20 - 65% by weight, and most preferably in the range of 20 - 45% by weight, based on the total weight of the dry matter of the feed additive.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, compound c) is a mixture of at least 5% by weight of a hexose oligomer such as dextrin and at least 10% by weight of a modified hexose polymer such as modified food starch, both in amounts based on the total weight of the feed additive.

[0058] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, compound c) is a mixture of a hexose oligomer such as dextrin in an amount in the range of 5 - 25% by weight and a modified hexose polymer such as modified food starch in an amount in the range of 10 - 45% by weight, both in amounts based on the total weight of the feed additive.

[0059] [Dextrin] Dextrin is a group of low - molecular - weight carbohydrates produced by the hydrolysis of starch or glycogen. Dextrin is a mixture of polymers of D - glucose units linked by α-(1→4) or α-(1→6) glycosidic bonds.

[0060] Dextrin can be produced from starch, for example, by using an enzyme such as amylase or by applying dry heat under acidic conditions ("thermal decomposition" or "roasting"). Dextrin produced by heat is also known as "roasted dextrin". Starch hydrolyzes during roasting under acidic conditions, and some of the short-chain starch moieties re-branch to the hydrolyzed starch molecules by α-(1,6) linkages. They have a low viscosity.

[0061] Preferably, the yellow dextrin commercially available from Roquette is used in the feed additive of the present invention.

[0062] [「Modified food starch」] Modified food starch is food starch that has been chemically modified by known methods so as to have a chemical structure that provides hydrophilic and lipophilic moieties. Preferably, the modified food starch has long hydrocarbon chains (preferably C5 - C18) as part of its structure.

[0063] To produce the feed additive of the present invention, it is preferable to use at least one kind of modified food starch, but it is possible to use a mixture of two or more different modified food starches in one kind of feed additive.

[0064] Starch is hydrophilic and thus has no emulsifying ability. However, modified food starch is produced from starch that has been substituted with hydrophobic moieties by known chemical methods. For example, starch can be treated with a cyclic dicarboxylic acid anhydride such as succinic anhydride substituted with a hydrocarbon chain. A particularly preferred modified food starch has the following formula (I):

Chemical formula

[0065] The term “OSA starch” means any starch derived from any natural source treated with octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA). The degree of substitution, i.e., the number of hydroxyl groups esterified with OSA to the number of free hydroxyl groups that are not esterified, usually varies in the range of 0.1% to 10%, preferably in the range of 0.5% to 4%, more preferably in the range of 2% to 3%. “Modified food starch” is an alias often used for OSA starch.

[0066] The natural sources of starch can be corn, waxy corn, wheat, tapioca, pea and potato, or can be synthesized.

[0067] The term “OSA starch” also includes, for example, starches commercially available from Ingredion under the trade names HiCap 100, Capsul (octenyl butanedioic acid amylodextrin), Capsul HS, Purity Gum 2000, Cleargum COA1, Cleargum CO03, UNI-PURE, HYLON VII; from Ingredion and Roquette respectively; from Cargill under the trade name C*EmCap, or from Tate & Lyle.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, commercially available modified food starches such as Capsul and Capsul HS from Ingredion, or Cleargum COA1 from Roquette are used respectively.

[0069] The terms "modified starch" and "OSA starch" further include modified starch / OSA starch that has been partially hydrolyzed by an enzyme, such as a glycosylase (see EC3.2; http: / / www.chem.qmul.ac.uk / iubmb / enzyme / EC3.2 / ), and modified starch / OSA starch that has been chemically partially hydrolyzed (so-called acid hydrolysis) by known methods.

[0070] Hydrolysis by an enzyme is usually carried out at a temperature of about 5°C to about <100°C, preferably about 5°C to about 70°C, more preferably about 20°C to about 55°C.

[0071] The glycosylase can be derived from fruits, of animal origin, bacteria or fungi. The glycosylase can have endoactivity and / or exoactivity. Thus, either an endoglycosylase and exoglycosylase enzyme preparation, or a mixture thereof, can be used. Preferably, the glycosylase has pectinolytic activity and / or hemicellulolytic activity. Usually, the glycosylase also exhibits unknown side activities, which are not important for the production of the desired product.

[0072] Examples of glycosylases are enzyme preparations commercially available from suppliers such as Novozymes, Genencor, AB-Enzymes, DSM Food Specialities, Amano.

[0073] Glycosylase is added to provide a concentration of about 0.01% to about 10% by weight, preferably about 0.1% to about 1% by weight, based on the dry weight of the modified starch / OSA starch. In a preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention, the enzyme is added all at once. Hydrolysis by the enzyme can also be carried out stepwise. For example, glycosylase or a mixture of glycosylases is added to the incubation batch in an amount of, for example, 1%, and then, for example, after 5 to 10 minutes (at a temperature of 35 °C), a further glycosylase or a mixture of glycosylases (which may be the same as or different from the glycosylase or mixture of glycosylases added initially) is added in an amount of, for example, 2%, and then the incubation batch is hydrolyzed at 35 °C for 10 minutes. Using this procedure, starting modified starch / OSA starch having a hydrolysis degree of about zero can be used.

[0074] The duration of hydrolysis can vary between about a few seconds and about 300 minutes. The exact duration of the enzyme treatment strongly depends on parameters such as enzyme activity or the composition of the substrate and can be determined experimentally with respect to the desired properties of the modified starch / OSA starch, such as emulsion stability, emulsifying capacity, droplet size of the emulsion. Alternatively, this can be determined by measuring the osmotic pressure (W. Dzwokak and S. Ziajka, Journal of food science, 1999, 64(3) 393 - 395).

[0075] Inactivation of glycosylase is preferably achieved by heat denaturation, for example, by heating the incubation batch to about 80 - 85 °C for 5 - 30 minutes, especially 5 - 10 minutes.

[0076] [Compound d): Antioxidant] Approval by regulatory authorities for the use of ethoxyquin in feed has been suspended in the European Union. Therefore, it is advantageous that the feed additive of the present invention is substantially free of ethoxyquin.

[0077] "Substantially free of" in the context of the present invention means that the amount of ethoxyquin is ≦ 0.5% by weight, preferably ≦ 0.2% by weight, more preferably ≦ 0.1% by weight, based on the total weight of the dry matter of the feed additive. Most preferably, no ethoxyquin is added during the production of the feed additive of the present invention. Thus, most preferably, the feed additive of the present invention is free of ethoxyquin.

[0078] Advantageously, the feed additive of the present invention is also substantially free of butylated hydroxytoluene such as 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol (IUPAC name = 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol).

[0079] "Substantially free of" in the context of the present invention means that the amount of butylated hydroxytoluene is ≦ 0.5% by weight, preferably ≦ 0.2% by weight, more preferably ≦ 0.1% by weight, based on the total weight of the dry matter of the feed additive. Most preferably, no butylated hydroxytoluene is added during the production of the feed additive of the present invention. Thus, most preferably, the feed additive of the present invention is free of butylated hydroxytoluene.

[0080] In the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, neither ethoxyquin nor butylated hydroxytoluene is contained in the feed additive of the present invention.

[0081] The feed additive may contain an antioxidant or a mixture of antioxidants. Preferably, a mixture of a fat-soluble antioxidant and a water-soluble antioxidant is used.

[0082] The total amount of the antioxidant is preferably selected such that its final amount in the feed additive ranges from 0.05 to 15% by weight, more preferably its final amount ranges from 0.1 to 10% by weight, and most preferably its final amount ranges from 0.5 to 8% by weight, based on the total weight of the dry matter of the feed additive containing the absorbent.

[0083] Examples of suitable fat-soluble antioxidants include tocopherols and their analogs, such as the compounds of formula (II) disclosed in WO 2019 / 185894 pamphlet.

Chemical formula

[0084] Further suitable fat-soluble antioxidants are the compounds of formula (II) disclosed in WO 2019 / 185938 pamphlet (in the formula, one of the two substituents R 1a and R 2a is C 12~21 alkyl, and the other of the two substituents R 1a and R 2a is hydrogen or C 1~5 alkyl or (CH 2 ) n -OH (n is an integer from 1 to 5), A is CH(R 3a ), and R 3a , R 4a and R 6a are independently of each other H or C 1~4 alkyl, and R 5a is H or OH or C 1~4 alkyl or C 1~4 alkoxy).

[0085] The compound of formula (II) having the selection disclosed in International Publication No. 2019 / 185900 pamphlet, wherein A is CH 2 and R 1a is C 1-5 alkyl, R 2a is H or C 1~2 alkyl, R 5a is H or C 1~4 alkoxy or C 1~4 alkyl, R 4a and R 6a are independently of each other H or C 1~4 alkyl) is also a suitable antioxidant in the feed additive of the present invention.

[0086] Preferred examples of the antioxidant of formula (II) disclosed in International Publication No. 2019 / 185894 pamphlet are the compounds of the following formulas (1) to (11) ("Me" is methyl).

Chemical formula

Chemical formula

[0087] Further examples of suitable antioxidants that can be used in the feed additive of the present invention are the compounds of formulas (III) and (IV) disclosed in International Publication No. 2019 / 185898 pamphlet

Chemical formula

[0088] Preferred examples of the compounds of formulas (III) and (IV) are the following compounds (12) to (19).

Chemical formula

[0089] Further suitable antioxidants are compounds of formula (V) having further selections disclosed in WO 2019 / 185940 pamphlet (wherein R 1 , R 2 and R 3 are each independently H or linear C 1~6 alkyl or branched C 3~8 alkyl, preferably, R 1 is H or methyl or ethyl or n-propyl or isopropyl or tert-butyl, and R 2 and R 3 are each independently H or methyl or ethyl).

Chemical formula

[0090] Also, compounds of formula (VI) disclosed in WO 2019 / 185904 pamphlet (wherein n is 1 or 2, and R 1b and R 3b are each independently H or C 1~5 alkyl, R 2b is H or C 1~5 alkyl or C 1~5 alkyloxy, preferably R 1b , R 2b and R 3b(with the condition that at least one of them is H) can also be used as an antioxidant in the feed additive of the present invention.

Chemical formula

[0091] Here, the compounds of the following formulas (VI-1) and (VI-2) are particularly preferred.

Chemical formula

[0092] The asterisk * indicates a chiral center / stereocenter respectively. That is, all possible isomers having any stereoconfiguration at said center are respectively included in the terms "compound of formula (VI-1)" and "compound of formula (VI-2)".

[0093] Further suitable antioxidants are gallic acid derivatives such as those disclosed in WO 2008 / 080152 pamphlet, hydroxycinnamic acids such as ferulic acid (=3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenol)prop-2-enoic acid), hydroxycoumarins, hydroxybenzoic acids such as gallic acid (=3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid) and syringic acid (=4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxy-benzoic acid), propyl gallate, rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid.

[0094] Suitable fat-soluble antioxidants are also the compounds of the following formulas (VII) and (VIII) respectively disclosed in WO 2019 / 185942 pamphlet and WO 2019 / 185888 (wherein R 1c , R 2c and R 3c are independently of each other H or C 1~4 alkyl). Preferred examples thereof are the tocotrienols and tocopherols of the following formulas (20) to (27).

Chemical formula

[0095] Particularly preferred examples of the compound of formula (VII) are the compounds of the following formulae (20) (= alpha-tocotrienol), (21) (= beta-tocotrienol), (22) (= gamma-tocotrienol) and (23) (= delta-tocotrienol), all of which include all possible diastereomers and enantiomers. [Chemical formula]

[0096] Particularly preferred examples of the compound of formula (VIII) are the compounds of the following formulae (20) (= alpha-tocopherol), (21) (= beta-tocopherol), (22) (= gamma-tocopherol) and (23) (= delta-tocopherol), all of which include all possible diastereomers and enantiomers. [Chemical formula]

[0097] The asterisk * indicates a chiral center / stereocenter, respectively. The term "compound of formula (20) / (21) / (22) / (23) / (24) / (25) / (26) / (27)" encompasses all possible isomers having any stereoconfiguration at said center.

[0098] The most preferred fat-soluble antioxidant is alpha-tocopherol, particularly DL-alpha-tocopherol.

[0099] When the fat-soluble vitamin is vitamin E, since vitamin E can act as an antioxidant by itself, the amount of vitamin E increases accordingly.

[0100] [Water-soluble antioxidant] Generally, any water-soluble antioxidant that is acceptable in the feed and known to those skilled in the art can be used.

[0101] Preferred examples of the water-soluble antioxidant are ascorbic acid and its salts, such as the alkali salts and alkaline earth salts of ascorbic acid and ascorbyl-2-phosphate as disclosed in European Patent Application Publication No. A972777. The alkali salts and alkaline earth salts of ascorbic acid are particularly preferred. The most preferred water-soluble antioxidant is sodium ascorbate.

[0102] [The most preferred antioxidant in the feed additive according to the present invention] Most preferably, α-tocopherol is used as a single antioxidant in an amount in the range of 0.05 to 10% by weight, preferably 0.1 to 7% by weight, more preferably 0.5 to 5% by weight, and most preferably 1 to 3% by weight based on the total weight of the feed additive.

[0103] When a mixture of alpha-tocopherol and sodium ascorbate is used as an antioxidant, the weight ratio of alpha-tocopherol to sodium ascorbate is preferably in the range of 5:1 to 1:5, more preferably 3:1 to 1:3, even more preferably 2.5:1 to 1:2, and most preferably 2:1 to 1:1.5.

[0104] [The feed additive according to the present invention] The feed additive may be in liquid (=dispersion) form or in solid form.

[0105] The composition of a preferred solid feed additive according to the present invention is shown in Table 1 below. Table 1 shows the components and their amounts. The amounts are shown in % by weight and are based on the total weight of the feed components including the absorbent. The amounts of all components total 100% of the total weight.

[0106] It is understood that each single preferred amount of one component can be combined with each single preferred amount of any other component.

[0107] A preferred feed additive containing an absorbent is one in which the total amount of compounds a) to d) is at least 90% by weight, preferably at least 95% by weight, preferably at least 97% by weight, based on the total dry weight of the feed additive excluding the weight of the absorbent.

[0108]

Table 1

[0109] [Preferred Embodiment of the Feed Additive According to the Present Invention] Advantageously, the feed additive of the present invention does not contain beeswax, which has been discussed for reasons of increasing the level of pesticide residues. Preferably, the feed additive also does not contain any components of animal origin, such as gelatin, for example.

[0110] The composition of a preferred solid feed additive according to the present invention containing an absorbent is listed in Table 2 below. The total amount of all components is based on the total weight of the feed additive and amounts to 100% by weight in total. It is understood that each single preferred amount of one component can be combined with each single preferred amount of any other component.

[0111]

Table 2

[0112] Instead of dextrin, glucose syrup or dried glucose syrup can also be used together with modified OSA starch.

[0113] A further preferred feed additive according to Table 2 is a feed additive in which the total amount of compounds a) to d) is at least 90% by weight, preferably at least 95% by weight, preferably at least 97% by weight, based on the total weight of the feed additive excluding the absorbent.

[0114] When the feed additives are in liquid form, the amounts of their components must be adjusted accordingly in order to obtain feed additives having the same relative amounts of the feed additives (see also Tables 1 and 2). The amount of water in the liquid feed additive is preferably in the range of 35 to 70% by weight, more preferably in the range of 40 to 65% by weight, even more preferably in the range of 45 to 60% by weight, and most preferably in the range of 50 to 55% by weight, based on the total weight of the liquid feed additive.

[0115] [Method of the present invention] The present invention also relates to a method for producing a feed additive having all of the above selections, comprising the following steps: i) Providing a matrix by dissolving lignosulfonate and compound c) and optionally a water-soluble antioxidant in water; ii) Providing an active phase by dissolving fat-soluble vitamins and optionally a fat-soluble antioxidant in an organic solvent; iii) Mixing the matrix obtained in step i) with the active phase obtained in step ii) to obtain a dispersion; iv) Crushing the droplets of the active phase in the dispersion obtained in step iii) and removing the organic solvent to obtain a dispersion; v) Drying the dispersion obtained in step iv) in the presence of an absorbent to obtain a feed additive.

[0116] The feed additive can be used in liquid or solid form. The liquid form is obtained after step iv), and the solid form is obtained after step v). Preferably, the feed additive of the present invention is used in solid form.

[0117] A single step is disclosed in more detail below.

[0118] [Step i)] The amounts of lignosulfonate b), compound c) and water-soluble antioxidant d) (when present) are selected such that the final amounts of these compounds in the dispersion or feed additive obtained after performing steps i) to iv) and i) to v) are as described above.

[0119] Preferably, this step is carried out at a temperature in the range of 25 to 70 °C, more preferably at a temperature in the range of 30 to 65 °C, even more preferably at a temperature in the range of 40 to 62 °C, and most preferably at a temperature in the range of 50 to 60 °C.

[0120] [Step ii)] The amounts of the fat-soluble vitamin a) and the fat-soluble antioxidant d) (if present) are selected such that the final amounts of these compounds in the dispersion or feed additive obtained after carrying out steps i) to iv) and steps i) to v) are as described above.

[0121] Preferably, the amount of the organic solvent and the dissolution temperature are selected to completely dissolve the fat-soluble vitamin a) and the fat-soluble antioxidant d) (if present). Usually, in order to obtain a solution, it is necessary to heat the suspension obtained when all the compounds present in this step are mixed.

[0122] Examples of suitable organic solvents are methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, 1-methoxy-2-butanol, 1-propoxy-2-propanol, tetrahydrofuran, acetone, dichloromethane, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, propylene carbonate, ethyl formate, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, isopropyl acetate and methyl tert-butyl ether.

[0123] The temperature for heating the suspension is, for example, in the range of 40 to 90 °C, and more preferably the temperature is in the range of 50 to 80 °C.

[0124] [Step iii)] Preferably, this step is carried out at a mixing temperature in the range of 30 to 70 °C, more preferably at a mixing temperature in the range of 35 to 65 °C, even more preferably at a mixing temperature in the range of 40 °C to 60 °C to obtain an emulsion.

[0125] [Step iv)] Grinding can be achieved by using a rotor-stator device or a high-pressure homogenizer or both. Other devices known to those skilled in the art can also be used.

[0126] When a rotor-stator device and / or a high-pressure homogenizer is used, a pressure loss in the range of preferably 70 to 1000 bar, more preferably 100 to 300 bar, is applied.

[0127] The organic solvent can be removed, for example, by using a rotary evaporator or a thin-film evaporator cascade. Other methods known to those skilled in the art are also applicable.

[0128] [Step v)] By the drying process, the dispersion is converted into a solid form.

[0129] The conversion into a solid form can be achieved by any method known to those skilled in the art in which an absorbent is used, preferably by powder capture technology, according to which the sprayed dispersion droplets are captured by an absorbent such as starch (so-called "capture medium") and dried.

[0130] Suitable absorbents include corn starch, and other starches derived from plant sources, silica, modified silica, tricalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, dicalcium diphosphate, calcium silicate, magnesium silicate, magnesium trisilicate, sodium aluminum silicate, talc, kaolin, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, cellulose or mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred are starch (i.e., corn starch and other starches derived from plant sources), silica, tricalcium phosphate and hydrophobic modified silica, and corn starch, or other starches derived from plant sources such as waxy corn, wheat, tapioca, pea and potato are particularly preferred.

[0131] In another embodiment of the present invention, the conversion to the solid form can be achieved by any method known to those skilled in the art without using an absorbent, such as spray drying, spray drying combined with fluidized bed granulation, spray drying. The obtained feed additive does not contain an absorbent, and the amounts of the components and their ranges are the same as above, but are based on the total weight of the feed additive without the weight of the absorbent.

[0132] [Properties of the Feed Additive of the Present Invention] Preferably, the internal phase of the feed additive according to the present invention, that is, the internal phase of the liquid feed additive after step iv) or the internal phase of the solid feed additive after step v), when redispersed in deionized water, particularly measured by dynamic light scattering using a particle analyzer Delsa™ Nano S (Beckmann Coulter, New Castle, DE, USA), has a particle size in the range of 100 to 300 nm, preferably in the range of 120 to 250 nm, more preferably in the range of 130 to 230 nm. That is, the particles have an average diameter according to the normalized intensity distribution within the above range.

[0133] [Dispersion According to the Present Invention] The present invention also relates to the dispersion obtained after performing step iv), and the following dispersion, - at least a fat-soluble vitamin; - at least a lignosulfonate; - at least one compound selected from hexose dimers, modified hexose dimers, hexose oligomers, modified hexose oligomers, hexose polymers, modified hexose polymers, and any mixture thereof in an amount of ≧10% by weight; - an antioxidant in an amount in the range of at least 0 to 15% by weight and containing; the amount of ethoxyquin in the dispersion is ≦0.5% by weight; and the amount of butylated hydroxytoluene in the dispersion is ≦0.5% by weight; all amounts are based on the total weight of the dry matter of the dispersion and is directed to the dispersion.

[0134] The amount of water in the dispersion is selected such that its final amount in the dispersion is preferably in the range of 40 to 65% by weight, more preferably in the range of 45 to 60% by weight, and most preferably in the range of 50 to 55% by weight, based on the total weight of the dispersion.

[0135] The amount of the fat-soluble vitamin in the dispersion is selected such that its final amount in the dispersion is preferably in the range of 1.0 to 40% by weight, more preferably in the range of 5.0 to 35% by weight, still more preferably in the range of 10 to 30% by weight, and most preferably in the range of 15 to 25% by weight, based on the total weight of the dry matter of the dispersion.

[0136] The amount of the lignosulfonate is selected such that its final amount in the dispersion is preferably in the range of 5.0 to 55% by weight, more preferably in the range of 5 to 50% by weight, still more preferably in the range of 5 to 45% by weight, and most preferably in the range of 10 to 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the dry matter of the dispersion.

[0137] The amount of compound c) is selected such that its final amount in the dispersion is preferably in the range of 15 to 70% by weight, more preferably in the range of 20 to 65% by weight, and most preferably in the range of 20 to 45% by weight, based on the total weight of the dry matter of the dispersion.

[0138] The total amount of the antioxidant is selected such that its final amount in the dispersion is preferably in the range of 0.1 to 12% by weight, more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 10% by weight, and most preferably in the range of 1 to 8% by weight, based on the total weight of the dry matter of the dispersion.

[0139] The particle size of the dispersion is the same as that described above for the solid / dry feed additive.

[0140] The selection for components a) to c), the antioxidant and the absorbent also applies here.

[0141] The viscosity of the dispersion having a water content in the range of 40 to 50% by weight measured at 50 °C using a Brookfield viscometer is preferably in the range of 80 to 140 cPs, more preferably in the range of 90 to 135 cPs, even more preferably in the range of 95 to 130 cPs, and most preferably in the range of 100 to 125 cPs.

[0142] [Feed according to the present invention] The present invention also relates to a feed comprising a feed additive according to the present invention having the above selection. Feed (or "feed ingredient") means any substance or product containing additives, whether processed, partially processed or unprocessed, intended for oral feeding to animals.

[0143] Feeds in the context of the present invention specifically include broilers including starters, growers, finishers; for broiler breeders including starters, growers (young menders), layers and male breeders; for layers and other poultry (e.g., young menders and duck layers, layer breeders, ducks and geese, mountain hares, quails and pheasants, ostriches and emus); for turkeys including starters, growers, finishers; for turkey breeders including starters, growers, layers and male breeders; for ruminants including calves, milk replacers, heifers, beef cattle, breeding bulls, sheep and goats; for horses, especially foals, leisure horses, racehorses, mares and stallions; for rabbits; for mink and foxes, fattening pigs: pre-starters, starters, growers, finishers; breeders: for pigs including replacement gilts, sows, boars, and feeds for pets, especially dogs and cats.

[0144] The amounts of feed additives and fat-soluble vitamins each comply with the regulatory guidelines of the region according to the specific animal species and its age.

[0145] In the supplementary guidelines, the amounts of vitamins A and D 3 are expressed in international units ("I.U.").

[0146] To ensure that the active ingredients in the feed are reliably delivered in a systematic manner, the "I.U." is used as the universal unit for fat-soluble vitamins. This is because there are different forms of vitamins with varying amounts of fat-soluble vitamins.

[0147] The feed additive containing fat-soluble vitamins according to the present invention is usually added to the feed in the form of a premix, i.e., in the form of a mixture with other vitamins or their preparations and other micronutrients such as minerals. The premix content in the feed is less than 1% by weight in many species.

[0148] Advantageously, the feed additive according to the present invention containing lignosulfonate, especially starch hydrolyzates such as dextrin, and modified food starches such as OSA starch, shows a brown color, which makes the feed additive particularly suitable for premixes showing the same color.

[0149] Advantageously, the feed additive according to the present invention containing lignosulfonate, especially starch hydrolyzates such as dextrin, especially modified food starches such as OSA starch and native starch, preferably in a weight ratio of (1 - 3):1:(2 - 6):(1 - 3), shows a yellow color, which makes the feed additive particularly suitable for calf milk replacers showing the same color.

[0150] The amount of the feed additive containing fat-soluble vitamins required to be included in the feed is calculated taking into account the above-mentioned content levels, based on the active ingredients of the feed and the target dosage of fat-soluble vitamins in the final feed.

[0151] The conversion factors for fat-soluble vitamins are as follows: 1 I.U. of vitamin A corresponds to 0.344 μg of vitamin A acetate; 1 I.U. of vitamin D 3 corresponds to 0.025 μg of vitamin D 3 ; 1 g of vitamin K 3(Menadione) is equivalent to 2.0 g of menadione sodium bisulfite (「MSB」) and 2.3 g of menadione nicotinamide bisulfite (「MNB」); 1 g of vitamin E is equivalent to 1.0 g of DL-α-tocopheryl acetate.

[0152] Table 3 below shows the amounts of fat-soluble vitamins added per 1 kg of air-dried feed. The exact amounts depend on several factors such as the phase / age of the animal, animal species, and legal local limits.

[0153] [Table 3]

[0154] The following shows non-limiting examples of feeds to which the feed additive of the present invention can be added.

[0155] [Poultry feed] Poultry feed varies by region. Tables I and II below show typical examples of diets in Europe and Latin America. These diets include grains such as wheat, rye, maize / corn, minerals such as NaCl, vegetable oils such as soybean oil, amino acids, and proteins.

[0156] [Table 4]

[0157] [Table 5]

[0158] [Pet food] Pet food is formulated using a combination of multiple ingredients to meet the specifications of the target nutrients.

[0159] Poultry meal is a component commonly found in, for example, dog food and cat food.

[0160] The nutrient specifications for a complete and balanced dog food or cat food meet or exceed the guidelines provided by AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control Officials). Since the ingredient composition of pet food can include any legal feed ingredient, the number of combinations, while not infinite, is close to it. Some examples of ingredients used in dog food and cat food can be found in Table III below.

[0161] [Table 6]

[0162] [Table 7]

[0163] [Swine feed] Here, the NATIONAL SWINE NUTRITION GUIDE, 2010 is referred to, and two non-limiting examples are shown below.

[0164] [Table 8]

[0165] [Table 9]

[0166] [Further embodiments according to the present invention] The present invention also relates to the use of the feed additive according to the invention having the above selection for supplementing fat-soluble vitamins to animals other than humans, in particular the above animals, and to the use of the feed according to the invention having the above selection for supplementing fat-soluble vitamins to animals other than humans, in particular the above animals.

[0167] A further embodiment of the present invention is a method for supplementing fat-soluble vitamins to animals other than humans by administering the feed additive according to the invention having the above selection, or the feed according to the invention having the above selection, to the animals other than humans.

[0168] Thereby, it is particularly preferable that vitamin A acetate or vitamin D3 or both are supplemented.

[0169] The present invention will be further described in the following non-limiting examples.

[0170] [Examples] [Examples 1 to 4: Preparation of the feed additive according to the invention containing vitamin A acetate] The components used and their amounts are shown in Table 4, and the characteristics of the feed additive are shown in Table 5.

[0171] As compound c), a mixture of OSA starch and yellow dextrin may be used, and natural starch may further be included.

[0172] As compound b), calcium lignosulfonate (as commercially available from Borregaard Ligno Tech, Norway) is used, dl-α-tocopherol is used as a fat-soluble antioxidant, and sodium ascorbate is used as a water-soluble antioxidant.

[0173] Compound b), c) and the water-soluble antioxidant are dissolved in deionized water to obtain a so-called "matrix".

[0174] Crystalline vitamin A acetate and the fat-soluble antioxidant are heated at 65 °C with stirring in a water bath until the crystals are completely melted to obtain a so-called "active phase".

[0175] Subsequently, using a rotor-stator homogenizer, the active phase is pre-emulsified into the matrix at 5500 rpm. Thereafter, the emulsion is further emulsified at 6000 rpm for 30 minutes.

[0176] Subsequently, the emulsion is sprayed into a capture medium (fluidized starch or silica). The solid agent remains in the capture medium for 45 - 60 minutes, and beadlets are obtained. After drying, the dried beadlets are sieved, and the fraction having a particle size in the range of 160 - 630 μm is used for further tests (stability, process loss, etc.).

[0177] [Table 10]

[0178] [Stability of vitamin A acetate in a stress test where the test article is exposed to 40 °C and 75% relative humidity (feed additives according to Examples 1 - 4)] Weigh 120 mg aliquots into plastic tubes with perforated caps. Thus, the samples are exposed to the environment during storage for 4 weeks and 8 weeks in a climatic chamber at 40 °C and 75% relative humidity. Measure the total concentration of vitamin A acetate at each storage time by HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography). Briefly, transfer the 120 mg of the aforementioned aliquot into a flask containing 200 mg of BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene). BHT prevents further decomposition of vitamin A acetate during the analytical procedure. Subsequently, redisperse the sample in 10 mL of deionized water at 50 °C. After adding 100 mL of ethanol and 80 mL of dichloromethane, hold the mixture at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then, dilute the sample to 200 mL with dichloromethane and centrifuge 10 mL aliquots at 4000 rpm for 5 minutes. Fill the supernatant of the centrifuged stock solution into amber glass vials for HPLC analysis. Calculate vitamin A retention based on the initial concentration. Conduct each test in duplicate. Show the average of the results in Table 5. The accuracy is ±5%. The starting value is 100%. The results indicate that the feed additive of vitamin A acetate is stable for at least 2 weeks under both conditions.

[0179] [Process Loss] To measure the process loss of solid particle vitamin A acetate, follow the following procedure. Transfer 100 mg of dry beadlets into a 200 mL volumetric flask. Add 5 mL of 2 wt% ammonia solution (Merck Group, Germany) and 50 mg of amylase (Merck Group, Germany) to the flask. Place the flask in an ultrasonic water bath set at 70 °C for 10 minutes. Then, cool the flask to room temperature. After adding ethanol to the meniscus of the volumetric flask, gently swirl the volumetric flask to obtain a homogeneous dispersion. Next, collect 2 mL of the dispersion and inject it into the HPLC.

Number

[0180] [Color measurement] Color measurement is carried out using a colorimeter (Hunter Lab Ultra Scan Pro) that can represent color values according to the psychophysical perception of color by the human eye, other than a spectrophotometer.

[0181] Color measurement is carried out in accordance with CIE guidelines (Commission International d’Eclairage). The values can be expressed as planar coordinates L*a*b*, where L* is a measure of lightness, a* is a value on the red-green axis, and b* is a value on the yellow-blue axis.

[0182] Equipment settings: Color scale: CIE L*a*b* / L*C*h* Definition of light source: Equivalent to D65 daylight Geometry: Diffuse / 10° Wavelength: Scanning from 400 to 800 nm Sample measurement area diameter: 19.812 mm (large) Calibration mode: Reflection including gloss.

[0183]

Table 11

Claims

1. a) a fat-soluble vitamin in an amount ranging from at least 1 to 40% by weight; b) lignosulfonate in an amount ranging from at least 5 to 55% by weight; and c) at least one compound selected from hexose dimers, modified hexose dimers, hexose oligomers, modified hexose oligomers, hexose polymers, modified hexose polymers, and any mixtures thereof, in an amount of at least 10% by weight; A feed additive comprising: the lignosulfonate and compound c) form a matrix in which the fat-soluble vitamin is encapsulated; The amount of ethoxyquin in the feed additive is ≦0.5% by weight; and A feed additive wherein the amount of butylated hydroxytoluene in said feed additive is ≦0.5 wt % (all amounts based on the total weight of said feed additive).

2. 2. The feed additive of claim 1, wherein the fat-soluble vitamin is vitamin A or a derivative thereof, vitamin D or a derivative thereof, or any mixture thereof.

3. 3. The feed additive according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lignosulfonate is sodium lignosulfonate or calcium lignosulfonate or any mixture thereof.

4. The feed additive according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an antioxidant.

5. The feed additive according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an absorbent.

6. 6. The feed additive of claim 5, comprising said fat soluble vitamin in an amount ranging from 5 to 35% by weight, said lignosulfonate in an amount ranging from 5 to 50% by weight, said compound c) in an amount ranging from 15 to 70% by weight, said antioxidant in an amount ranging from 0.05 to 15% by weight, said absorbent in an amount ranging from 1 to 30% by weight, and residual moisture in an amount ranging from 0 to 10% by weight, all amounts based on the total weight of the feed additive.

7. A method for producing the feed additive according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising the steps of: i) providing a matrix by dissolving said lignosulfonate and said compound c) and optionally a water-soluble antioxidant in water; ii) providing an active phase by dissolving said fat-soluble vitamin and optionally said fat-soluble antioxidant in an organic solvent; iii) mixing the matrix obtained in step i) with the active phase obtained in step ii) to obtain a dispersion; iv) milling the droplets of the active phase in the dispersion obtained in step iii) and removing the organic solvent to obtain a dispersion; v) drying the dispersion obtained in step iv) in the presence of an absorbent to obtain the feed additive. The method includes:

8. A dispersion obtainable by carrying out step iv) of the method according to claim 7.

9. a) at least a fat-soluble vitamin; b) at least a lignosulfonate; and c) at least one compound selected from hexose dimer, modified hexose dimer, hexose oligomer, modified hexose oligomer, hexose polymer, modified hexose polymer, and any mixture thereof, in an amount of at least 10% by weight; d) an antioxidant in an amount ranging from at least 0 to 15% by weight; A dispersion comprising: the lignosulfonate and compound c) form a matrix in which the fat-soluble vitamin is encapsulated; The amount of ethoxyquin in the dispersion is ≦0.5 wt.%; and The amount of butylated hydroxytoluene in the dispersion is ≦0.5 wt. % (all amounts based on the total weight of dry matter of the feed additive).

10. A feed comprising the feed additive according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

11. Use of a feed additive according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or a feed according to claim 10 for supplementing animals, other than humans, with said fat-soluble vitamins.

12. A method for supplementing an animal, other than a human, with said fat-soluble vitamin by administering to said animal a feed additive according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or a feed according to claim 10.

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