Composition and method for improving the growth of calves and reducing the incidence of diarrhea

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a composition containing a Capsicum ingredient, a functional inorganic compound, and a yeast cell wall. Further provided is a method of feeding this composition to an animal such as a bovine animal so as to clearly show a beneficial effect on the animal. The compositions and methods described herein can bring benefits to the general health and future productivity of animals, particularly in young animals.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 347,627, filed on June 1, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a composition comprising a Capsicum ingredient, a functional inorganic compound, and a yeast cell wall. Further, a method of feeding this composition to an animal, such as an animal of the Bovidae family, is provided so as to clearly show a beneficial effect on the animal. The compositions and methods described herein can benefit the general health and future productivity of animals, particularly in young animals.

Background Art

[0003] The control of animal diseases is an important consideration for the agricultural and food manufacturing industries. In modern commercial operations, steps can be taken to protect animals of all ages to avoid the occurrence of diseases and to promote the general health of the animal population.

[0004] For example, in the operation of commercial dairy cows in the United States, to minimize or prevent the transmission of diseases from the dam to the calf during the calf's early life, dairy calves are generally separated from their dams and are raised either individually or in a small - group system. Maintaining healthy calves during this stressful post - birth period and achieving better growth performance is usually beneficial to the general health and future productivity of the animals. Therefore, there is a need for new compositions and methods to assist in the management of young animals to promote growth and prevent the occurrence of diseases.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0006] The present disclosure provides a composition comprising a Capsicum component, a functional inorganic compound, and a yeast cell wall, and related methods. The compositions and methods of the present disclosure surprisingly result in a consistent improvement in growth measurements and a reduction in the incidence of gastrointestinal diseases in animals such as young calves. The present disclosure describes a composition comprising a Capsicum component, a functional inorganic compound such as bentonite, and a yeast cell wall (i.e., C + FMC + YCW) that, when fed to cattle, can improve growth performance and reduce diarrhea events. In contrast, combining two of the components (i.e., two of the Capsicum component, the functional inorganic compound, or the yeast cell wall) had no effect compared to the composition comprising the Capsicum component, the functional inorganic compound such as bentonite, and the yeast cell wall.

[0007] Additional features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the exemplary embodiments that illustrate the best mode of the present disclosure as presently understood.

[0008] For a detailed description, reference is made in particular to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]

Figure 1

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, a composition comprising a Capsicum ingredient, a functional inorganic compound, and a yeast cell wall is provided. In one embodiment, the functional inorganic compound comprises aluminum phyllosilicate clay. In one embodiment, the functional inorganic compound consists essentially of aluminum phyllosilicate clay (e.g., exceeding 95 wt.% or even exceeding 99 wt.%). In one embodiment, the functional inorganic compound consists of aluminum phyllosilicate clay. In one embodiment, the functional inorganic compound comprises bentonite. In one embodiment, the functional inorganic compound consists essentially of bentonite. In one embodiment, the functional inorganic compound consists of bentonite. Aluminum phyllosilicate clay and bentonite include, for example, those described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017 / 0095508, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2022 / 0338504, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2022 / 0142204, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0011] In one embodiment, the Capsicum ingredient is present in the composition in an amount between about 1 mg and about 1000 mg. In one embodiment, the Capsicum ingredient is present in the composition in an amount between about 50 mg and about 750 mg. In one embodiment, the Capsicum ingredient is present in the composition in an amount between about 100 mg and about 500 mg. In one embodiment, the Capsicum ingredient is present in the composition in an amount of about 100 mg. In one embodiment, the Capsicum ingredient is present in the composition in an amount of about 200 mg. In one embodiment, the Capsicum ingredient is present in the composition in an amount of about 300 mg. In one embodiment, the Capsicum ingredient is present in the composition in an amount of about 400 mg. In one embodiment, the Capsicum ingredient is present in the composition in an amount of about 500 mg. In one embodiment, the Capsicum ingredient is present in the composition in an amount of about 600 mg. In one embodiment, the Capsicum ingredient is present in the composition in an amount of about 700 mg. In one embodiment, the Capsicum ingredient is present in the composition in an amount of about 800 mg. In one embodiment, the Capsicum ingredient is present in the composition in an amount of about 900 mg. In one embodiment, the Capsicum ingredient is present in the composition in an amount of about 1000 mg.

[0012] In one embodiment, the amount of the Capsicum ingredient administered is between about 1 mg / day / animal and about 1000 mg / day / animal. In one embodiment, the amount of the Capsicum ingredient administered is between about 50 mg / day / animal and about 750 mg / day / animal. In one embodiment, the amount of the Capsicum ingredient administered is between about 100 mg / day / animal and about 500 mg / day / animal.

[0013] In one embodiment, the amount of the Capsicum ingredient administered is between about 1 mg / day / animal and about 1000 mg / day / animal. In one embodiment, the amount of the Capsicum ingredient administered is between about 50 mg / day / animal and about 750 mg / day / animal. In one embodiment, the amount of the Capsicum ingredient administered is between about 100 mg / day / animal and about 500 mg / day / animal.

[0014] In one embodiment, the functional inorganic compound is present in the composition in an amount between about 1 g and about 10 g. In one embodiment, the functional inorganic compound is present in the composition in an amount between about 1 g and about 5 g. In one embodiment, the functional inorganic compound is present in the composition in an amount of about 1 g. In one embodiment, the functional inorganic compound is present in the composition in an amount of about 2 g. In one embodiment, the functional inorganic compound is present in the composition in an amount of about 3 g. In one embodiment, the functional inorganic compound is present in the composition in an amount of about 4 g. In one embodiment, the functional inorganic compound is present in the composition in an amount of about 5 g. In one embodiment, the functional inorganic compound is present in the composition in an amount of about 6 g. In one embodiment, the functional inorganic compound is present in the composition in an amount of about 7 g. In one embodiment, the functional inorganic compound is present in the composition in an amount of about 8 g. In one embodiment, the functional inorganic compound is present in the composition in an amount of about 9 g. In one embodiment, the functional inorganic compound is present in the composition in an amount of about 10 g.

[0015] In one embodiment, the amount of the functional inorganic compound administered is between about 1 g / day / animal and about 10 g / day / animal. In one embodiment, the amount of the functional inorganic compound administered is between about 1 g / day / animal and about 5 g / day / animal.

[0016] In one embodiment, the yeast cell wall is present in the composition in an amount between about 1 g and about 10 g. In one embodiment, the yeast cell wall is present in the composition in an amount between about 1 g and about 5 g. In one embodiment, the yeast cell wall is present in the composition in an amount of about 1 g. In one embodiment, the yeast cell wall is present in the composition in an amount of about 2 g. In one embodiment, the yeast cell wall is present in the composition in an amount of about 3 g. In one embodiment, the yeast cell wall is present in the composition in an amount of about 4 g. In one embodiment, the yeast cell wall is present in the composition in an amount of about 5 g. In one embodiment, the yeast cell wall is present in the composition in an amount of about 6 g. In one embodiment, the yeast cell wall is present in the composition in an amount of about 7 g. In one embodiment, the yeast cell wall is present in the composition in an amount of about 8 g. In one embodiment, the yeast cell wall is present in the composition in an amount of about 9 g. In one embodiment, the yeast cell wall is present in the composition in an amount of about 10 g.

[0017] In one embodiment, the amount of yeast cell wall administered is between about 1 g / animal / day and about 10 g / animal / day. In one embodiment, the amount of yeast cell wall administered is between about 1 g / animal / day and about 5 g / animal / day.

[0018] As used herein, the Capsicum ingredient can be added to the feed at a concentration of about 0.01 pounds / ton of feed or more, about 0.05 pounds / ton of feed or more, about 0.1 pounds / ton of feed or more, about 0.2 pounds / ton of feed or more, about 0.3 pounds / ton of feed or more, about 0.4 pounds / ton of feed or more, or about 0.5 pounds / ton of feed or more. For example, the concentration of the Capsicum ingredient can be about 0.01 pounds / ton of feed to about 1 pound / ton of feed, about 0.1 pounds / ton of feed to about 1 pound / ton of feed, or about 0.1 pounds / ton of feed to about 0.5 pounds / ton of feed. The Capsicum ingredient may be selected from the group consisting of capsinoids, vanilloids, Capsicum, mild Capsicum, ground Capsicum, Capsicum extract, plant material containing capsaicin, encapsulated ground Capsicum, coated capsaicin products, and any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the Capsicum ingredient is encapsulated ground pepper. The Capsicum ingredient contains about 45% to about 55% ground pepper and / or about 0.4% to about 0.6% capsinoids.

[0019] Examples of yeast cell walls include components derived from yeast cell walls, such as β-glucan, arabinoxylan isomaltose, agarooligosaccharide, lactosucrose, cyclodextrin, lactose, fructooligosaccharide, laminariheptaose, lactulose, β-galactooligosaccharide, mannan oligosaccharide, raffinose, stachyose, oligofructose, glucosyl sucrose, sucrose thermal oligosaccharide, isomaltulose, caramel, inulin, and xylooligosaccharide. Sources of components derived from yeast cell walls include Saccharomyces bisporus, Saccharomyces boulardii, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces capsularis, Saccharomyces delbrueckii, Saccharomyces fermentati, Saccharomyces lugwigii, Saccharomyces microellipsoides, Saccharomyces pastorianus, Saccharomyces rosei, Candida albicans, Candida cloaceae, Candida tropicalis, Candida utilis, Geotrichum candidum, Hansenula americana, Hansenula anomala, Hansenula wingei, and Aspergillus oryzae.

[0020] In one embodiment, the components of the Capsicum genus, the functional inorganic compound, and the yeast cell wall are present in a mass ratio of C:FMC:YCW. In one embodiment, the mass ratio of C:FMC:YCW is 1 to 1000 mg: 1 to 10 g: 1 to 10 g, 100 to 1000 mg: 1 to 10 g: 1 to 10 g, or 100 to 500 mg: 1 to 10 g: 1 to 10 g. In one embodiment, the ratio of C:FMC:YCW is 100 mg: 5 g: 2 g. In one embodiment, the ratio of C:FMC:YCW is 300 mg: 5 g: 2 g. In one embodiment, the ratio of C:FMC:YCW is 500 mg: 5 g: 2 g. In one embodiment, the ratio of C:FMC:YCW is 100 mg: 3 g: 2 g. In one embodiment, the ratio of C:FMC:YCW is 300 mg: 3 g: 2 g. In one embodiment, the ratio of C:FMC:YCW is 500 mg: 3 g: 2 g.

[0021] In an exemplary aspect, a formulation is provided. The formulation includes i) a composition comprising components of the Capsicum genus, a functional inorganic compound, and a yeast cell wall, and ii) an animal food. In one embodiment, the animal food is a dry animal food. In one embodiment, the dry animal food is a starter grain. In one embodiment, the dry animal food is a texturized animal food. In one embodiment, the dry animal food is a starter animal food for calves. In one embodiment, the dry animal food is a texturized starter animal food for calves. Such dry animal foods are well known to those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the animal food is a liquid animal food. In one embodiment, the liquid animal food is milk. The previously described embodiments of the present composition are also applicable to the embodiments of the formulation described herein.

[0022] In one embodiment, the dry animal food is present in the formulation in an amount between about 0.5 pounds and about 5 pounds. In one embodiment, the dry animal food is present in the formulation in an amount between about 0.5 pounds and about 3 pounds. In one embodiment, the dry animal food is present in the formulation in an amount between about 0.5 pounds and about 1 pound. In one embodiment, the dry animal food is present in the formulation in an amount between about 1 pound and about 1.5 pounds. In one embodiment, the dry animal food is present in the formulation in an amount between about 1.5 pounds and about 2 pounds. In one embodiment, the dry animal food is present in the formulation in an amount between about 2 pounds and about 2.5 pounds. In one embodiment, the dry animal food is present in the formulation in an amount between about 2.5 pounds and about 3 pounds. In one embodiment, the dry animal food is present in the formulation in an amount between about 3 pounds and about 3.5 pounds. In one embodiment, the dry animal food is present in the formulation in an amount between about 3.5 pounds and about 4 pounds. In one embodiment, the dry animal food is present in the formulation in an amount between about 4 pounds and about 4.5 pounds. In one embodiment, the dry animal food is present in the formulation in an amount between about 4.5 pounds and about 5 pounds.

[0023] In one embodiment, the liquid animal food is present in the formulation in an amount between about 1 quart and about 5 quarts. In one embodiment, the liquid animal food is present in the formulation in an amount of about 1 quart. In one embodiment, the liquid animal food is present in the formulation in an amount of about 1.5 quarts. In one embodiment, the liquid animal food is present in the formulation in an amount of about 2 quarts. In one embodiment, the liquid animal food is present in the formulation in an amount of about 2.5 quarts. In one embodiment, the liquid animal food is present in the formulation in an amount of about 3 quarts. In one embodiment, the liquid animal food is present in the formulation in an amount of about 3.5 quarts. In one embodiment, the liquid animal food is present in the formulation in an amount of about 4 quarts. In one embodiment, the liquid animal food is present in the formulation in an amount of about 4.5 quarts. In one embodiment, the liquid animal food is present in the formulation in an amount of about 5 quarts.

[0024] In an exemplary aspect, a method of improving the health of an animal's gastrointestinal tract is provided. The method includes the step of feeding the animal a composition comprising a Capsicum ingredient, a functional inorganic compound, and a yeast cell wall product, the composition improving the health of the gastrointestinal tract in the animal. Embodiments of the composition described previously are also applicable to the method of improving the health of the animal's gastrointestinal tract described herein. For example, the composition utilized in the method can be any of the compositions described herein. Further, the composition utilized in the method can be included in any of the formulations described herein.

[0025] In one embodiment, improving the health of the gastrointestinal tract includes reducing the frequency of diarrhea events by the animal. In one embodiment, improving the health of the gastrointestinal tract includes reducing medical intervention from diarrhea events by the animal. Diarrhea events, alternatively scours, such as diarrhea by animals such as young animals (e.g., calves) are well known in the art.

[0026] In one embodiment, improving the health of the gastrointestinal tract includes reducing the plasma concentration of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the animal. In one embodiment, improving the health of the gastrointestinal tract includes improving the innate immune response in the animal.

[0027] In one embodiment, the animal is a ruminant. In one embodiment, the ruminant is selected from the group consisting of cattle, goats, sheep, giraffes, American bison, European bison, yaks, water buffalos, deer, camels, alpacas, llamas, nilgais, antelopes, pronghorns, and nilgais. In one embodiment, the ruminant is raised for meat production. In one embodiment, the ruminant is raised for dairy production. In one embodiment, the ruminant is selected from the group consisting of cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goats. In one embodiment, the ruminant is a bovine animal. In one embodiment, the ruminant is a buffalo. In one embodiment, the ruminant is a sheep. In one embodiment, the ruminant is a goat. In one embodiment, the ruminant is a beef cattle. In one embodiment, the ruminant is a dairy cow. In one embodiment, the ruminant is a calf. In one embodiment, the calf is a pre-weaned calf. In one embodiment, the ruminant is male. In one embodiment, the ruminant is female.

[0028] In one embodiment, the composition is administered to the animal once a day. In one embodiment, the composition is administered to the animal twice a day. In one embodiment, the composition is administered to the animal three times a day.

[0029] In an exemplary aspect, a method for enhancing the growth performance of an animal is provided. The method includes the step of feeding the animal a composition comprising a Capsicum component, a functional inorganic compound, and a yeast cell wall product, the composition enhancing the growth performance of the animal. Embodiments of the composition previously described are also applicable to the method for enhancing the growth performance of the animals described herein.

[0030] In one embodiment, enhancing the growth performance includes an increase in the average daily gain (ADG) of the animal. Means for calculating the ADG of an animal are well known to those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the increase in the ADG of the animal is evaluated at the time of weaning of the animal. In one embodiment, the increase in the ADG of the animal is evaluated after weaning of the animal.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, a method of increasing the weight of an animal is provided. The method includes the step of feeding the animal a composition comprising a Capsicum ingredient, a functional inorganic compound, and a yeast cell wall product, the composition increasing the weight of the animal. Embodiments of the composition previously described are also applicable to the method of increasing the weight of an animal described herein. In one embodiment, the increase in the weight of the animal is evaluated at the time of weaning of the animal. In one embodiment, the increase in the weight of the animal is evaluated after weaning of the animal. Means for calculating the weight of an animal are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, a method of improving the food intake of an animal is provided. The method includes the step of feeding the animal a composition comprising a Capsicum ingredient, a functional inorganic compound, and a yeast cell wall product, the composition improving the food intake of the animal. Embodiments of the composition previously described are also applicable to the method of improving the food intake of an animal described herein. In one embodiment, the food is a dry food. In one embodiment, the dry food is a starter grain. In one embodiment, the dry food is an animal food formulated to provide texture. In one embodiment, the dry food is a starter animal food for calves. In one embodiment, the dry food is a starter animal food for calves formulated to provide texture. In one embodiment, the food is a liquid food. In one embodiment, the liquid food is milk.

[0033] The following numbered embodiments are contemplated and are not limiting. 1. A composition comprising a Capsicum ingredient, a functional inorganic compound, and a yeast cell wall. 2. The composition of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the functional inorganic compound comprises aluminum phyllosilicate clay. 3. The composition of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the functional inorganic compound consists essentially of aluminum phyllosilicate clay. 4. The composition of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the functional inorganic compound consists of aluminum phyllosilicate clay. 5. The composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the functional inorganic compound contains bentonite. 6. The composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the functional inorganic compound consists essentially of bentonite. 7. The composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the functional inorganic compound consists of bentonite. 8. The composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the Capsicum component is present in the composition in an amount between about 1 mg and about 1000 mg. 9. The composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the Capsicum component is present in the composition in an amount between about 50 mg and about 750 mg. 10. The composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the Capsicum component is present in the composition in an amount between about 100 mg and about 500 mg. 11. The composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the Capsicum component is present in the composition in an amount of about 100 mg. 12. The composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the Capsicum component is present in the composition in an amount of about 200 mg. 13. The composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the Capsicum component is present in the composition in an amount of about 300 mg. 14. The composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the Capsicum component is present in the composition in an amount of about 400 mg. 15. The composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the Capsicum component is present in the composition in an amount of about 500 mg. 16. The composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the Capsicum component is present in the composition in an amount of about 600 mg. 17. A composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein a component of the Capsicum genus is present in the composition at about 700 mg. 18. A composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein a component of the Capsicum genus is present in the composition at about 800 mg. 19. A composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein a component of the Capsicum genus is present in the composition at about 900 mg. 20. A composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein a component of the Capsicum genus is present in the composition at about 1000 mg. 21. A composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein a functional inorganic compound is present in the composition between about 1 g and about 10 g. 22. A composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein a functional inorganic compound is present in the composition between about 1 g and about 5 g. 23. A composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein a functional inorganic compound is present in the composition at about 1 g. 24. A composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein a functional inorganic compound is present in the composition at about 2 g. 25. A composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein a functional inorganic compound is present in the composition at about 3 g. 26. A composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein a functional inorganic compound is present in the composition at about 4 g. 27. A composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein a functional inorganic compound is present in the composition at about 5 g. 28. A composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein a functional inorganic compound is present in the composition at about 6 g. 29. The composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the functional inorganic compound is present in the composition at about 7 g. 30. The composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the functional inorganic compound is present in the composition at about 8 g. 31. The composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the functional inorganic compound is present in the composition at about 9 g. 32. The composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the functional inorganic compound is present in the composition at about 10 g. 33. The composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the yeast cell wall is present in the composition between about 1 g and about 10 g. 34. The composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the yeast cell wall is present in the composition between about 1 g and about 5 g. 35. The composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the yeast cell wall is present in the composition at about 1 g. 36. The composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the yeast cell wall is present in the composition at about 2 g. 37. The composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the yeast cell wall is present in the composition at about 3 g. 38. The composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the yeast cell wall is present in the composition at about 4 g. 39. The composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the yeast cell wall is present in the composition at about 5 g. 40. The composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the yeast cell wall is present in the composition at about 6 g. 41. The composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the yeast cell wall is present in the composition at about 7 g. 42. The composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the yeast cell wall is present in the composition at about 8 g. 43. The composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the yeast cell wall is present in the composition at about 9 g. 44. The composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the yeast cell wall is present in the composition at about 10 g. 45. The composition according to clause 1, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein a component of the Capsicum genus, a functional inorganic compound, and a yeast cell wall are present in a ratio of C:FMC:YCW. 46. The composition according to clause 45, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ratio of C:FMC:YCW is 1 - 1000 mg:1 - 10 g:1 - 10 g, 100 - 1000 mg:1 - 10 g:1 - 10 g, or 100 - 500 mg:1 - 10 g:1 - 10 g. 47. The composition according to clause 45, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ratio of C:FMC:YCW is 100 mg:5 g:2 g. 48. The composition according to clause 45, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ratio of C:FMC:YCW is 300 mg:5 g:2 g. 49. The composition according to clause 45, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ratio of C:FMC:YCW is 500 mg:5 g:2 g. 50. The composition according to clause 45, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ratio of C:FMC:YCW is 100 mg:3 g:2 g. 51. The composition according to clause 45, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ratio of C:FMC:YCW is 300 mg:3 g:2 g. 52. The composition according to clause 45, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ratio of C:FMC:YCW is 500 mg:3 g:2 g. 53. A formulation comprising: i) a composition comprising a component of the Capsicum genus, a functional inorganic compound, and a yeast cell wall; and ii) an animal food. 54. A formulation according to clause 53, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the functional inorganic compound comprises aluminum phyllosilicate clay. 55. A formulation according to clause 53, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the functional inorganic compound consists essentially of aluminum phyllosilicate clay. 56. A formulation according to clause 53, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the functional inorganic compound consists of aluminum phyllosilicate clay. 57. A formulation according to clause 53, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the functional inorganic compound comprises bentonite. 58. A formulation according to clause 53, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the functional inorganic compound consists essentially of bentonite. 59. A formulation according to clause 53, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the functional inorganic compound consists of bentonite. 60. A formulation according to clause 53, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the animal food is a dried animal food. 61. A formulation according to clause 60, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the dried animal food is a starter grain. 62. A formulation according to clause 60, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the dried animal food is an animal food formulated to impart texture. 63. A formulation according to clause 60, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the dried animal food is a starter animal food for calves. 64. A formulation according to clause 60, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the dried animal food is a starter animal food for calves formulated to impart texture. 65. A formulation according to clause 60, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the dried animal food is present in the formulation in an amount between about 0.5 pounds and about 5 pounds. 66. A dry animal food that is present in the formulation in an amount between about 0.5 pounds and about 3 pounds, the formulation described in clause 60, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses. 67. A dry animal food that is present in the formulation in an amount between about 0.5 pounds and about 1 pound, the formulation described in clause 60, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses. 68. A dry animal food that is present in the formulation in an amount between about 1 pound and about 1.5 pounds, the formulation described in clause 60, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses. 69. A dry animal food that is present in the formulation in an amount between about 1.5 pounds and about 2 pounds, the formulation described in clause 60, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses. 70. A dry animal food that is present in the formulation in an amount between about 2 pounds and about 2.5 pounds, the formulation described in clause 60, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses. 71. A dry animal food that is present in the formulation in an amount between about 2.5 pounds and about 3 pounds, the formulation described in clause 60, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses. 72. A dry animal food that is present in the formulation in an amount between about 3 pounds and about 3.5 pounds, the formulation described in clause 60, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses. 73. A dry animal food that is present in the formulation in an amount between about 3.5 pounds and about 4 pounds, the formulation described in clause 60, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses. 74. A dry animal food that is present in the formulation in an amount between about 4 pounds and about 4.5 pounds, the formulation described in clause 60, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses. 75. A dry animal food that is present in the formulation in an amount between about 4.5 pounds and about 5 pounds, the formulation described in clause 60, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses. 76. An animal food that is an animal liquid food, the formulation described in clause 53, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses. 77. The liquid food for animals is milk, the formulation described in clause 76, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses. 78. The liquid food for animals is present in the formulation in an amount between about 1 quart and about 5 quarts, the formulation described in clause 76, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses. 79. The liquid food for animals is present in the formulation in an amount of about 1 quart, the formulation described in clause 76, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses. 80. The liquid food for animals is present in the formulation in an amount of about 1.5 quarts, the formulation described in clause 76, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses. 81. The liquid food for animals is present in the formulation in an amount of about 2 quarts, the formulation described in clause 76, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses. 82. The liquid food for animals is present in the formulation in an amount of about 2.5 quarts, the formulation described in clause 76, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses. 83. The liquid food for animals is present in the formulation in an amount of about 3 quarts, the formulation described in clause 76, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses. 84. The liquid food for animals is present in the formulation in an amount of about 3.5 quarts, the formulation described in clause 76, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses. 85. The liquid food for animals is present in the formulation in an amount of about 4 quarts, the formulation described in clause 76, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses. 86. The liquid food for animals is present in the formulation in an amount of about 4.5 quarts, the formulation described in clause 76, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses. 87. The liquid food for animals is present in the formulation in an amount of about 5 quarts, the formulation described in clause 76, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses. 88. The Capsicum component is present in the composition in an amount between about 1 mg and about 1000 mg, the formulation described in clause 53, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses. 99. A composition according to clause 53, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the Capsicum ingredient is present in the composition in an amount between about 50 mg and about 750 mg. 100. A composition according to clause 53, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the Capsicum ingredient is present in the composition in an amount between about 100 mg and about 500 mg. 101. A composition according to clause 53, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the Capsicum ingredient is present in the composition in an amount of about 100 mg. 102. A composition according to clause 53, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the Capsicum ingredient is present in the composition in an amount of about 200 mg. 103. A composition according to clause 53, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the Capsicum ingredient is present in the composition in an amount of about 300 mg. 104. A composition according to clause 53, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the Capsicum ingredient is present in the composition in an amount of about 400 mg. 105. A composition according to clause 53, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the Capsicum ingredient is present in the composition in an amount of about 500 mg. 106. A composition according to clause 53, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the Capsicum ingredient is present in the composition in an amount of about 600 mg. 107. A composition according to clause 53, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the Capsicum ingredient is present in the composition in an amount of about 700 mg. 108. A composition according to clause 53, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the Capsicum ingredient is present in the composition in an amount of about 800 mg. 109. A composition according to clause 53, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the Capsicum ingredient is present in the composition in an amount of about 900 mg. 110. A composition according to clause 53, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the Capsicum ingredient is present in the composition in an amount of about 1000 mg. 101. A formulation according to clause 53, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the functional inorganic compound is present in the composition in an amount between about 1 g and about 10 g. 102. A formulation according to clause 53, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the functional inorganic compound is present in the composition in an amount between about 1 g and about 5 g. 103. A formulation according to clause 53, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the functional inorganic compound is present in the composition in an amount of about 1 g. 104. A formulation according to clause 53, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the functional inorganic compound is present in the composition in an amount of about 2 g. 105. A formulation according to clause 53, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the functional inorganic compound is present in the composition in an amount of about 3 g. 106. A formulation according to clause 53, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the functional inorganic compound is present in the composition in an amount of about 4 g. 107. A formulation according to clause 53, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the functional inorganic compound is present in the composition in an amount of about 5 g. 108. A formulation according to clause 53, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the functional inorganic compound is present in the composition in an amount of about 6 g. 109. A formulation according to clause 53, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the functional inorganic compound is present in the composition in an amount of about 7 g. 110. A formulation according to clause 53, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the functional inorganic compound is present in the composition in an amount of about 8 g. 111. A formulation according to clause 53, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the functional inorganic compound is present in the composition in an amount of about 9 g. 112. A formulation according to clause 53, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the functional inorganic compound is present in the composition in an amount of about 10 g. 113. A formulation according to clause 53, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the yeast cell wall is present in the composition in an amount between about 1 g and about 10 g. 114. A formulation according to clause 53, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the yeast cell wall is present in the composition in an amount between about 1 g and about 5 g. 115. A formulation according to clause 53, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the yeast cell wall is present in the composition in an amount of about 1 g. 116. A formulation according to clause 53, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the yeast cell wall is present in the composition in an amount of about 2 g. 117. A formulation according to clause 53, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the yeast cell wall is present in the composition in an amount of about 3 g. 118. A formulation according to clause 53, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the yeast cell wall is present in the composition in an amount of about 4 g. 119. A formulation according to clause 53, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the yeast cell wall is present in the composition in an amount of about 5 g. 120. A formulation according to clause 53, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the yeast cell wall is present in the composition in an amount of about 6 g. 121. A formulation according to clause 53, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the yeast cell wall is present in the composition in an amount of about 7 g. 122. A formulation according to clause 53, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the yeast cell wall is present in the composition in an amount of about 8 g. 123. A formulation according to clause 53, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the yeast cell wall is present in the composition in an amount of about 9 g. 124. A formulation according to clause 53, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the yeast cell wall is present in the composition in an amount of about 10 g. 125. A composition according to clause 53, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein a component of the Capsicum genus, a functional inorganic compound, and yeast cell wall are present in a ratio of C:FMC:YCW. 126. A composition according to clause 125, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ratio of C:FMC:YCW is 1 - 1000 mg:1 - 10 g:1 - 10 g, 100 - 1000 mg:1 - 10 g:1 - 10 g, or 100 - 500 mg:1 - 10 g:1 - 10 g. 127. A composition according to clause 125, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ratio of C:FMC:YCW is 100 mg:5 g:2 g. 128. A composition according to clause 125, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ratio of C:FMC:YCW is 300 mg:5 g:2 g. 129. A composition according to clause 125, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ratio of C:FMC:YCW is 500 mg:5 g:2 g. 130. A composition according to clause 125, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ratio of C:FMC:YCW is 100 mg:3 g:2 g. 131. A composition according to clause 125, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ratio of C:FMC:YCW is 300 mg:3 g:2 g. 132. A composition according to clause 125, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ratio of C:FMC:YCW is 500 mg:3 g:2 g. 133. A method for improving the health of the digestive tract of an animal, the method comprising the step of feeding the animal a composition comprising a component of the Capsicum genus, a functional inorganic compound, and yeast cell wall, the composition improving the health of the digestive tract in the animal. 134. A method according to clause 133, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein improving the health of the digestive tract includes reducing the frequency of diarrhea events in the animal. 135. A method as described in clause 133, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein improving the health of the digestive tract includes reducing medical intervention from diarrhea events in animals. 136. A method as described in clause 133, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein improving the health of the digestive tract includes reducing the plasma concentration of TNF-α in animals. 137. A method as described in clause 133, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein improving the health of the digestive tract includes improving the innate immune response in animals. 138. A method as described in clause 133, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the animal is a ruminant. 139. A method as described in clause 138, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is selected from the group consisting of cows, goats, sheep, giraffes, American bison, European bison, yaks, water buffalos, deer, camels, alpacas, llamas, nilgais, antelopes, pronghorns, and nilgais. 140. A method as described in clause 138, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is raised for meat production. 141. A method as described in clause 138, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is raised for dairy production. 142. A method as described in clause 138, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is selected from the group consisting of cows, water buffalos, sheep, and goats. 143. A method as described in clause 138, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is an animal of the Bovidae family. 144. A method as described in clause 138, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is a water buffalo. 145. A method as described in clause 138, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is a sheep. 146. A method as described in clause 138, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is a goat. 147. The method according to clause 138, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is a beef cattle. 148. The method according to clause 138, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is a dairy cow. 149. The method according to clause 138, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is a calf. 150. The method according to clause 149, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the calf is a pre-weaned calf. 151. The method according to clause 138, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is male. 152. The method according to clause 138, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is female. 153. The method according to clause 133, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the composition is the composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 52. 154. The method according to clause 133, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the composition is included in the formulation according to any one of clauses 53 to 132. 155. The method according to clause 133, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the composition is administered to the animal once a day. 156. The method according to clause 133, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the composition is administered to the animal twice a day. 157. The method according to clause 133, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the composition is administered to the animal three times a day. 158. A method for enhancing the growth performance of an animal, the method comprising the step of feeding the animal a composition comprising a component of the Capsicum genus, a functional inorganic compound, and a yeast cell wall product, the composition enhancing the growth performance of the animal. 159. A method according to clause 158, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein enhancing growth performance comprises increasing the average daily gain (ADG) of an animal. 160. A method according to clause 159, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the increase in ADG of an animal is evaluated at the time of weaning of the animal. 161. A method according to clause 159, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the increase in ADG of an animal is evaluated after weaning of the animal. 162. A method according to clause 158, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the animal is a ruminant. 163. A method according to clause 162, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is selected from the group consisting of cows, goats, sheep, giraffes, American bison, European bison, yaks, water buffalos, deer, camels, alpacas, llamas, nilgais, antelopes, pronghorns, and nilgais. 164. A method according to clause 162, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is raised for meat production. 165. A method according to clause 162, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is raised for dairy production. 166. A method according to clause 162, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is selected from the group consisting of cows, buffaloes, sheep, and goats. 167. A method according to clause 162, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is a bovine animal. 168. A method according to clause 162, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is a buffalo. 169. A method according to clause 162, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is a sheep. 170. A method according to clause 162, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is a goat. 171. The method according to clause 162, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, where the ruminant is a beef cattle. 172. The method according to clause 162, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, where the ruminant is a dairy cow. 173. The method according to clause 162, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, where the ruminant is a calf. 174. The method according to clause 173, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, where the calf is a pre-weaned calf. 175. The method according to clause 162, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, where the ruminant is male. 176. The method according to clause 162, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, where the ruminant is female. 177. The method according to clause 158, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, where the composition is the composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 52. 178. The method according to clause 158, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, where the composition is included in the formulation according to any one of clauses 53 to 132. 179. The method according to clause 158, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, where the composition is administered to the animal once a day. 180. The method according to clause 158, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, where the composition is administered to the animal twice a day. 181. The method according to clause 158, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, where the composition is administered to the animal three times a day. 182. A method for increasing the body weight of an animal, the method comprising the step of feeding the animal a composition comprising a Capsicum component, a functional inorganic compound, and a yeast cell wall product, the composition increasing the body weight of the animal. 183. The method according to clause 182, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, where the increase in the body weight of the animal is evaluated at the time of weaning of the animal. 184. The method according to clause 182, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the increase in the weight of the animal is evaluated after the animal is weaned. 185. The method according to clause 182, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the animal is a ruminant. 186. The method according to clause 185, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is selected from the group consisting of cows, goats, sheep, giraffes, American bison, European bison, yaks, water buffalos, deer, camels, alpacas, llamas, nilgais, antelopes, pronghorns, and nilgais. 187. The method according to clause 185, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is raised for meat production. 188. The method according to clause 185, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is raised for dairy production. 189. The method according to clause 185, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is selected from the group consisting of cows, water buffalos, sheep, and goats. 190. The method according to clause 185, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is an animal of the Bovidae family. 191. The method according to clause 185, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is a water buffalo. 192. The method according to clause 185, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is a sheep. 193. The method according to clause 185, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is a goat. 194. The method according to clause 185, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is a beef cattle. 195. The method according to clause 185, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is a dairy cow. 196. The method according to clause 185, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is a calf. 197. The method according to clause 196, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, where the calf is a calf before weaning. 198. The method according to clause 185, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, where the ruminant is male. 199. The method according to clause 185, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, where the ruminant is female. 200. The method according to clause 182, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, where the composition is the composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 52. 201. The method according to clause 182, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, where the composition is included in the formulation according to any one of clauses 53 to 132. 202. The method according to clause 182, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, where the composition is administered to the animal once a day. 203. The method according to clause 182, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, where the composition is administered to the animal twice a day. 204. The method according to clause 182, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, where the composition is administered to the animal three times a day. 205. A method for improving the food intake of an animal, the method comprising the step of feeding the animal a composition comprising a Capsicum ingredient, a functional inorganic compound, and a yeast cell wall product, the composition improving the food intake of the animal. A method for improving the food intake of an animal. 206. The method according to clause 205, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, where the food is a dry food. 207. The method according to clause 206, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, where the dry food is a starter grain. 208. The method according to clause 206, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, where the dry food is an animal food formulated to impart texture. The method according to clause 206, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the dried food is a starter animal food for calves. The method according to clause 206, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the dried food is a starter animal food for calves that has been formulated to impart texture. The method according to clause 205, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the food is a liquid food. The method according to clause 211, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the liquid food is milk. The method according to clause 205, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the animal is a ruminant. The method according to clause 213, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is selected from the group consisting of cattle, goats, sheep, giraffes, American bison, European bison, yaks, water buffalo, deer, camels, alpacas, llamas, nilgai, antelopes, pronghorns, and nilgais. The method according to clause 213, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is raised for meat production. The method according to clause 213, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is raised for dairy production. The method according to clause 213, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is selected from the group consisting of cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goats. The method according to clause 213, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is a bovine animal. The method according to clause 213, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is a buffalo. The method according to clause 213, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is a sheep. The method according to clause 213, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is a goat. The method according to clause 213, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is a beef cattle. The method according to clause 213, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is a dairy cow. The method according to clause 213, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is a calf. The method according to clause 224, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the calf is a pre-weaned calf. The method according to clause 213, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is male. The method according to clause 213, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the ruminant is female. The method according to clause 205, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the composition is the composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 52. The method according to clause 205, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the composition is included in the formulation according to any one of clauses 53 to 132. The method according to clause 205, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the composition is administered to the animal once a day. The method according to clause 205, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the composition is administered to the animal twice a day. The method according to clause 205, any other appropriate clause, or any combination of appropriate clauses, wherein the composition is administered to the animal three times a day. The method according to any one of clauses 133 to 232, wherein the amount of the Capsicum ingredient administered is between about 1 mg / day / animal and about 1000 mg / day / animal, between about 50 mg / day / animal and about 750 mg / day / animal, or between about 100 mg / day / animal and about 500 mg / day / animal. The method according to any one of clauses 133 to 233, wherein the amount of the functional inorganic compound to be administered is between about 1 g / day / animal and about 10 g / day / animal, or between about 1 g / day / animal and about 5 g / day / animal. The method according to any one of clauses 133 to 233, wherein the amount of the yeast cell wall to be administered is between about 1 g / day / animal and about 10 g / day / animal, or between about 1 g / day / animal and about 5 g / day / animal.

Examples

[0034] (Example 1) Effectiveness of the C+FMC+YCW composition against the comparative C+FMC formulation A total of 150 female calves were used in this example. The calves were weighed upon arrival at the calf facility and housed in three rows of individual calf pens. Each row of calf pens was randomly assigned to one of three feed treatment groups in a completely randomized design, with 50 calves per treatment group (Table 1).

[0035]

Table 1

[0036] This example was evaluated over 54 days. The calves arrived at the facility at 1 - 2 days of age and were weaned from milk feeding at 54 days of age. The composition for each treatment group was combined with milk and fed to the calves according to the schedule in Table 2. In addition to milk, the calves were freely given a calf starter with 19% crude protein to provide texture and water throughout the test period.

[0037]

Table 2

[0038] Calves were weighed upon arrival and at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age. Using these data, average daily gain (ADG) was calculated. Two independent scorers recorded fecal scores weekly from week 1 to 4. For fecal scores, 0 = normal consistency and 3 = watery feces.

[0039] Plasma samples were collected from 24 randomly selected calves at arrival and at weaning (day 54) as the control group and the C+FMC+YCW treatment group. Plasma samples were stored at -20 °C until analysis. Calves consumed 100% of the milk offered. The intake of calf starter with added texture was measured weekly. Using these data, average daily feed intake (ADFI) was calculated. The incidence of diarrhea requiring medical treatment was recorded daily by the staff caring for the calves.

[0040] Initial body weight (BW) evaluations were similar in all three treatment groups (see Figure 2). However, when animals were fed a composition containing C+FMC+YCW, ADG increased by 0.1 pound per day in calves from arrival to weaning (Figure 1). For calves fed the comparative composition of C+FMC, ADG was the same as the control during this period. For calves fed C+FMC+YCW, due to the increase in ADG from arrival to weaning, the BW at weaning was 5 pounds more than that of calves fed the control or C+FMC (P<0.05; Figure 2).

[0041] The fecal score and the percentage of calves receiving diarrhea treatment were lower for calves fed the composition containing C+FMC+YWC compared to calves fed the control and comparative compositions of C+FMC. Fecal score and diarrhea treatment are indicators of gastrointestinal health (Table 3).

[0042]

Table 3

[0043] TNF-α is an inflammatory cytokine activated by the innate immune system in response to pathogens. When animals were fed a composition containing C + FMC + YWC, lower plasma concentrations of TNF-α were observed compared to the control (Table 4). The lower blood concentration of TNF-α means that the composition containing C + FMC + YWC has a beneficial effect on the innate immune system.

[0044] The distribution of TNF-α was also narrower in calves with diarrhea events that were fed the composition containing C + FMC + YWC compared to calves with diarrhea events that were fed the control treatment (Figure 3). This serves as additional evidence that feeding animals the composition containing C + FMC + YWC improves the innate immune response. In another test, when the component of the Capsicum genus alone was fed to calves at 100 mg / calf / day, it had no effect on the plasma concentration of TNF-α (Table 4).

[0045]

Table 4

[0046] Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), and glucose are metabolites that indicate the utilization and intake of feed energy in the form of fat and carbohydrates. The blood concentrations of NEFA and glucose were higher when fed the composition containing C + FMC + YCW compared to the control (P < 0.05) (Table 5). Furthermore, the plasma concentration of BHBA was 9.68% lower when fed the composition containing C + FMC + YCW compared to the control (Table 5). In another test, when the functional inorganic compound (FMC) and the component of the Capsicum genus (C) were fed to calves separately, it had no effect on the blood concentration of NEFA (Table 6).

[0047] Furthermore, both glucose and BHBA were lower compared to the control by separately feeding the functional inorganic compound (FMC) and the Capsicum component (C) (Table 6). Feed intake was also 8.8% higher for calves fed the composition containing C+FMC+YCW compared to calves fed the control and calves fed the comparative composition of C+FMC (Figure 4).

[0048] In summary, these data indicate an improvement in the energy balance during the weaning process of calves fed the composition containing C+FMC+YCW from birth to weaning (Table 5).

[0049]

Table 5

[0050]

Table 6

[0051] (Example 2) Effectiveness of the C+FMC+YCW composition against the comparative YCW+FMC formulation A total of 250 female calves were used in this example. The calves were weighed upon arrival at the calf facility and housed in five rows of individual calf pens. Each row of calf pens was randomly assigned to one of five feed treatment groups using a randomization method, resulting in 50 calves per treatment (Table 7).

[0052]

Table 7

[0053] The calves in the feed treatment groups as shown in Table 7 (Table 7) were fed through milk for 54 days. The calves arrived at the calf facility at 1 - 2 days old and were weaned from milk feeding at 54 days old. The compositions of each treatment group were combined with the milk fed to the calves according to the schedule in Table 8 (Table 8). In addition to milk, the calves were freely given calf starter with 19% crude protein added to give texture and water throughout the test period.

[0054]

Table 8

[0055] The calves were weighed at arrival and at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 8 weeks, 9 weeks, and 12 weeks after birth. The calves consumed 100% of the milk given. The ADG was calculated using the data collected. The incidence of diarrhea requiring medical treatment was recorded daily by the staff caring for the calves.

[0056] The average daily gain (ADG) was also greater for calves fed the composition containing C + FMC + YWC compared to calves fed the control and FMC + YCW compositions for the intervals between weight measurements at 42 days and 56 days of age and for the interval between weight measurements at 68 days and 81 days of age (Figure 5). Due to this increase in ADG both before and after weaning, the body weight (BW) increased for calves fed the composition containing C + FMC + YWC compared to calves fed the control and FMC + YCW compositions (Table 9 (Table 9) and Figure 6; P < 0.05).

[0057] Weaning is a stressful event for calves as they transition from a milk - based diet to a solid - feed diet. Transfer to the post - weaning group pens is an additional stressful event for calves. These two stressful events often occur together and frequently result in reduced or stalled growth. However, this example demonstrates that feeding the composition containing C + FMC + YCW promoted the growth of calves during these stressful periods.

[0058]

Table 9

[0059] (Example 3) The effectiveness of the C+FMC+YCW composition combined with animal food improves growth performance and the health of calves. A total of 300 female calves were used in this example. The calves were weighed upon arrival at the calf facility and housed in six individual calf pens of 50 calves each. Every two of the calf pens were randomly assigned to one of three feed treatment groups, resulting in 100 calves per treatment (Table 10).

[0060]

Table 10

[0061] The calves in the feed treatment groups were fed for 84 days starting from arrival, either via milk or supplemented to the calf starter with texture added by blending. The calves arrived at the calf facility at 1 - 2 days old and were weaned from milk feeding at 52 days old. A common milk feeding schedule was implemented for all calves (Table 11), and throughout the test period, all calves were freely given a calf starter with 19% crude protein added for texture and water.

[0062]

Table 11

[0063] For calves fed the composition containing C+FCM+YCW via milk, the composition was combined with milk at the time of delivery. For calves fed the composition containing C+FCM+YCW via dry feed, after placing the feed in a bucket, the composition was placed on top of a calf starter formulated and textured for calves receiving dry feed treatment. After weaning, all calves fed the composition containing C+FCM+YCW were continuously fed the composition via dry feed both when moved into individual calf pens and in a group housing environment (Table 12). The incidence of diarrhea requiring medical treatment was recorded daily by the staff caring for the calves.

[0064]

Table 12

[0065] Calves were weighed upon arrival and at 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks of age. Two independent scorers recorded the fecal score weekly from weeks 1 to 4. For fecal score, 0 = normal consistency and 3 = watery feces. Calves consumed 100% of the milk provided. The intake of the calf starter formulated and textured was measured weekly. ADG and ADFI were calculated using the data collected (Table 13). The incidence of diarrhea was recorded daily by the staff caring for the calves.

[0066]

Table 13

[0067] Calves fed a composition containing C+FMC+YCW both via milk and via dry feed had greater ADG at 4 - 12 weeks compared to calves fed the control (Figure 7). Due to the improvement in ADG, the body weight of the calves was greater at weaning and post - weaning (Figure 8). Dry feed intake was also improved for calves fed a composition containing C+FMC+YCW both via milk and via dry feed compared to calves fed the control (Figure 9). Upon weaning, the health and growth of calves are thought to depend on dry feed consumption. Calves with increased dry feed consumption prior to weaning are better able to cope with the transition to weaning.

[0068] The overall incidence of diarrhea was lower for calves fed a composition containing C+FMC+YCW both via milk and via dry feed compared to calves fed the control (Figure 10). Scouring or diarrhea is a response to stress and / or exposure to gastrointestinal pathogens. Thus, feeding a composition containing C+FMC+YCW to calves at a young age either via milk or via dry feed appears to improve intestinal health in calves by reducing the incidence of loose and watery stools that may require medical intervention and treatment.

Claims

1. A composition comprising a component of the Capsicum genus, a functional inorganic compound, and yeast cell wall.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the functional inorganic compound comprises aluminum phyllosilicate clay.

3. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the functional inorganic compound comprises bentonite.

4. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the component of the Capsicum genus is present in the composition in an amount between about 1 mg and about 1000 mg.

5. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the component of the Capsicum genus is present in the composition in an amount between about 100 mg and about 500 mg.

6. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the functional inorganic compound is present in the composition in an amount between about 1 g and about 10 g.

7. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the functional inorganic compound is present in the composition in an amount between about 1 g and about 5 g.

8. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the yeast cell wall is present in the composition in an amount between about 1 g and about 10 g.

9. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the yeast cell wall is present in the composition in an amount between about 1 g and about 5 g.

10. The component of the Capsicum genus, the functional inorganic compound, and the yeast cell wall are present in a ratio of C:FMC:YCW, and the ratio of C:FMC:YCW is 1 - 1000 mg:1 - 10 g:1 - 10 g, 100 - 1000 mg:1 - 10 g:1 - 10 g, or 100 - 500 mg:1 - 10 g:1 - 10 g. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A formulation comprising i) a composition comprising a component of the Capsicum genus, a functional inorganic compound, and yeast cell wall, and ii) an animal food.

12. The formulation according to claim 11, wherein the functional inorganic compound comprises aluminum phyllosilicate clay.

13. The formulation according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the functional inorganic compound comprises bentonite.

14. The formulation according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the animal food is a dried animal food.

15. The formulation according to claim 14, wherein the dried animal food is a starter grain.

16. The formulation according to claim 14, wherein the dried animal food is an animal food formulated to impart texture.

17. The formulation according to claim 14, wherein the dried animal food is a starter animal food for calves.

18. The formulation according to claim 14, wherein the dried animal food is a starter animal food for calves that imparts texture upon blending.

19. The formulation according to claim 11, wherein the animal food is a liquid animal food.

20. The formulation according to claim 19, wherein the liquid animal food is milk.

21. The formulation according to claim 19, wherein the liquid animal food is present in the formulation in an amount between about 1 quart and about 5 quarts.

22. The formulation according to any one of claims 11 to 21, wherein the Capsicum component is present in the composition in an amount between about 1 mg and about 1000 mg.

23. The formulation according to any one of claims 11 to 22, wherein the Capsicum component is present in the composition in an amount between about 100 mg and about 500 mg.

24. The formulation according to any one of claims 11 to 23, wherein the functional inorganic compound is present in the composition in an amount between about 1 g and about 10 g.

25. The formulation according to any one of claims 11 to 24, wherein the yeast cell wall is present in the composition in an amount between about 1 g and about 10 g.

26. The formulation according to any one of claims 11 to 25, wherein the Capsicum component, the functional inorganic compound, and the yeast cell wall are present in a ratio of C:FMC:YCW, and the ratio of C:FMC:YCW is 1 to 1000 mg:1 to 10 g:1 to 10 g.

27. A method for improving the health of an animal's digestive tract, the method comprising the step of feeding the animal a composition comprising a Capsicum component, a functional inorganic compound, and a yeast cell wall product, the composition improving the health of the digestive tract in the animal.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein improving the health of the digestive tract includes a decrease in the frequency of diarrhea events in the animal.

29. The method according to claim 27 or 28, wherein improving the health of the digestive tract includes a reduction in medical intervention from diarrhea events in the animal.

30. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein improving the health of the digestive tract includes a decrease in the plasma concentration of TNF-α in the animal.

31. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein improving the health of the digestive tract includes improving the innate immune response in the animal.

32. A method for enhancing the growth performance of an animal, the method comprising the step of feeding the animal a composition comprising a component of the Capsicum genus, a functional inorganic compound, and a yeast cell wall product, the composition enhancing the growth performance of the animal.

33. The method according to claim 32, wherein enhancing the growth performance includes an increase in the average daily gain (ADG) of the animal.

34. The method according to claim 32 or 33, wherein the increase in the ADG of the animal is evaluated at the time of weaning of the animal.

35. The method according to any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein the increase in the ADG of the animal is evaluated after weaning of the animal.

36. A method for increasing the body weight of an animal, the method comprising the step of feeding the animal a composition comprising a component of the Capsicum genus, a functional inorganic compound, and a yeast cell wall product, the composition increasing the body weight of the animal.

37. The method according to claim 36, wherein the increase in the body weight of the animal is evaluated at the time of weaning of the animal.

38. The method according to claim 36 or 37, wherein the increase in the body weight of the animal is evaluated after weaning of the animal.

39. A method for improving the food intake of an animal, the method comprising the step of feeding the animal a composition comprising a component of the Capsicum genus, a functional inorganic compound, and a yeast cell wall product, the composition improving the food intake of the animal.

40. The method according to claim 39, wherein the food is a dry food.

41. The method according to claim 39, wherein the food is a liquid food.

42. The method according to claim 41, wherein the liquid food is milk.

43. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 42, wherein the animal is a ruminant.

44. The method according to claim 43, wherein the ruminant is raised for meat production.

45. The method according to claim 43, wherein the ruminant is raised for dairy production.

46. The method according to claim 43, wherein the ruminant is a beef cattle.

47. The method according to claim 43, wherein the ruminant is a dairy cow.

48. The method according to claim 43, wherein the ruminant is a calf. Claim 49 The method according to claim 48, wherein the calf is a calf before weaning. Claim 50 The method according to any one of claims 27 to 49, wherein the amount of the Capsicum component to be administered is between about 1 mg / day / animal and about 1000 mg / day / animal, between about 50 mg / day / animal and about 750 mg / day / animal, or between about 100 mg / day / animal and about 500 mg / day / animal. Claim 51 The method according to any one of claims 27 to 50, wherein the amount of the functional inorganic compound to be administered is between about 1 g / day / animal and about 10 g / day / animal, or between about 1 g / day / animal and about 5 g / day / animal. Claim 52 The method according to any one of claims 27 to 51, wherein the amount of the yeast cell wall to be administered is between about 1 g / day / animal and about 10 g / day / animal, or between about 1 g / day / animal and about 5 g / day / animal. Claim 53 The method according to any one of claims 27 to 51, wherein the composition is the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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