Method for manufacturing feed composition

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for producing a feed composition that can increase the digestibility of protein in fish, shellfish, and other organisms that have ingested a feed containing protein. [Solution] A method for producing a feed composition, comprising the following steps (I) and (II), wherein steps (I) and (II) are carried out in that order. Step (I): A compound having an oxidation-reduction potential of 0.1V to 0.6V (component (A)), a nonionic surfactant (component (B)), and an oil or fat (component (C)) are mixed to obtain an impregnation feed mixture. Step (II): The feed mold containing protein (component (D)) is impregnated with the impregnation feed mixture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing a feed composition, a feed composition, and a feed mixture for impregnation.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years' aquaculture sites, while it has become mainstream to feed formulated feeds for fish and shellfish such as pellets, in order to increase the aquaculture volume and improve the quality of fish and shellfish, the development of more excellent aquaculture feeds has been underway.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a production process for feeds for aquatic species containing specific binders and conventional additives, which includes extrusion molding and pelletizing for the formation of porous pellets capable of adsorbing lipids under vacuum. The process involves mixing a protein material with a binder and optionally minerals, then extrusion molding, pelletizing, granulating to form porous pellets and produce a storage-stable intermediate product, and further treating the intermediate product by adsorbing an emulsion containing water and lipids into the pores in a vacuum tank to obtain pellets with high contents of both water and lipids, including mixing vitamins, enzymes, and pigments with the emulsion etc. before introducing it into the vacuum tank and then releasing the vacuum in the vacuum tank.

[0004] Also, Patent Document 2 discloses a pellet feed for fish farming in which an enzyme is coated on an extruder pellet feed containing fish meal, wheat flour, and starch.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

[0006] One of the characteristics required of fish and shellfish feed is the efficient increase in the weight of individual fish and shellfish. Therefore, it is desirable to promote the digestion of protein within the fish and shellfish, for example. On the other hand, from the perspective of feed sustainability and cost reduction, development is underway to use plant-based proteins, which have a low environmental impact and are readily available in a stable and inexpensive manner, in combination with animal-based proteins that have been used in feed for a long time.

[0007] For example, plant-based proteins such as soybean meal are useful as a substitute for fish meal proteins, but they have the problem of poor digestibility, resulting in inferior fish growth. Therefore, the present invention provides a method for producing a feed composition, a feed composition, and an impregnation feed mixture that can increase the digestibility of protein in fish and shellfish that ingest a feed containing protein, particularly plant-based protein. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This invention relates to a method for producing a feed composition, comprising the following steps (I) and (II), with steps (I) and (II) being carried out in that order. Step (I): A compound having an oxidation-reduction potential of 0.1V to 0.6V (component (A)), a nonionic surfactant (component (B)), and an oil or fat (component (C)) are mixed to obtain an impregnation feed mixture. Step (II): The feed mold containing protein (component (D)) is impregnated with the impregnation feed mixture.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a feed composition in which a feed molded body containing protein (component (D)) is impregnated with an impregnation feed mixture containing a compound (component (A)) having an oxidation-reduction potential of 0.1V to 0.6V, a nonionic surfactant (component (B)), and an oil or fat (component (C)).

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an impregnation feed mixture containing a compound (component (A)) having an oxidation-reduction potential of 0.1V or more and 0.6V or less, a nonionic surfactant (component (B)), and an oil or fat (component (C)). [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The present invention provides a method for producing a feed composition, a feed composition, and an impregnation feed mixture that can increase the digestibility of protein in fish and shellfish that have ingested feed containing protein, particularly plant protein. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] In the feed composition produced by the method for producing the feed composition of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the feed composition of the present invention), the mechanism by which the digestibility of protein is increased is not clear, but it is presumed to be as follows. Proteins, especially plant proteins, are presumed to be robust and difficult for digestive enzymes to digest. The feed composition of the present invention is presumed to cleave the disulfide (SS) bonds present in the protein with a compound (component (A)) having an oxidation-reduction potential of 0.1V to 0.6V, and to promote the cleavage of these SS bonds when used in combination with a nonionic surfactant (component (B)), thereby changing the structure of the protein and making it more susceptible to the action of digestive enzymes. As a result, the activity of digestive enzymes is improved, and the digestibility of the protein is improved. Furthermore, the method for producing the feed composition, the feed composition, and the feed mixture for impregnation according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described mechanism of action.

[0013] The method for producing the feed composition of the present invention makes it possible to produce a feed composition that can increase the digestibility of protein. In particular, the method for producing the feed composition of the present invention makes it possible to produce a feed composition that can increase the digestibility of protein in fish, shellfish, and the like that have ingested a feed containing protein, especially plant protein.

[0014] The present invention provides a method for producing a feed composition, comprising the following steps (I) and (II), and performed in the order of step (I) followed by step (II). Step (I): A compound having an oxidation-reduction potential of 0.1V to 0.6V (hereinafter referred to as component (A)), a nonionic surfactant (hereinafter referred to as component (B)), and oils and fats (hereinafter referred to as component (C)) are mixed to obtain an impregnation feed mixture. Step (II): The feed mold containing protein (hereinafter referred to as component (D)) is impregnated with the impregnation feed mixture.

[0015] The inventors have found that a compound having a predetermined reducing power, which is component (A), is suitable in order to exhibit an efficient digestibility-improving effect. If the redox potential of component (A) is, for example, less than 0.1V, the reducing power is too strong, and it is presumed that not only the target protein (e.g., plant protein) but also the disulfide bonds of the digestive enzyme itself will be cleaved and structurally altered, leading to a decrease in the activity of the digestive enzyme itself, and thus protein digestibility will not be improved. On the other hand, if the redox potential of component (A) is, for example, greater than 0.6V, the reducing power is too weak, and it is presumed that disulfide bond cleavage and structural changes of the protein will not occur in the first place, and thus no digestibility-improving effect will be exhibited.

[0016] First, the feed composition and the impregnation feed mixture of the present invention will be described in detail, and then the method for producing the feed composition of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0017] [Feed composition] The feed composition of the present invention contains a compound (component (A)) having an oxidation-reduction potential of 0.1V to 0.6V, a nonionic surfactant (component (B)), oils and fats (component (C)), and proteins (component (D)). The feed composition of the present invention may be a feed composition in which a feed molded body containing protein (component (D)) is impregnated with an impregnation feed mixture containing a compound (component (A)) having an oxidation-reduction potential of 0.1V to 0.6V, a nonionic surfactant (component (B)), and oil and fat (component (C)).

[0018] <Component (A)> (Component (A)) is a compound having a redox potential of 0.1 V or higher and 0.6 V or lower. Component (A) may be a reducing agent having a redox potential of 0.1 V or higher and 0.6 V or lower. One or more kinds of Component (A) can be used. From the viewpoint of improving digestibility, the redox potential of Component (A) is 0.1 V or higher, preferably 0.2 V or higher, more preferably 0.3 V or higher, and from the same viewpoint, it is 0.6 V or lower, preferably 0.5 V or lower, more preferably 0.4 V or lower. If the redox potential of Component (A) is 0.1 V or higher and 0.6 V or lower, it can act efficiently on the S-S bond of the protein to be digested (for example, vegetable protein) while maintaining the protein structure and enzyme activity of the digestive enzyme, and can cleave the S-S bond. Therefore, it is presumed that the protein digestibility can be improved.

[0019] The redox potential indicates a value based on the standard electrode potential of hydrogen of 0 V, and can be calculated by, for example, a measurement method using cyclic voltammetry or a redox potential (ORP) measuring instrument. In addition, the digestibility in the present invention indicates the ease of digestion of protein in the body of fishery products when the feed composition of the present invention is used as a feed for fishery products [hereinafter referred to as digestibility].

[0020] (Component (A)) is preferably one or more selected from ethoxyquin and ethoxyquin derivatives from the viewpoint of improving digestibility. Here, examples of the ethoxyquin derivative include an imine form, dimer, phosphate, hydrochloride, ascorbate, salicylate, trolox salt, quercetin salt, rutin salt, and hexanoate of ethoxyquin. From the viewpoint of improving digestibility, one or more selected from the imine form and hexanoate are preferable, and the imine form is more preferable. (Component (A)) is more preferably ethoxyquin from the viewpoint of improving digestibility.

[0021] <Component (B)> (B) Component is a nonionic surfactant. Component (B) can be used in one or more forms. Component (B) is preferably a nonionic surfactant with an average HLB of 3 or more and 18 or less. From the viewpoint of improving digestibility, the average HLB is more preferably 6 or more, even more preferably 8 or more, even more preferably 9.5 or more, and from the same viewpoint, it is more preferably 16 or less, even more preferably 14 or less, and even more preferably 12 or less. The average HLB of component (B) is calculated using Griffin's formula below if there is only one component (B). If there is a mixture of two or more components (B), the product of the content ratio (mass) of each nonionic surfactant and the HLB of each nonionic surfactant is calculated, and the sum of these products is divided by the total content (mass) of each nonionic surfactant (weighted average). However, if the HLB cannot be calculated using Griffin's formula, the HLB of component (B) is estimated from nonionic surfactants with a similar hydrophilic-lipophilic balance, and the average HLB is calculated. If component (B) is a nonionic surfactant with an average HLB of 3 to 18, not only can the affinity between component (A) and the surface of the protein to be digested (e.g., plant protein) be improved, but the affinity between the digestive enzyme and the surface of the protein to be digested can also be improved, thus enabling a high protein digestibility-enhancing effect.

[0022] The HLB of component (B) can be calculated using Griffin's formula shown below. HLB = 20 × (Sum of formula weights of the hydrophilic portion of the nonionic surfactant) / (Molecular weight of the nonionic surfactant)

[0023] Component (B) is preferably a nonionic surfactant that is liquid at 25°C. In the present invention, a nonionic surfactant that is liquid at 25°C with an average HLB of 3 to 18 is preferred, a nonionic surfactant that is liquid at 25°C with an average HLB of 6 to 16 is more preferred, a nonionic surfactant that is liquid at 25°C with an average HLB of 8 to 14 is even more preferred, and a nonionic surfactant that is liquid at 25°C with an average HLB of 9.5 to 12 is even more preferred. If component (B) is a nonionic surfactant that is liquid at 25°C, it also functions as a solvent for component (A), and promotes the penetration of component (A) into the protein, thereby efficiently cleaving the SS bonds inside the protein and providing an excellent effect in improving protein digestibility.

[0024] (B) Component may be one or more selected from, for example, sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, glycerin fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene glycerin fatty acid esters, and polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil.

[0025] From the viewpoint of improving digestibility, the alkyl group of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether preferably has 8 or more carbon atoms, more preferably 10 or more, preferably 20 or fewer carbon atoms, and more preferably 18 or fewer carbon atoms. The alkyl group of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether may be linear or branched, but from the viewpoint of improving digestibility, a linear alkyl group is preferred. From the viewpoint of improving digestibility, the average number of moles of ethylene oxide added to the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is preferably 2 or more, more preferably 5 or more, preferably 50 or fewer, more preferably 45 or fewer, and even more preferably 40 or fewer.

[0026] The fatty acids constituting sorbitan fatty acid esters and polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters preferably have 8 or more carbon atoms, more preferably 10 or more, and preferably 20 or fewer carbon atoms, and more preferably 18 or fewer, from the viewpoint of improving digestibility. The fatty acids constituting sorbitan fatty acid esters and polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters may be either linear or branched chains, and linear fatty acids are preferred. Furthermore, the fatty acids may be either saturated or unsaturated fatty acids, and mixed fatty acids can be used. Examples of sorbitan fatty acid esters and polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters include monoesters, diesters, and triesters, and from the viewpoint of improving digestibility, monoesters are preferred.

[0027] From the viewpoint of improving digestibility, the average number of moles of ethylene oxide added to polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester is preferably 2 or more, more preferably 5 or more, preferably 40 or less, more preferably 25 or less, and even more preferably 10 or less. In the present invention, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid (mono) esters are preferred, which are composed of straight-chain fatty acids having 10 or more carbon atoms and 18 or fewer carbon atoms, and which have an average number of ethylene oxide addition moles of 5 or more and 25 or less.

[0028] From the viewpoint of improving digestibility, the fatty acids constituting the polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester preferably have 6 or more carbon atoms, more preferably 8 or more, and preferably 20 or fewer carbon atoms, and more preferably 18 or fewer. The fatty acids constituting the polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester may be either linear or branched chain, with linear fatty acids being preferred. Furthermore, the fatty acids may be either saturated or unsaturated fatty acids, and mixed fatty acids can be used. From the viewpoint of improving digestibility, the average number of moles of ethylene oxide added to the polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester is preferably 2 or more, more preferably 10 or more, and preferably 50 or fewer, and more preferably 40 or fewer.

[0029] From the viewpoint of improving digestibility, the fatty acids constituting the sucrose fatty acid ester preferably have 8 or more carbon atoms, more preferably 10 or more, and preferably 20 or fewer carbon atoms, and more preferably 18 or fewer. The fatty acids constituting the sucrose fatty acid ester may be either linear or branched chains, with linear fatty acids being preferred. Furthermore, the fatty acids may be either saturated or unsaturated fatty acids, and mixed fatty acids can be used.

[0030] From the viewpoint of improving digestibility, the fatty acids constituting glycerin fatty acid esters and polyoxyethylene glycerin fatty acid esters preferably have 6 or more carbon atoms, more preferably 8 or more, and preferably 20 or fewer carbon atoms, and more preferably 18 or fewer. From the viewpoint of improving digestibility, the fatty acids constituting glycerin fatty acid esters and polyoxyethylene glycerin fatty acid esters may be either linear or branched chains, with linear fatty acids being preferred. Furthermore, the fatty acids may be either saturated or unsaturated fatty acids, and mixed fatty acids can be used. Examples of glycerin fatty acid esters and polyoxyethylene glycerin fatty acid esters include monoesters, diesters, and triesters, with monoesters being preferred.

[0031] From the viewpoint of improving digestibility, the average number of moles of ethylene oxide added to polyoxyethylene glycerol fatty acid ester is preferably 2 or more, more preferably 10 or more, preferably 50 or less, and more preferably 40 or less.

[0032] From the viewpoint of improving digestibility, the average number of moles of ethylene oxide added to polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil is preferably 2 or more, more preferably 10 or more, even more preferably 20 or more, preferably 50 or less, and more preferably 45 or less.

[0033] Component (B) is preferably one or more nonionic surfactants selected from sorbitan fatty acid esters and polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, from the viewpoint of improving digestibility. Furthermore, component (B) is preferably one or more selected from sorbitan fatty acid esters and polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, having an average HLB of 3 to 18, from the viewpoint of improving digestibility, and more preferably one or more selected from sorbitan fatty acid esters and polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, which are liquid at 25°C and have an average HLB of 3 to 18.

[0034] <(C) component> (C) Component is an oil or fat. (C) Component can be one or more types. (C) Component is preferably one or more selected from animal oils and vegetable oils, with animal oil being more preferred, from the viewpoint of improving feedability and growth rate. Animal fats include, for example, one or more selected from fish oil, beef tallow, pork tallow, and chicken tallow. Vegetable fats include, for example, one or more selected from soybean oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, coconut oil, palm oil, rapeseed oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, and olive oil. (C) Component is preferably one or more selected from fish oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, and palm oil from the viewpoint of improving feedability and growth, and fish oil is more preferred from the viewpoint of feedability.

[0035] <(D) component> Component (D) is a protein. Component (D) may be one or more selected from animal protein and plant protein, and it is preferable to include plant protein from the viewpoint of feed sustainability, cost reduction, and to better realize the effects of the present invention. Animal protein is protein derived from animals, and examples include protein derived from fish meal, chicken meal, insects, skim milk powder, krill meal, feather meal, meat meal, and squid meal. Plant-based proteins are proteins derived from plants, such as soybeans, barley, wheat, corn, maize, rapeseed, and rice. From the viewpoint of economic efficiency and amino acid composition, proteins derived from soybeans, corn, and rice are preferred, and soybean-derived proteins (soy protein) are more preferred. Specific examples of products containing these plant-derived proteins (plant-based proteins) include soybean meal, corn gluten meal, corn, milo, barley, wheat, cassava, bran, defatted rice bran, rapeseed oil cake, and feed rice. While not particularly limited, from the viewpoint of economic efficiency and amino acid composition, soybean meal, corn gluten meal, and defatted rice bran are preferred, and soybean meal is more preferred.

[0036] (D) Of the components, the plant protein content is preferably 5% by mass or more, more preferably 10% by mass or more, and even more preferably 20% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of economic efficiency, and from the viewpoint of improving growth, it is preferably 100% by mass or less, and more preferably 90% by mass or less. (D) Of the components, the animal protein content is preferably 5% by mass or more, more preferably 10% by mass or more, and even more preferably 20% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of improving growth potential, and from the viewpoint of economic efficiency, it is preferably 100% by mass or less, and more preferably 90% by mass or less.

[0037] (D) When component contains plant protein and animal protein, the mass ratio of plant protein content to animal protein content in the feed composition, plant protein / animal protein, is preferably 0.1 or more, more preferably 0.2 or more, and even more preferably 0.3 or more from the viewpoint of economic efficiency, and preferably 10 or less, and more preferably 1 or less from the viewpoint of improving growth.

[0038] Component (D) is a plant-based protein, for example, soy protein. Approximately 70% of soy protein consists of glycinin and β-conglycinin, which are fractions of soy protein. Glycinin is a hexamer formed by the linkage of an acidic subunit and a basic subunit via a disulfide (SS) bond, while β-conglycinin is a trimer consisting of three subunits: α, α', and β. Among these, hexamer glycinin has a large molecular weight of 300,000 to 360,000, and is considered to be a rate-limiting component in protein digestion (protein digestion rate-limiting component) in the bodies of fish and shellfish, for example. The inventors have found that by applying components (A) and (B) to a protein digestion rate-limiting component, such as hexamer glycinin if component (D) is soy protein, the decomposition rate of the protein digestion rate-limiting component is improved.

[0039] <Composition, etc.> In the feed composition of the present invention, the content of component (A) is preferably 0.001 parts by mass or more, more preferably 0.002 parts by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.005 parts by mass or more, per 100 parts by mass of component (D), from the viewpoint of improving digestibility, and from the viewpoint of promoting (unburdenless) digestion, cost, and productivity, preferably 0.9 parts by mass or less, more preferably 0.1 parts by mass or less, even more preferably 0.08 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.05 parts by mass or less. Furthermore, in the feed composition of the present invention, the content of component (A) is preferably 0.01 parts by mass or more, more preferably 0.02 parts by mass or more, relative to 100 parts by mass of plant protein contained in component (D), from the viewpoint of improving digestibility, and preferably 1 part by mass or less, more preferably 0.1 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.08 parts by mass or less, from the viewpoint of promoting (effortless) digestion, cost, and productivity.

[0040] In the feed composition of the present invention, the content of component (B) is preferably 0.1 parts by mass or more, more preferably 0.3 parts by mass or more, even more preferably 0.5 parts by mass or more, and even more preferably 1 part by mass or more, per 100 parts by mass of component (D), from the viewpoint of improving digestibility, and from the viewpoint of cost and productivity, preferably 90 parts by mass or less, more preferably 50 parts by mass or less, even more preferably 30 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 15 parts by mass or less. Furthermore, in the feed composition of the present invention, the content of component (B) is preferably 1 part by mass or more, more preferably 3 parts by mass or more, even more preferably 5 parts by mass or more, and even more preferably 10 parts by mass or more, relative to 100 parts by mass of plant protein contained in component (D), from the viewpoint of improving digestibility, and from the viewpoint of cost and productivity, it is preferably 100 parts by mass or less, more preferably 50 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 30 parts by mass or less.

[0041] In the feed composition of the present invention, the mass ratio of the content of component (A) to the content of component (B) [(A) / (B)] is preferably 0.0001 or higher, more preferably 0.0010 or higher, even more preferably 0.0012 or higher, even more preferably 0.0015 or higher, and even more preferably 0.002 or higher from the viewpoint of improving growth rate and digestibility, and is preferably 0.1 or lower, more preferably 0.02 or lower, even more preferably 0.015 or lower, even more preferably 0.010 or lower, and even more preferably 0.008 or lower from the viewpoint of promoting (unburdenless) digestion, improving growth rate, cost and productivity.

[0042] The content of component (C) in the feed composition of the present invention is preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 3% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of improving feedability and growth rate, and from the viewpoint of improving feed efficiency and growth rate, it is preferably 40% by mass or less, more preferably 30% by mass or less, even more preferably 25% by mass or less, and even more preferably 15% by mass or less.

[0043] In the feed composition of the present invention, the mass ratio of the content of component (A) to the content of component (C) [(A) / (C)] is preferably 0.00002 or higher, more preferably 0.00005 or higher, and even more preferably 0.0001 or higher from the viewpoint of improving growth performance, and preferably 0.07 or lower, more preferably 0.01 or lower, and even more preferably 0.005 or lower from the viewpoint of improving growth performance, cost, and productivity.

[0044] In the feed composition of the present invention, the mass ratio of the content of component (B) to the content of component (C) [(B) / (C)] is preferably 0.002 or more, more preferably 0.005 or more, even more preferably 0.01 or more, and even more preferably 0.1 or more from the viewpoint of improving growth rate, cost and productivity, and is preferably 10 or less, more preferably 5 or less, even more preferably 3 or less, and even more preferably 1 or less.

[0045] From the viewpoint of effective utilization of protein, the content of component (D) in the feed composition of the present invention is preferably 10% by mass or more, more preferably 20% by mass or more, and even more preferably 30% by mass or more. From the viewpoint of cost and productivity, it is preferably 90% by mass or less, and more preferably 70% by mass or less.

[0046] Furthermore, the feed composition of the present invention may be a feed composition formed after adding a composition containing components (A), (B), and (C) to a feed raw material containing component (D), but it is preferable that the feed composition is one in which a feed molded body containing component (D) is impregnated with an impregnation feed mixture containing components (A), (B), and (C).

[0047] The feed molded body containing component (D) is preferably in a solid form and may be molded in a pellet mill, but extruded pellets molded in an extruder are preferred.

[0048] From the viewpoint of improving growth, the content of component (A) in the impregnation feed mixture is preferably 0.002% by mass or more, more preferably 0.005% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.01% by mass or more. From the viewpoint of improving growth, cost, and productivity, it is preferably 7% by mass or less, more preferably 1% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.2% by mass or less.

[0049] From the viewpoint of improving growth, the content of component (B) in the impregnation feed mixture is preferably 0.2% by mass or more, more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, and even more preferably 1% by mass or more. From the viewpoint of improving growth, cost, and productivity, it is preferably 80% by mass or less, more preferably 60% by mass or less, and even more preferably 40% by mass or less.

[0050] The content of component (C) in the impregnation feed mixture is preferably 30% by mass or more, more preferably 40% by mass or more, and even more preferably 45% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of improving feedability and growth rate, and from the viewpoint of improving feed efficiency and growth rate, it is preferably 99% by mass or less, more preferably 95% by mass or less, and even more preferably 90% by mass or less.

[0051] In the feed composition of the present invention, the amount of component (C) impregnated per 100 parts by mass of feed molded body is preferably 1 part by mass or more, more preferably 2 parts by mass or more, and still preferably 3 parts by mass or more, from the viewpoint of uniform mixing, improved feedability and improved growth, and from the viewpoint of improved feed efficiency and improved growth, it is preferably 40 parts by mass or less, more preferably 30 parts by mass or less, and still preferably 25 parts by mass or less.

[0052] In the feed composition of the present invention, the amount of impregnation feed mixture per 100 parts by mass of feed molded body is preferably 1.1 parts by mass or more, more preferably 2 parts by mass or more, and even more preferably 3 parts by mass or more, from the viewpoint of improving feedability and growth rate, and from the viewpoint of improving feed efficiency, growth rate, cost and productivity, it is preferably 50 parts by mass or less, more preferably 40 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 35 parts by mass or less.

[0053] In the feed composition of the present invention, the content of component (D) in the feed molded body is preferably 10% by mass or more, more preferably 20% by mass or more, and even more preferably 30% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of effective utilization of protein, and preferably 90% by mass or less, and more preferably 70% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of cost and productivity.

[0054] Furthermore, in exemplary embodiments, the feed composition of the present invention may optionally contain water, excipients, emulsifiers (excluding those corresponding to component (B)), antioxidants (excluding those corresponding to component (A)), antifungal agents, antibacterial agents, antibiotics, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, color enhancers, flavorings, tasters, enzymes, probiotics, organic acids, etc., to the extent that the effects of the present invention are not impaired. These optional components may be included in the impregnation feed mixture or in the feed molded body.

[0055] The content of optional components that can be contained in the feed composition of the present invention, that is, the content of components other than components (A) to (D) in the feed composition of the present invention, is preferably 70% by mass or less, more preferably 50% by mass or less, and even more preferably 30% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of improving the digestibility and growth potential of the feed composition of the present invention.

[0056] The feed composition of the present invention can be used as an ingredient in feed for fish and shellfish. That is, an example of the feed composition of the present invention is a feed composition for fish and shellfish. Furthermore, the feed composition of the present invention may contain, as component (D), plant protein, specifically soy protein, which is a partial substitute for fish and shellfish feed. That is, an example of the feed composition of the present invention is a feed composition containing plant protein, and a feed composition containing soy protein. Another example is a feed composition containing plant protein for fish and shellfish, and a feed composition containing soy protein for fish and shellfish.

[0057] The feed composition of the present invention is not limited in form, but can be solid, particularly in the form of pellets, granules, or powder. Examples of pellets include moist pellets, dry pellets, single-moist pellets, and extruded pellets.

[0058] When the feed composition of the present invention is in solid form, the particle size (longest diameter) of the solid feed composition can be adjusted depending on the target fish species, but for example, it may be preferably 0.5 mm or larger, and more preferably 1.0 mm or larger.

[0059] The feed composition of the present invention is preferably a feed composition for fish and shellfish. The fish and shellfish to which this embodiment of the feed composition for fish and shellfish is fed are preferably fish, and more preferably fish fry. Examples include, but are not limited to, yellowtail, amberjack, sea bream, greater amberjack, tuna, flounder, striped jack, horse mackerel, pufferfish, kingfish, striped beakfish, filefish, black sea bream, grouper, mackerel, and spotted grouper.

[0060] The feed composition of the present invention may contain water. The water is not particularly limited, and can be tap water, deionized water, etc., but the water content can be adjusted depending on the form of the feed composition of the present invention.

[0061] For example, if the feed composition of the present invention is a semi-solid feed such as single moist pellets or moist pellets, the moisture content in the feed composition of the present invention is preferably 10% by mass or more, more preferably 20% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of improving shape retention and granulation properties, and preferably 70% by mass or less, more preferably 60% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of improving shelf life and economic efficiency.

[0062] Furthermore, when the feed composition of the present invention is a solid feed such as dry pellets or extruded pellets, the moisture content in the feed composition of the present invention is preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 3% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of improving shape retention and granulation, and preferably 40% by mass or less, more preferably 30% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of improving shelf life and economic efficiency.

[0063] [Feed mixture for impregnation] The present invention provides an impregnation feed mixture containing a compound (component A) having an oxidation-reduction potential of 0.1V to 0.6V, a nonionic surfactant (component B), and an oil or fat (component C). The impregnation feed mixture of the present invention can preferably be used as the impregnation feed mixture described in the feed composition of the present invention. A preferred embodiment of the impregnation feed mixture of the present invention is the same as a preferred embodiment of the impregnation feed mixture described in the feed composition of the present invention above. Furthermore, a preferred embodiment of the mass ratio of the content of each component in the impregnation feed mixture of the present invention is the same as a preferred embodiment of the mass ratio of the content of each component in the feed composition of the present invention above.

[0064] [Method for producing feed composition] The present invention provides a method for producing a feed composition, comprising the following steps (I) and (II), and performed in the order of step (I) followed by step (II). Step (I): A compound having an oxidation-reduction potential of 0.1V to 0.6V (component (A)), a nonionic surfactant (component (B)), and an oil or fat (component (C)) are mixed to obtain an impregnation feed mixture. Step (II): The feed mold containing protein (component (D)) is impregnated with the impregnation feed mixture.

[0065] In the method for producing the feed composition of the present invention, preferred embodiments of components (A) to (D), the impregnation feed mixture, and the feed molded body are the same as preferred embodiments of components (A) to (D), the impregnation feed mixture, and the feed molded body of the feed composition of the present invention described above.

[0066] The method for producing the feed composition of the present invention will be described in detail. The method for producing the feed composition of the present invention is not limited in any way to the embodiments described herein. The method for producing the feed composition of the present invention involves the steps of (I) mixing component (A), component (B), and component (C) to obtain an impregnation feed mixture, and (II) impregnating a feed molded body containing component (D) with the impregnation feed mixture, performed in the order of step (I) and step (II). Before performing step (II), a molding step for producing a feed molded body containing component (D) can be performed.

[0067] (Process (I)) Step (I) is the step of mixing component (A), component (B), and component (C) to obtain an impregnation feed mixture. In step (I), after mixing component (A) and component (B), the resulting mixture may be mixed with component (C). In step (I), the mixing amounts of component (A), component (B), and component (C) can be applied by substituting the content of component (A), component (B), and component (C) in the feed mixture for impregnation of the feed composition of the present invention with the mixing amounts of component (A), component (B), and component (C) in the feed mixture for impregnation. Furthermore, in step (I), any of the components listed in the feed composition of the present invention can be mixed as desired.

[0068] In step (I), the means for mixing the impregnation feed mixture is not particularly limited, but specifically, a mortar and pestle, chopper, blender, food processor, food mixer, hand mixer, planetary mill, Nauter mixer, drum mixer, Henschal mixer, ribbon mixer, homo mixer, extruder, etc. can be used.

[0069] In step (I), it is preferable to uniformly mix components (A), (B), and (C). Specifically, these components can be uniformly mixed by mixing components (A), (B), and (C) using means such as stirring at a temperature at which components (A), (B), and (C) can remain in a liquid state. The mixing time is 1m 3 On the following scales, a duration of 1 minute or more is preferred, and 100 minutes or less is preferred.

[0070] In the impregnation feed mixture, the mass ratio of the amount of component (A) to the amount of component (B) [(A) / (B)] is preferably 0.0001 or higher, more preferably 0.0010 or higher, even more preferably 0.0012 or higher, even more preferably 0.0015 or higher, and even more preferably 0.002 or higher from the viewpoint of improving growth rate and digestibility, and preferably 0.1 or lower, more preferably 0.02 or lower, even more preferably 0.015 or lower, even more preferably 0.010 or lower, and even more preferably 0.008 or lower from the viewpoint of promoting (unburdenless) digestion, improving growth rate, cost and productivity.

[0071] In the impregnation feed mixture, the mass ratio of the amount of component (A) to the amount of component (C) [(A) / (C)] is preferably 0.00002 or higher, more preferably 0.00005 or higher, and even more preferably 0.0001 or higher from the viewpoint of improving growth, cost, and productivity. It is preferably 0.07 or lower, more preferably 0.01 or lower, and even more preferably 0.005 or lower from the viewpoint of improving growth, cost, and productivity.

[0072] In the impregnation feed mixture, the mass ratio of the amount of component (B) to the amount of component (C) [(B) / (C)] is preferably 0.002 or higher, more preferably 0.005 or higher, even more preferably 0.01 or higher, and even more preferably 0.1 or higher, from the viewpoint of improving growth, cost, and productivity, preferably 10 or lower, more preferably 5 or lower, even more preferably 3 or lower, and even more preferably 1 or lower.

[0073] (molding process) In the molding process, a feed molded body containing component (D) is manufactured. In the molding process, component (D) is mixed with steam and fish oil as desired, and the resulting moldable feed mixture is molded to produce a feed molded body. The mixing method described in step (I) above can be used to mix the feed mixture for molding. In addition, any of the components listed in the feed composition of the present invention can be arbitrarily mixed into the feed mixture for molding.

[0074] Methods for molding feed mixtures in the molding process include, for example, pellet mills, pellet granulators, expanders, extruders, and briquette presses. For example, when extrusion molding is performed in the molding process, the necessary amount of water or steam to obtain a suitable mass for extrusion molding is added to the molding feed mixture before and / or during extrusion molding. This mass is extruded to obtain granular (pellet-shaped) molding feed mixture. The granular molding feed mixture is dried to produce a porous feed molded body. The obtained feed molded body is transferred to a vacuum chamber for the next step (II).

[0075] In the feed mixture for molding, the content of component (D) is preferably 15% by mass or more, more preferably 25% by mass or more, and even more preferably 35% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of effective utilization of protein, and from the viewpoint of cost and productivity, it is preferably 95% by mass or less, more preferably 75% by mass or less, and even more preferably 55% by mass or less.

[0076] The feed material may be in the form of pellets, granules, briquettes, or flakes. The average particle size of the feed material is selected to be appropriate depending on the target fish species, but for example, from the viewpoint of improving feedability, it is preferably 0.5 mm or larger, more preferably 1 mm or larger, and preferably 30 mm or smaller, and more preferably 20 mm or smaller. The average particle size of a feed mold is the average particle size of its diameter if the feed mold is spherical, and the average particle size of the circumscribed sphere with its major axis as the diameter if the feed mold is not spherical. The average particle size of a feed mold is the average particle size of 10 arbitrarily selected feed molds.

[0077] (Step (II)) Step (II) is a step of impregnating a feed molded body containing component (D) with the impregnation feed mixture. Step (II) is performed, for example, by placing the impregnation feed mixture obtained in step (I) and the feed molded body obtained in the molding step into a vacuum chamber, and impregnating the feed molded body with the impregnation feed mixture containing components (A), (B), and (C). In step (II), the impregnation feed mixture and the feed molded body are mixed in a vacuum chamber under a reduced pressure atmosphere, for example, preferably 0.1 kPa or more, more preferably 1 kPa or more, preferably 100 kPa or less, more preferably 50 kPa or less, and even more preferably 30 kPa or less (reduced pressure mixing step). Then, the pressure in the vacuum chamber is returned to atmospheric pressure to impregnate the feed molded body with the impregnation feed mixture (vacuum release step). These reduced pressure mixing step and vacuum release step may be performed multiple times.

[0078] In the reduced-pressure mixing step, from the viewpoint of improving growth, component (A) is mixed in an amount of preferably 0.001 parts by mass or more, more preferably 0.002 parts by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.004 parts by mass or more, per 100 parts by mass of the feed molded body. From the viewpoint of improving growth, cost, and productivity, it is preferably 0.9 parts by mass or less, more preferably 0.1 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.05 parts by mass or less.

[0079] In the reduced-pressure mixing step, from the viewpoint of improving growth, component (B) is mixed in an amount of preferably 0.1 parts by mass or more, more preferably 0.2 parts by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.5 parts by mass or more, per 100 parts by mass of the feed molded body. From the viewpoint of improving growth, cost and productivity, it is preferably 45 parts by mass or less, more preferably 10 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 5 parts by mass or less.

[0080] In the reduced-pressure mixing step, from the viewpoint of uniform mixing, improved feedability, and improved growth, component (C) is mixed in an amount of preferably 1 part by mass or more, more preferably 2 parts by mass or more, and even more preferably 3 parts by mass or more, per 100 parts by mass of the feed molded body. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of improving feed efficiency and improved growth, it is preferably 40 parts by mass or less, more preferably 30 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 25 parts by mass or less.

[0081] In the reduced-pressure mixing process, from the viewpoint of uniform mixing, feedability, and growth rate improvement, the impregnation feed mixture is preferably 1.1 parts by mass or more, more preferably 2 parts by mass or more, and even more preferably 3 parts by mass or more per 100 parts by mass of feed molded body. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of improving feed efficiency, growth rate improvement, cost, and productivity, it is preferably 50 parts by mass or less, more preferably 40 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 35 parts by mass or less.

[0082] In other words, in step (II), from the viewpoint of improving growth, component (A) is impregnated into 100 parts by mass of the feed molded body in an amount of preferably 0.001 parts by mass or more, more preferably 0.002 parts by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.004 parts by mass or more, and from the viewpoint of improving growth, cost and productivity, preferably 0.9 parts by mass or less, more preferably 0.1 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.05 parts by mass or less.

[0083] Furthermore, in step (II), from the viewpoint of improving growth potential, component (B) is impregnated in an amount of preferably 0.1 parts by mass or more, more preferably 0.2 parts by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.5 parts by mass or more, per 100 parts by mass of the feed molded body, and from the viewpoint of improving growth potential, cost and productivity, preferably 45 parts by mass or less, more preferably 10 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 5 parts by mass or less.

[0084] Furthermore, in step (II), from the viewpoint of uniform mixing, improved feedability, and improved growth, component (C) is impregnated into 100 parts by mass of the feed molded body, preferably 1 part by mass or more, more preferably 2 parts by mass or more, and even more preferably 3 parts by mass or more. From the viewpoint of improving feed efficiency and growth, preferably 40 parts by mass or less, more preferably 30 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 25 parts by mass or less.

[0085] Furthermore, in step (II), from the viewpoint of uniform mixing, improved feedability, and improved growth, the feed molded body is impregnated with an impregnation feed mixture of preferably 1.1 parts by mass or more, more preferably 2 parts by mass or more, and even more preferably 3 parts by mass or more, per 100 parts by mass. From the viewpoint of improving feed efficiency, improved growth, cost, and productivity, it is preferably 50 parts by mass or less, more preferably 40 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 35 parts by mass or less.

[0086] [Methods of farming fish and shellfish] The present invention provides a method for cultivating fish and shellfish, comprising feeding the feed composition of the present invention to farmed fish and shellfish. The method for cultivating fish and shellfish according to the present invention is a conventional method of cultivating fish and shellfish, other than feeding the feed composition of the present invention. [Examples]

[0087] <Example 1-1> (1) Grinding of protein raw materials Soybean meal (manufactured by Showa Sangyo Co., Ltd.) was dry-ground using an ultracentrifugal mill (ZM200, manufactured by Verder Scientific Co. Ltd.) equipped with a 0.5 mm mesh screen at a rotation speed of 10,000 rpm. Kjeldahl analysis revealed that the crude protein content of the ground soybean meal was 43% by mass. The crude protein content is calculated by multiplying the nitrogen content by 6.25.

[0088] (2) Preparation of feed composition (2-1) Preparation of feed molded bodies 40g of fish meal (crude protein content 61% by mass), 25g of soybean meal, and 35g of tap water were thoroughly mixed, and the resulting feed mixture for molding was molded using a noodle maker with a screen diameter of 2mm (manufactured by Philips) to obtain molded feed products.

[0089] (2-2) Preparation of impregnation feed mixture 0.025 g of component (A) and 7.5 g of component (B) listed in Table 1 were stirred and uniformly dissolved to obtain a mixture of component (A) and component (B) (25°C). 1.875 g of this mixture and 5 g of component (C) were stirred and uniformly dissolved to prepare an impregnation feed mixture containing components (A), (B), and (C) (25°C).

[0090] (2-3) Preparation of feed composition 133.125 g of the feed molded body and 6.875 g of the impregnation feed mixture were placed in a simple vacuum chamber (manufactured by Kato Sangyo Co., Ltd.), the pump was pulled 30 times to create a vacuum, and after mixing, the vacuum was released after 5 seconds, returning the pressure of the simple vacuum chamber to atmospheric pressure. This operation was repeated three times to impregnate the feed molded body with the impregnation feed mixture, thereby preparing the feed composition.

[0091] <Examples 1-2 and Comparative Example 1-1> The feed composition of Example 1-2 is a feed composition prepared in the same manner as in Example 1-1, except that the proportions of component (A), component (B), and component (C) are replaced with the proportions shown in Table 1. Furthermore, the feed composition of Comparative Example 1-1 is a feed composition prepared by placing 133.125 g of the feed molded body and 6.875 g of the fish oil into a simple vacuum chamber and performing the same procedure as in Example 1-1 (2-3) in the preparation of the feed composition described in (2-3) above.

[0092] <Comparative Example 2> 133.125 g of the feed molded body and 0.006 g of component (A) (the same amount as in Example 1-1) were placed in the aforementioned simple vacuum chamber, and the feed composition of Comparative Example 2 was prepared by performing the same procedure as in (2-3) of Example 1-1. Visually, it was confirmed that the attachment of component (A) to the feed composition of Comparative Example 2 was sparse and uneven, so the subsequent impregnation treatment of components (B) and (C) was not performed. In the feed composition of Comparative Example 2, it is thought that uneven adsorption occurred because there was insufficient amount of component (A) relative to the feed molded body, and it was judged that a stable improvement in protein digestibility could not be expected in a feed composition with uneven adsorption, so the growth performance was not evaluated.

[0093] The components in the table are as follows: (A) The oxidation-reduction potential of component was referenced from M. Vandeput, et al., Electroanalysis, 30, 1293 (2018). (B) The average HLB of component was calculated using HLB calculated by the Griffin method.

[0094] <Ingredients used in the preparation of the feed composition> (A) Ingredients: Ethoxyquin (oxidation-reduction potential 0.35V), manufactured by Toronto Laboratory. (B) Ingredients: Nonionic surfactant, C18:1EO(6) sorbitan fatty acid ester, sorbitan fatty acid monoester with 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and 6 moles of ethyleneoxy groups added, manufactured by Kao Corporation (average HLB 10) (C) Ingredient: Fish oil (D) Ingredients: Animal protein (derived from fish meal (crude protein content 61% by mass)), plant protein (derived from soybean meal (crude protein content 43% by mass))

[0095] <Method for evaluating growth potential> (1) Method of feeding the feed composition Five juvenile red sea bream, approximately 1 cm in size (approximately 1 g), are placed in a 100 L circular plastic container filled with 50 L of artificial seawater (stocking density 0.1 kg / m³). 3 The juvenile red sea bream were fed twice a day, morning and evening, with a generous amount of food, at room temperature (20°C) for 28 days, with the start of feeding considered day 0. The juvenile red sea bream consumed all of the feed compositions listed in Table 1 without any problems. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the juvenile red sea bream that consumed the feed compositions listed in Table 1 were able to grow without experiencing any health problems such as diarrhea.

[0096] (2) Measurement of growth potential (weight gain rate, feed efficiency) The total weight of the fish was measured on day 0 and on day 28. The weight gain rate and feed efficiency were calculated using the following formula. Feed efficiency refers to the digestibility of the feed and is a measure of the feed's digestibility and growth potential. Weight gain rate (%) = [{(Total weight of fish on day 28) / (Total weight of fish on day 0)} × 100] - 100 Feed efficiency (%) = [{(Total weight of fish on day 28) - (Total weight of fish on day 0)} / Mass of feed composition] × 100

[0097] The growth potential (weight gain rate, feed efficiency) of Examples 1-1 and 1-2 was evaluated as a relative value to the evaluation of Comparative Example 1-1. The results are shown in Table 1. A higher value in Table 1 indicates improved growth potential (weight gain rate, feed efficiency).

[0098] Table 1 shows that the feed compositions of Examples 1-1 and 1-2 improved the growth rate (weight gain and feed efficiency) of individual fish and shellfish compared to Comparative Example 1-1, which did not contain components (A) and (B).

[0099] [Table 1]

Claims

1. A method for producing a feed composition, comprising the following steps (I) and (II), wherein steps (I) and (II) are carried out in that order. Step (I): A compound having an oxidation-reduction potential of 0.1 V to 0.6 V (component (A)), a nonionic surfactant (component (B)), and an oil or fat (component (C)) are mixed to obtain an impregnation feed mixture. Step (II): The feed molded body containing protein (component (D)) is impregnated with the impregnation feed mixture.

2. A method for producing the feed composition according to claim 1, wherein the component (A) is one or more selected from ethoxyquin and ethoxyquin derivatives.

3. A method for producing the feed composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the average HLB of component (B) is 3 or more and 18 or less.

4. A method for producing a feed composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mass ratio [(A) / (B)] of the amount of the mixture of component (A) to the amount of the mixture of component (B) is 0.0001 or more and 0.1 or less.

5. The method for producing the feed composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the (C) component is an animal fat.

6. The method for producing the feed composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the (C) component is fish oil.

7. A method for producing a feed composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mass ratio [(A) / (C)] of the amount of the mixture of component (A) to the amount of the mixture of component (C) is 0.00002 or more and 0.07 or less.

8. A method for producing a feed composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mass ratio [(B) / (C)] of the amount of the mixture of component (B) to the amount of the mixture of component (C) is 0.002 or more and 10 or less.

9. A method for producing a feed composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein 1 to 40 parts by mass of component (C) are impregnated into 100 parts by mass of the feed molded body.

10. A feed composition comprising a feed molded body containing protein (component (D)) impregnated with an impregnation feed mixture containing a compound (component (A)) having an oxidation-reduction potential of 0.1 V to 0.6 V, a nonionic surfactant (component (B)), and oils and fats (component (C)).

11. An impregnation feed mixture containing a compound (component A) having an oxidation-reduction potential of 0.1 V to 0.6 V, a nonionic surfactant (component B), and oils and fats (component C).

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