Compositions and methods for providing health benefits in animals

Abstract

A method of enhancing vaccine efficacy, treating or preventing allergies, or treating or preventing autoimmune diseases in an animal can include administering to the animal a composition comprising colostrum.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Provisional Application No. 63 / 074,368, filed on September 3, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] [Background Art]

[0002] Infection is a major health issue affecting humans and companion animals, especially elderly humans and companion animals. One approach to preventing or reducing infection is vaccination. Unfortunately, age - related changes in the immune system impair the efficacy of vaccination, which greatly reduces the effectiveness of vaccination and leads to an increase in the incidence and severity of infectious diseases in the elderly. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop nutritional solutions to enhance the response to vaccination in animals, including elderly humans and pets.

[0003]

[0003] Furthermore, allergy is a major immune disorder affecting humans and pets, and has an adverse effect on the quality of life of humans and pets. Currently, allergy solutions usually rely on various drugs that may have undesirable side effects. Nutritionally, omega - 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may have some anti - allergic effects, but they are expensive. Therefore, there is a need to develop alternative nutritional solutions for treating or preventing allergy in animals, including humans and pets.

[0004]

[0004] Furthermore, autoimmune diseases are also major immune disorders affecting humans and animals, and have an adverse effect on the quality of life of animals, including humans and pets. Currently, common solutions for autoimmune diseases are the administration of various drugs, which may have many side effects and may also be expensive. Nutritionally, there is no effective strategy for treating or preventing autoimmune diseases in animals, including humans and pets.

[0005]

[0005] Therefore, new treatments are needed that can overcome these challenges.

[0006] [Overview of the prefecture]

[0006] This disclosure, in a broad sense, relates to methods and compositions for providing health benefits in animals using colostrum.

[0007]

[0007] In one embodiment, a method for treating or preventing allergies or autoimmune diseases in animals may include administering a composition containing colostrum to an animal.

[0008]

[0008] In another embodiment, a method for enhancing vaccine efficacy in older animals may include administering a composition containing colostrum to the animals.

[0009]

[0009] Further features and advantages are described herein and will become apparent from the "Modes for Carrying Out the Invention" below. The present invention may also be in the following embodiments. Item 1. A method for treating or preventing allergies or autoimmune diseases in animals, comprising administering a composition containing colostrum to the animals. Item 2. The method according to item 1, wherein the colostrum is present in the composition in an amount of about 0.01% to about 1% by weight. Item 3. The method according to item 1, wherein the composition is administered to the animal on a regular basis. Item 4. The method according to item 1, wherein the composition is a pet food composition. Item 5. The method according to item 5, wherein the pet food composition is formulated for dogs or cats. Item 6. The method according to item 1, wherein the animal is a companion animal. Item 7. The method according to item 1, wherein the animal is a canid. Item 8. The method according to item 1, further comprising identifying the animals having the allergy or identifying the animals at risk of having the allergy, wherein the administration prevents or treats the allergy. Item 9. The method according to item 1, further comprising identifying the animals having the autoimmune disease or identifying the animals at risk of having the autoimmune disease, wherein the administration prevents or treats the autoimmune disease. Item 10. A method for enhancing vaccine efficacy in older animals, comprising administering a composition containing colostrum to the animals. Item 11. The method according to item 10, wherein the colostrum is present in the composition in an amount of about 0.01% to about 1% by weight. Item 12. The method according to item 10, wherein the composition is administered to the animal on a regular basis. Item 13. The method according to item 10, wherein the composition is a pet food composition. Item 14. The method according to item 10, wherein the animal is a companion animal. Item 15. The method according to item 10, wherein the animal is a canid. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0010]

[0010] Definition

[0011] As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a composition" or "the composition" includes two or more compositions. The term "and / or" used in the context of "X and / or Y" should be construed to mean "X" or "Y" or "X and Y". As used herein, the terms "example" and "for example" are used merely for illustrative and exemplary purposes and not for purposes of limitation, particularly when followed by a list of terms.

[0011]

[0012] The term "animal" means any animal that can benefit from the compositions of the invention and includes animals of the human, avian, bovine, canine, equine, feline, hircine, lupine, murine, ovine or porcine species. In one aspect, the animal can be a mammal. In another aspect, the animal can be a companion animal.

[0012]

[0013] The term "companion animal" refers to domesticated animals such as cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, hamsters, mice, gerbils, horses, cows, goats, sheep, donkeys, and pigs. In one aspect, a companion animal may be a canid. In another aspect, a companion animal may be a feline.

[0013]

[0014] The term “elderly” means that an animal is old enough to exceed 50% of the average lifespan of its particular species and / or breed within that species. For example, if the average lifespan of a given breed of dog is 10 years, then any dog ​​belonging to that breed that is older than 5 years would be considered “elderly” for the purposes of this specification. Furthermore, for example, if the average lifespan of a breed of cat is 15 years, then any cat belonging to that breed that is older than 7.5 years would be considered “elderly” for the purposes of this specification. In one embodiment, the compositions and methods disclosed herein relate to older animals, for example, older dogs or older cats. Animals such as dogs and cats are considered elderly at the 25% point from the end of their lifespan. As described herein, the lifespan of a dog or cat depends on its size and / or breed, and an elderly dog ​​or cat may be determined based on the above calculation, but using the value 75% so that the age threshold exceeds 75% of the average lifespan.

[0014]

[0015] As used herein, “approximately” is understood to mean a number within a numerical range, for example, a range from -10% to +10% of the reference number, a range from -5% to +5%, or in one embodiment, a range from -1% to +1% of the reference number, or in a specific embodiment, a range from -0.1% to +0.1% of the reference number. Furthermore, all numerical ranges herein should be understood to include all integers, wholes, or fractions within that range. Furthermore, these numerical ranges should be interpreted as supporting claims that cover any number or subset of a number within that range. For example, a disclosure of 1 to 10 should be interpreted as supporting ranges such as 1 to 8, 3 to 7, 1 to 9, 3.6 to 4.6, 3.5 to 9.9, etc.

[0015]

[0016] All percentages given herein, unless otherwise specified, are given by the total weight of the food composition. Where a reference to pH is given, the value corresponds to the pH measured at 25°C using a standard apparatus. “Amount” may be the total amount of the referenced component per serving of the composition or the total amount per separate unit of the composition, and / or the weight percentage of the referenced component by dry weight. Furthermore, “amount” includes zero; for example, a description of the amount of a compound does not necessarily imply the presence of the compound unless accompanied by a range excluding zero.

[0016]

[0017] The terms “pet food,” “pet food product,” and “pet food composition” mean a product or composition intended for consumption by canids or felines that provides at least one nutrient to an animal. Furthermore, in this regard, these terms mean that the product or composition is in a form that can be immediately consumed and is not merely an intermediate for manufacturing a consuming product or composition, although in some embodiments other food compositions, such as dietary supplements, may be added. The term “pet food” means any food composition intended for consumption by canids or felines.

[0017]

[0018] The term "effective amount" means an amount of the compound of the present invention that (i) treats or prevents a particular disease, condition, or disorder described herein, (ii) reduces, improves, or eliminates one or more symptoms of a particular disease, condition, or disorder, or (iii) prevents or delays the onset of one or more symptoms of a particular disease, condition, or disorder. In one embodiment, the colostrum of the present invention can be present in an effective amount that enhances vaccine efficacy, treats or prevents allergies, and / or treats or prevents autoimmune diseases.

[0018]

[0019] The dosages expressed herein are in milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day (mg / kg / day), unless otherwise specified.

[0019]

[0020] The term “long-term administration” refers to a period of repeated administration or ingestion exceeding one month. For a given embodiment, periods exceeding two, three, or four months may be adopted. Longer periods, including those exceeding five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten months, may also be adopted. Periods exceeding eleven months or one year may also be adopted. Extended use exceeding one, two, three, or more years is included in the present invention. In the case of certain aged canids, the canid continues regular ingestion for the remainder of its life. This may also be referred to as ingestion over “extended” periods.

[0020]

[0021] The terms “regularly” or “periodically administered” mean at least monthly administration or ingestion of the composition, and in one embodiment, at least weekly administration. In a given embodiment, more frequent administration or ingestion may be performed, such as two or three times a week. Furthermore, in other embodiments, a dosage schedule including at least once a day may be used. The frequency that enables the desired activity level of the compound being measured to be maintained within an acceptable range may be useful herein, whether or not it is expressly illustrated herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the supply will vary depending on the composition being ingested or administered and the animal ingesting the food, and that some food compositions may require more or less frequent administration to maintain the desired activity level of the compound being measured.

[0021]

[0022] Relative terms such as "improve," "increase," "enhance," and "decrease" refer to the effect of the compositions disclosed herein (compositions including colostrum) compared to such compositions that are identical except for having less of or not containing any of the compositional components.

[0022]

[0023] A “blended” composition simply comprises at least two components having at least one distinct property from each other. In one embodiment, water content and water activity may differ in the context of this disclosure. In this regard, the description of a “blended” composition does not mean that the blended composition has undergone a process that may be referred to as “blended,” that is, a process that mixes the components in a way that makes them indistinguishable, and in one embodiment, such a process is avoided when mixing one component with another to form a blended composition (for example, when mixing a dry component with a wet or semi-moist component). Furthermore, in this regard, in a blended composition, each of the at least two components having at least one distinct property from each other may retain their distinct identity and appearance.

[0023]

[0024] "Wet food" refers to pet food with a moisture content of approximately 50% to 90%, and in one embodiment, approximately 70% to 90%. "Dry food" refers to pet food with a moisture content of less than approximately 20%, in one embodiment, less than approximately 15%, and in certain embodiments, less than approximately 10%. "Semi-moist food" refers to pet food with a moisture content of approximately 20% to 50%, and in one embodiment, approximately 25% to 35%.

[0024]

[0025] "Kibble" is used herein as synonymous with "chunk," and both terms refer to dry or semi-moist pet food pieces that may be pellet-shaped or any other shape, and can be made by slicing a food composition into individual pieces. Non-limiting examples of kibble include particulate matter; pellets; small chunks of pet food, dehydrated meat, meat substitutes, vegetables, and combinations thereof; and pet snacks such as dried meat or vegetable, rawhide, and biscuits. "Meat substitute" refers to a meat emulsion product that resembles a piece of natural meat in terms of appearance, texture and physical structure.

[0025]

[0026] The term "complete and balanced," when referring to a food composition, means a food composition that, based on the recommendations of recognized authorities in the field of animal nutrition, contains all known necessary nutrients in appropriate amounts and proportions, and therefore can serve as the sole source of dietary intake to sustain life or promote production without the need for additional nutritional supplements. Nutritionally balanced pet food and animal food compositions, such as complete and balanced food compositions formulated according to the standards as of January 1, 2019, as defined by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), are widely known and used in the art.

[0026]

[0027] The term “dietary supplement” refers to a product intended to be taken in addition to a normal diet. Dietary supplements may be in any form, such as solid, liquid, gel, tablet, capsule, or powder. In one embodiment, dietary supplements may be provided in a convenient dosage form. In some embodiments, dietary supplements may be provided in household bulk packages such as bulk powder, liquid, gel, or oil. In other embodiments, supplements may be provided in bulk quantities so as to be included in other food items such as snacks, treats, supplement bars, or beverages.

[0027]

[0028] The compositions disclosed herein may not contain any elements not specifically disclosed herein. Therefore, disclosures of embodiments using the term “comprising” include disclosures of embodiments that “essentially contain” a specified component, and disclosures of embodiments that “consist of” a specified component. Similarly, the methods disclosed herein may not contain any steps not specifically disclosed herein. Therefore, disclosures of embodiments using the term “including” include disclosures of embodiments that “essentially contain” a specified step, and disclosures of embodiments that “including” a specified step. Unless otherwise stated and directly expressed, any embodiment disclosed herein may be combined with any other embodiment disclosed herein.

[0028]

[0029] The embodiments, aspects, and examples discussed here are independent in that they can be applied to all methods and compositions. For example, colostrum used in food compositions can be used in methods to prevent or treat animal allergies, and vice versa.

[0029] Embodiment

[0030] The inventors have discovered that food compositions containing colostrum may provide certain health benefits in animals. The method includes enhancing vaccine efficacy in older animals, and treating and / or preventing autoimmune diseases and allergies in animals.

[0030]

[0031] Therefore, in one embodiment, a method for treating or preventing allergies or autoimmune diseases in animals may include administering a composition containing colostrum to the animals.

[0031]

[0032] In another embodiment, a method for enhancing vaccine efficacy in older animals may include administering a composition containing colostrum to the animals.

[0032]

[0033] In a broad sense, colostrum is present in an amount effective to produce the desired health benefits. In one embodiment, colostrum can be present in a composition in an amount of about 0.01% to about 1% by weight. In one embodiment, colostrum can be present in a composition in an amount of about 0.01% to about 0.5% by weight. In the case of supplements, in a different embodiment, colostrum can be present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 10% by weight.

[0033]

[0034] The methods of the present invention may further include identifying specific animals that require a health benefit. In one embodiment, the method may further include identifying animals that have allergies or are at risk of developing allergies, and the administration prevents or treats the allergy. In another embodiment, the method may further include identifying animals that have an autoimmune disease or are at risk of developing an autoimmune disease, and the administration prevents or treats the autoimmune disease. In yet another embodiment, the method may further include identifying animals that require a vaccine, and the administration enhances the effectiveness of the vaccine.

[0034]

[0035] Typically, the compositions of the present invention can be administered to animals for a sufficient period of time to provide health benefits. In one embodiment, the composition can be administered to animals regularly. In another embodiment, the composition can be administered over a long period of time. The compositions of the present invention are generally food compositions, but can also be administered as part of a dietary regimen in the form of supplements, treats, and sachets. In another embodiment, the composition is pet food. In another embodiment, the composition is a dietary supplement. In yet another embodiment, the composition is a sachet.

[0035]

[0036] Furthermore, the compositions disclosed herein may contain other components. In one embodiment, the composition may contain probiotics and / or prebiotics. Typical probiotics include species of the Lactobacillus, Bifidobacteria, or Enterococcus genera, such as Lactobacillus reuteii, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus animalis, Lactobacillus ruminis, Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus fermentum. Examples of probiotic strains include, but are not limited to, species of the genus Bifidobacterium (fermentum), Enterococcus faecium, and species of the genus Enterococcus. In some embodiments, the probiotic strains include Lactobacillus reuteri (NCC2581; CNCM I-2448), Lactobacillus reuteri (NCC2592; CNCM I-2450), Lactobacillus rhamnosus (NCC2583; CNCM I-2449), Lactobacillus reuteri (NCC2603; CNCM I-2451), Lactobacillus reuteri (NCC2613; CNCM I-2452), Lactobacillus acidophilus (NCC2628; CNCM I-2453), Bifidobacterium adolescentis (e.g., NCC2627), Bifidobacterium species NCC2657, or Enterococcus faecium SF68 (NCIMB You can choose from the group consisting of 10415).Generally, food compositions are about 10. 4 ~about 10 12 cfu / individual / day, in one aspect, 10 5 ~about 10 11 cfu / individual / day, and in a particular embodiment, 10 7 ~10 10 The probiotics may be contained in an amount sufficient to supply cfu / individual / day. Even if the probiotics are sterilized or inactivated, the aforementioned amount of sterilized or inactivated probiotics or components thereof should produce the same beneficial effects as live microorganisms. Many such probiotics and their effects are known to those skilled in the art, for example, in European Patent No. 1213970(B1), European Patent No. 1143806(B1), U.S. Patent No. 7189390, European Patent No. 1482811(B1), European Patent No. 1296565(B1), and U.S. Patent No. 6929793. In one embodiment, the probiotics may be Enterococcus faecium SF68 (NCIMB 10415). In another embodiment, the probiotics may be encapsulated in a carrier using methods and materials known to those skilled in the art.

[0036]

[0037] Prebiotics include any substance that alters the composition of the gastrointestinal tract's microflora by providing a substrate for the growth of microorganisms. Examples of prebiotics include, but are not limited to, natural and synthetic oligosaccharides, soluble fiber, resistant starch, and gum. Oligosaccharides can be linear or branched. Prebiotics can be specifically selected according to their ability to enhance the survival of probiotics in storage containers or in the animal's gastrointestinal tract. Prebiotics can also be specifically selected according to their ability to enhance the effects of probiotics in animals or complement the benefits of probiotics. Generally, prebiotics are administered in amounts sufficient to actively stimulate a healthy microflora in the gut and promote the growth of these "good" bacteria. Typical amounts are about 1 to 10 grams per serving, or about 5% to 40% of the recommended daily intake of dietary fiber for animals.

[0037]

[0038] As discussed herein, the composition may include animal digests. Useful animal digests in the present invention may be any animal digest known to those skilled in the art, including liquid animal digests and dried animal digests. Such digests include any material resulting from the chemical and / or enzymatic hydrolysis of clean, undegraded animal tissue. Furthermore, any dried brewer's yeast known to those skilled in the art, such as dried inert substances that are by-products of the brewing industry, may be useful in the present invention. Animal digests and dried brewer's yeast have been found to enhance the palatability of compositions such as dietary supplements and food compositions. When present in such compositions, animal digests constitute about 1% to about 90% by weight of the composition, and dried brewer's yeast constitutes about 1% to about 30% by weight of the composition.

[0038]

[0039] With regard to supplements, dietary supplements can be prepared as various formulations such as powder, granules, pellets, or any other suitable delivery form. In some embodiments, the dietary supplement formulation may be a powder containing microencapsulated probiotics within a biopolymer matrix. Powdered dietary supplements can be sprinkled on or otherwise applied to and mixed with food or other compositions, particularly pet food such as dog or cat food. Powdered dietary supplements can be specifically formulated for consumption by certain animals, such as companion animals. In one embodiment, the powdered dietary supplement contains a high concentration of probiotics so that the supplement can be administered to the animal in small amounts or can be diluted before administration to the animal. Those skilled in the art can provide the dietary supplement alone or devise other routes of administration, such as giving it in, on, or with pet treats.

[0039]

[0040] Dietary supplements can be formulated for long-term storage at room temperature or by refrigeration, freeze-drying, or freezing. In one embodiment, a dietary supplement can be stored at room temperature, and the probiotics in the dietary supplement remain substantially viable for at least 22 days when stored at room temperature. Predictive modeling has shown that such probiotics remain substantially viable despite periodic short-term spikes in storage temperature, which can exceed room temperature by up to 60°C.

[0040]

[0041] The compositions of the present invention may include additional substances such as minerals, vitamins, salts, proteins, amino acids, fibers, seasonings, colorants, and preservatives. Non-limiting examples of minerals include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, iron, chloride, boron, copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese, iodine, and selenium, as well as various salts thereof. Non-limiting examples of vitamins include vitamin A, various B vitamins, such as niacin, pantothenic acid, folic acid, biotin, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin K. The compositions may also include carotenoids, such as α-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and β-cryptoxanthin. Additional components, such as inulin and amino acids, may also be included.

[0041]

[0042] In other embodiments, the composition of the present invention may further contain about 15% to about 60% crude protein. In one embodiment, the composition contains about 40% to about 55% crude protein. The crude protein material may include plant proteins such as soybeans, corn, rice, cottonseed, and peanuts, or animal proteins such as casein, albumin, and meat proteins. Non-limiting examples of meat proteins useful herein include pork, lamb, horse, poultry, fish, and mixtures thereof.

[0042]

[0043] The composition may further contain about 5% to about 40% lipids. In one embodiment, the composition may contain about 15% to about 30% lipids. The composition may further contain a carbohydrate source. The composition may contain about 15% to about 60% carbohydrates. Non-limiting examples of such carbohydrates include grains or cereals such as rice, corn, milo, sorghum, alfalfa, barley, soybeans, canola, oats, wheat, and mixtures thereof. The composition may also optionally contain other materials such as dried whey and other dairy by-products.

[0043]

[0044] The composition may also further contain at least one fiber source. The composition may contain about 0.5% to about 5% fiber. As is known to those skilled in the art, a variety of soluble or insoluble fibers can be used. Fiber sources may include beet pulp (derived from sugar beets), gum arabic, gum talha, plantain, rice bran, carob gum, citrus pulp, pectin, fructooligosaccharides, mannan-oligofructose, soybean fiber, lupine fiber, arabinogalactan, galactooligosaccharides, arabinoxylan, or mixtures thereof. Fiber sources may also be fermentable fibers, as are many of those listed above. Fermentable fibers have long been reported to be beneficial to the immune system of companion animals. Fermentable fiber or other compositions known to those skilled in the art, which provide a prebiotic composition capable of enhancing the growth of probiotics in the intestines, may also be incorporated into the composition to help enhance the effects brought about by the present invention on the immune system, gastrointestinal system, and overall health of animals.

[0044]

[0045] In some embodiments where the composition is a supplement, the dietary supplement may have a total water content of about 2% to about 10% by weight of the supplement in order to extend the length of time the supplement can be stored. In one embodiment, the total water content may be less than 5% by weight of the supplement. Similarly, the dietary supplement may have a water activity in the range of 0.20 to 0.6. In one embodiment, the water activity may be less than 0.55.

[0045]

[0046] The composition may be specially formulated for specific animals, such as dogs or cats. Similarly, the composition may be specially formulated for young, adult, or elderly animals. In one embodiment, the animal may be an elderly cat. In another embodiment, the animal may be a senile cat. Generally, special formulations contain ingredients that meet the energy and nutritional requirements appropriate for specific animals and specific animals at different developmental stages or ages, or specific nutritional requirements related to a disease state.

[0046]

[0047] In one embodiment, the composition can be formulated for dogs. In another embodiment, the composition can be formulated for cats.

[0047]

[0048] Those skilled in the art can determine the appropriate amount of ingredients to be added to a given formulation. Such factors that may be considered include the average consumption of a particular type of composition by different animals, whether the animals intended to take the dietary supplement have any particular health, wellness, or nutritional requirements, or suffer from any particular disease or disorder, the age, sex, size, or lineage of the animals, and the manufacturing conditions under which the composition is prepared. The concentration of ingredients to be added to the composition can be calculated based on the energy and nutritional requirements of the animals.

[0048]

[0049] As discussed herein, in various embodiments, the composition may be a pet food composition. In various embodiments, the pet food composition may be a wet food, a semi-moist food, or a dry food. In one embodiment, the pet food composition is one or more components of a blended composition. In some embodiments, the pet food composition is kibble, and in some embodiments, the pet food composition is a meat substitute.

[0049]

[0050] The pet food compositions disclosed herein may be any food formulated for consumption by canids or felines. In one embodiment, the pet food composition may be a complete and balanced pet food, that is, providing complete nutrition as defined by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for dogs or cats.

[0050]

[0051] The pet food compositions disclosed herein may include vegetable oil, flavorings, colorings, and water. Suitable vegetable oils include soybean oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, sunflower oil, canola oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, and the like. Suitable flavorings include yeast, animal fat, rendered animal meat (e.g., poultry, beef, lamb, pork), flavor extracts or blends (e.g., grilled beef), and animal digests. Suitable colorings include FD&C colorings such as Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6; natural colorings such as caramel color, annatto, chlorophyllin, cochineal, betanin, turmeric, saffron, paprika, lycopene, elderberry juice, pandan, and butterfly pea; titanium dioxide; and any suitable food colorings known to those skilled in the art.

[0051]

[0052] The pet food compositions disclosed herein may optionally contain additional components such as humectants, preservatives, polyols, salts, or combinations thereof. Suitable humectants include salts, sugars, propylene glycol, and polyhydric glycols such as glycerin and sorbitol. Non-limited examples of suitable preservatives include potassium sorbate, sorbic acid, sodium methyl para-hydroxybenzoate, calcium propionate, propionic acid, and combinations thereof.

[0052]

[0053] The specific amounts of each additional ingredient in the pet food compositions disclosed herein will depend on various factors such as the components contained in the first ingredient and any second ingredient; the species of the animal; the animal's age, weight, health condition, sex, and diet; the animal's eating rate; and the purpose for which the food product is administered to the animal.

[0053] [Examples]

[0054] The following non-limiting embodiments are illustrative examples of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0054] Example 1 - Test in dogs

[0055] Thirty senior dogs (7 years and 7 years+) were randomized into two groups based on their age, sex, breed, and pre-test fecal IgA levels (n=15 / group). The control group dogs were fed a super-premium-like diet for senior dogs. The test group dogs were fed a test diet containing 0.1% colostrum. After 12 weeks of feeding, each dog was administered the Lyme disease vaccine. Two weeks later (14 weeks after the start of the feeding trial), each dog was given one intensive vaccine. Multiple blood samples were collected at the start of the feeding trial and after vaccination. The titer of antibodies specific to the Lyme disease vaccine was measured using an ELISA kit. As shown in Table 1, the colostrum group had significantly higher titers of specific antibodies in serum compared to the control group at several time points (weeks 18, 20, 24, and 28) (P<0.05). Furthermore, as shown in Table 2, the time to reach peak antibody levels was significantly faster in the colostrum group than in the control group (P=0.024), meaning that the test group produced peak antibody levels at a significantly earlier time compared to the control group.

[0055] [Table 1]

[0056] [Table 2]

[0057]

[0056] Peripheral blood samples were collected from each group of Labradors after 6 months of feeding (N=5 or N=6). Regulatory T cells (Tregs) were isolated, and the inhibitory function of Tregs on the proliferation of effector cells (Teffs) was evaluated by the MTT assay. In the control group, the ratio of (Treg + Teff) / Teff was close to 1, indicating no inhibition of Teff proliferation by Tregs. However, as shown in Table 3, the ratio of (Treg + Teff) / Teff was 0.806, confirming that Tregs from the colostrum group significantly (P=0.031) inhibited Teff proliferation. Tregs suppress inflammatory events, but their function is usually inferior in allergic and autoimmune patients. Colostrum significantly enhances the function of Tregs, and therefore, colostrum is useful in treating or preventing allergic and autoimmune diseases.

[0058] [Table 3]

[0059]

[0057] In addition, IL-10 secretion by Treg in the colostrum group was significantly higher than in the control group (P=0.021). IL-10 has potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activity, and higher IL-10 levels, as shown in Table 4, are helpful in preventing or treating autoimmune diseases and allergies.

[0060] [Table 4]

[0061]

[0058] Accordingly, the method of the present invention may include enhancing Treg function in animals. It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the current preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter and without impairing the intended advantages. Accordingly, such changes and modifications are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for treating or preventing allergies in non-human animals, Identifying the non-human animals that have the allergy, or identifying the non-human animals that are at risk of having the allergy, The method includes administering a composition containing colostrum in an amount of 0.01% to 1% by weight to the non-human animal periodically for a period of six months or more. A method wherein the non-human animal is an elderly dog ​​or cat that is more than 75% of the average lifespan of the non-human animal breed.

2. A method for treating or preventing autoimmune diseases in non-human animals, Identifying the non-human animals that have the autoimmune disease, or identifying the non-human animals that are at risk of having the autoimmune disease, and The method includes administering a composition containing colostrum in an amount of 0.01% to 1% by weight to the non-human animal periodically for a period of six months or more. A method wherein the non-human animal is an elderly dog ​​or cat that is more than 75% of the average lifespan of the non-human animal breed.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inhibitory function of regulatory T cells (Treg) on ​​the proliferation of effector cells (Teff) in the non-human animal is enhanced.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the IL-10 level in the non-human animal is enhanced.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the composition is a pet food composition.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the pet food composition is formulated for dogs or cats.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the non-human animal is a companion animal.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the non-human animal is a canid.

9. A composition for treating or preventing allergies in animals, wherein the composition contains colostrum in an amount of 0.01% to 1% by weight. The composition is intended to be administered to the animal regularly for a period of six months or more. The animal has the allergy, or there is a risk that the animal will have the allergy. A composition wherein the animal is an elderly dog ​​or cat that is more than 75% of the average lifespan of the animal breed.

10. A composition for treating or preventing autoimmune diseases in animals, wherein the composition contains colostrum in an amount of 0.01% to 1% by weight. The composition is intended to be administered to the animal regularly for a period of six months or more. The animal has the autoimmune disease, or is at risk of having the autoimmune disease. A composition wherein the animal is an elderly dog ​​or cat that is more than 75% of the average lifespan of the animal breed.

11. The composition according to claim 9 or 10 for enhancing the inhibitory function of regulatory T cells (Treg) on ​​the proliferation of effector cells (Teff) in the aforementioned animal.

12. A composition according to any one of claims 9 to 11 for enhancing IL-10 levels in the aforementioned animal.

13. A pet food composition according to any one of claims 9 to 12.

14. The composition according to claim 13, wherein the pet food composition is formulated for use in dogs or cats.

15. The composition according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the animal is a companion animal.

16. The composition according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein the animal is a canid.

17. A method for enhancing the efficacy of Lyme disease vaccines in aged non-human animals, The method includes administering a composition containing colostrum in an amount of 0.01% to 1% by weight to the non-human animal on a regular basis, starting at least 12 weeks prior to the administration of the Lyme disease vaccine. A method wherein the non-human animal is an elderly dog ​​or cat that is more than 75% of the average lifespan of the non-human animal breed.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the composition is a pet food composition.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the non-human animal is a companion animal.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the non-human animal is a canid.

21. A composition for enhancing the efficacy of Lyme disease vaccine in aged animals, wherein the composition contains colostrum in an amount of 0.01% to 1% by weight, The composition is intended to be administered to the animal regularly and continuously for at least 12 weeks prior to the administration of the Lyme disease vaccine. A composition wherein the animal is an elderly dog ​​or cat that is more than 75% of the average lifespan of the animal breed.

22. The composition according to claim 21, which is a pet food composition.

23. The composition according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the animal is a companion animal.

24. The composition according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the animal is a canid.

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