Method for feeding laboratory and decorative rodents using protein-vitamin supplement based on black soldier fly hydrolysate

Abstract

FIELD: veterinary science; animal husbandry; feed production.SUBSTANCE: method for feeding laboratory and decorative rodents. The method is characterized by the fact that extruded feed with an additive is introduced into the animals’ diet for at least 28 days, and the additive used is a protein hydrolysate of Hermetiaillucens larvae in an amount of 0.5% of the feed weight. The protein hydrolysate of Hermetiaillucens larvae is obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis using proteolytic enzymes, dried and introduced into extruded feed as a powder.EFFECT: improving the absorption of feed and the condition of the coat.1 cl, 3 tbl, 3 ex

Description

[0001] Technical field

[0002] The invention relates to veterinary science, animal science, and feed production, specifically to methods for feeding laboratory and pet rodents, including mice, rats, hamsters, and other small domestic animals. The method can also be used in the production of functional animal feed in laboratories, nurseries, and in industrial animal breeding.

[0003] Technology Level

[0004] With growing global demand for protein feed and the push for sustainable livestock farming, alternative protein sources are receiving particular attention. One of the most promising components is insects, among which black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) occupy a key position. Due to their high protein content (up to 60%), balanced amino acid composition, and antimicrobial peptide content, black soldier fly-based products have gained widespread acceptance in poultry, fish, pig, and livestock feed.

[0005] According to EFSA (2017), black soldier fly protein hydrolysates demonstrate high digestibility, bioavailability, and a positive effect on the physiological condition of animals. Studies by Spranghers et al. (2017) and Makkar et al. (2014) emphasize that the introduction of such components into diets contributes to improved feed conversion, disease resistance, and a reduction in inflammatory processes. Research by Gasco et al. (2018) confirmed a positive effect on growth and immune status in fish and poultry.

[0006] However, publications on the use of black soldier fly hydrolysates in the diets of laboratory and pet rodents are extremely limited. However, these animals are widely used in experimental models and as pets, and they require high-quality feed that meets their physiological needs. Given the functional properties of hydrolysates, particularly the presence of short peptides, lauric acid, and B vitamins, they could become an effective component of rodent diets, especially under conditions of stress, shedding, or rehabilitation.

[0007] So, from RU 2843221 C1 (published 07 / 08 / 2025) a method for obtaining food for mice is known, including the addition of black soldier fly, characterized by the fact that a mixture of the following composition is prepared, wt. %: Oats 25 Wheat 15 Black soldier fly 15 Barley 10 Hemp seed 10 Millet 55 Sunflower 5 Peanuts 5 Carrots 5 Apple 5, to which the probiotic supplement Bacillus subtilis is added - 5 mg per 100 g of the mixture, after which it is granulated.

[0008] However, the protected feed does not provide high bioavailability of amino acids, and the protected feed does not have a studied effect on the skin and hair coat and behavioral state of animals during the specified feeding time.

[0009] The closest to the claimed method is the method protected in patent RU 2654095 C1 (published 05 / 16 / 2018) for feeding animals and poultry, including the administration of compound feed with a stabilizing additive, characterized in that in order to increase live weight gain, increase meat productivity and improve the quality of meat, the antioxidant "Bisphenol-5" is used as a stabilizing additive, which is introduced into the compound feed at a concentration of 0.00019-0.00152% by weight.

[0010] The disadvantages of this well-known feed include the possible risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular and reproductive disorders, as well as developmental abnormalities caused by the addition of the antioxidant "Bisphenol-5", as well as the uncertainty of the feeding period for animals necessary for predictable control of live weight gain.

[0011] The objective of the claimed invention is to develop a method for feeding laboratory and decorative rodents that would eliminate the shortcomings identified in the prior art.

[0012] The technical result of the claimed invention is the creation of a method for feeding laboratory and decorative rodents that ensures increased feed absorption, improved coat condition, stabilization of body weight, increased adaptability and stress resistance of laboratory and decorative rodents.

[0013] The technical result is achieved in that the method for feeding laboratory and decorative rodents includes introducing extruded feed with an additive into the animals' diet for at least 28 days, wherein the additive is a protein hydrolysate of Hermetia illucens larvae in an amount of 0.5% of the feed weight, wherein the protein hydrolysate of Hermetia illucens larvae is obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis using proteolytic enzymes, then dried and introduced in the form of powder into the extruded feed.

[0014] Additional results of the invention are:

[0015] - high bioavailability and digestibility of protein;

[0016] - improving the physiological condition of animals (coat, weight, activity);

[0017] - easy to implement in industry (can be added at the post-press mixing stage);

[0018] - environmental sustainability - use of renewable raw materials (insects).

[0019] Implementation of the invention.

[0020] The method is as follows.

[0021] Hermetia illucens larval protein hydrolysate is initially obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis using proteolytic enzymes such as alcalase, protamex, or flavoenzyme. Enzymatic hydrolysis is carried out at a temperature of 50-55°C and a pH of 7.5-8.0 for 4-6 hours until a hydrolysis degree of at least 20% is achieved.

[0022] The resulting hydrolysate is dried, for example, by spray drying in a drying chamber at a feed temperature of 160-180°C and an outlet temperature of 70-80°C for 15-25 minutes, depending on the moisture content of the initial solution. Freeze drying at a temperature of 50°C and a pressure of 0.01 atm for 24-36 hours is also possible.

[0023] The dried product is ground to a powder, for example, using an industrial blender or mill, for 1-2 minutes at 9000 rpm to obtain particles smaller than 200 microns. The resulting powder is used as a protein and vitamin supplement.

[0024] The additive is introduced into a granule of extruded compound feed containing, for example, a mixture of the following components, wt.%: Wheat - 25; Corn - 15; Black soldier fly (including hydrolysate) - 10; Barley - 10; Buckwheat seeds - 5; Hemp seed - 5; Millet - 5; Sunflower - 5; Other components (e.g., peanuts, carrots, apples) - up to 100.

[0025] The mixture is extruded at a temperature of 120-140°C, humidity of 18-22%, pressure of 30-40 atm, followed by cooling and drying to a humidity of no more than 12%.

[0026] Then the rodents are fed with the resulting food daily for at least 28 days.

[0027] Examples of the invention

[0028] As part of the development of the claimed method, the palatability and impact of a protein-vitamin supplement based on black soldier fly protein hydrolysate on the overall health of laboratory rodents—CD-1 mice, Wistar rats, and Syrian hamsters—were assessed. The supplement was added to extruded feed at a dosage of 0.5% of the feed weight. Over the course of 28 days, the animals' palatability, weight gain, and appearance were recorded, along with an indirect assessment of their overall health through behavioral responses and the appearance of their skin and coat. The studies were conducted at the Khalifat nursery in Gomel, Republic of Belarus. The data obtained indicate good tolerance and high palatability of the supplemented feed, the absence of adverse reactions, and an improved coat condition.

[0029] Example 1. Six-week-old CD-I mice were fed extruded feed supplemented with black soldier fly hydrolysate at a dose of 0.5% for 28 days. Improvements in feeding rate, hair coat, and body weight gain were noted.

[0030] Example 2. Wistar rats were fed a similar diet at 7 weeks of age. Steady weight gain and improved behavioral performance were observed over 4 weeks.

[0031] Example 3. Syrian hamsters were fed the same food at 8 weeks of age. Their coat condition, activity, and body weight improved, and no side effects were noted.

[0032] The experimental part was conducted at the Khalifat nursery (Gomel, Belarus). The study included three types of laboratory animals: CD-1 mice, Wistar rats, and Syrian hamsters. The animals were 6-8 weeks old and weighed within the normal age range. Two groups were formed for each type: a control group (standard extruded feed) and an experimental group (the same feed supplemented with 0.5% of the test additive). Each group consisted of 15 animals (3 replicates of 5 animals).

[0033] Maintenance conditions: individual cages, temperature 22±2°C, relative humidity 50-60%, lighting 12 / 12 h. Adaptation period is 5 days, duration of the main experiment is 28 days. Feeding and access to water - ad libitum.

[0034] Rated:

[0035] - daily intake (g);

[0036] - weekly body weight gain (g);

[0037] - condition of coat and skin (points, scale 0-3);

[0038] - behavior (scale 0-3: normal, hypoactivity, aggression);

[0039] - stool consistency (visually).

[0040] Data analysis was performed using Statistica v. 13.1. Normality was tested using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and group comparisons were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Differences were considered significant at p<0.05.

[0041] Results and observation tables

[0042]

[0043] The most pronounced improvement in skin and hair condition was observed in hamsters, which may be due to a more pronounced response to the fat-soluble vitamins and lauric acid in their diet. Improvements were also observed in mice and rats, but to a lesser extent.

[0044] The absence of signs of aggression, hyperactivity and stool disorders indicates good tolerability and safety of the supplement.

[0045] The developed feeding method using a black soldier fly protein hydrolysate supplement at a dosage of 0.5% of the extruded feed weight demonstrated good tolerability and a positive effect on body weight gain, skin and hair condition, and behavioral responses in rodents (mice, rats, and hamsters). The obtained data allow us to conclude that the claimed method increases feed digestibility, improves hair condition, stabilizes body weight, enhances adaptability and stress resistance in laboratory and pet rodents. It also allows us to recommend it for feeding pet and laboratory animals, especially during molting, recovery from illness, and under conditions of increased stress.

[0046] The invention can be implemented in a production environment at any facility producing feed with extruded pellets. The finished additive can be packaged as a premix, added during mixing with the base raw material, or administered through a microdosing system. The technology can be adapted for feed for other small animals and birds, including ornamental species.

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