Method of reducing cold stress and / or heat stress of pig, and method of increasing reduced glutathione in pig body

Abstract

This invention provides a pig feed that can improve pork productivity and alleviate cold or heat stress in pigs. The invention relates to a pig feed characterized by containing 0.1-10 ppm of abscisic acid and / or its salts; a method for raising pigs; a method for preventing and / or improving reduced productivity in pigs due to severe cold and / or heat; a method for improving feed efficiency in pigs; a method for improving weight gain in pigs; and a method for enhancing the antioxidant capacity of pigs by increasing reduced glutathione in their bodies. The method is characterized by ingesting the pig feed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This patent application claims priority and interest under the Paris Convention based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-208576 (filed on December 16, 2020), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] This invention relates to a pig feed formulated with abscisic acid (hereinafter also referred to as "ABA"). [Previous Technology]

[0003] The world's main sources of edible meat are beef, pork, chicken, and lamb (including goat). Among them, pork production is roughly equal to chicken production, far exceeding that of beef and lamb, which rank lower. It is also estimated that about 30% of edible meat is pork. The demand for pork as edible meat is extremely high.

[0004] The pigs raised are primarily for meat consumption. Therefore, the goal of pig farms is to produce as many piglets as possible and fatten them to ensure rapid growth. Sows (growing sows) are introduced at approximately 6 months of age, when they begin to show signs of estrus (the period of high fertility), and weigh around 100 kg. They begin mating 2 months later (8 months after birth), when they weigh around 130 kg. Gestation lasts approximately 114 days, and a sow typically gives birth to around 10 piglets per farrowing. After farrowing, the sow nurses her piglets for approximately 3–4 weeks (21–28 days). About one week after weaning, the sow will experience another estrus cycle, repeating mating, pregnancy, and farrowing. Under healthy conditions, pigs will farrow approximately 5 times every 2 years, resulting in an average of over 20 piglets per sow per year. Newborn piglets weigh approximately 1.3 kg. Weaned piglets are raised as fattening pigs by going through the early lactation period, late lactation period (approximately 21 days old), weaning period (approximately 21 to 70 days old), growing period (approximately 70 to 120 days old), and fattening period (approximately 120 to 180 days old), and can be sold at approximately 6 months (25 weeks) old and weighing 110 to 115 kg.

[0005] Regarding pig feeding, 4-5 different feeds are provided to support the various developmental stages mentioned above for fattening. Piglets are fed with sow's milk or artificial milk for approximately 20 days after birth until they reach a weight of approximately 6 kg. During this period, the necessary immunity and strength for growth are developed. Subsequently, well-digestible weaning food is provided to allow the sow to wean. After weaning, the piglets are transferred to a growing pen and fed weaning feed for approximately 50 days until they reach a weight of approximately 30 kg. Afterward, growing feed is provided, followed by fattening feed, for a total of approximately 180 days from birth until they are ready for market.

[0006] As mentioned above, the demand for pork as a type of meat is extremely high, and pork consumption continues to expand. In order to improve the productivity of pork, the properties that pig farmers need to focus on include meat production capacity, robustness, and reproductive capacity. In order to improve these properties, various efforts have been made in the breeding process of pigs, such as crossbreeding.

[0007] Among livestock, pigs are animals with an extremely fast development rate. Correspondingly, the feeding environment, including nutritional supply and hygiene measures, has a significant impact on the growth and physiology of pigs. Regarding the environment surrounding pigs, examples include thermal (warm) environments, physical environments, chemical environments, biological environments, and social environments. In particular, thermal (warm) environments have a significant impact on the productivity of pigs. Thermal environments refer to both extremely cold and extremely hot environments. Especially from newborn piglets to the piglet stage, environmental temperature can significantly affect their development and health; therefore, careful management is crucial.

[0008] When it is too hot for pigs, a decrease in feed intake and an increase in respiratory rate can be observed. When it is too cold for pigs, an increase in feed intake, stiffness, and shivering can be observed. If the hot or cold environment is not adjusted, it will cause cold stress or heat stress in pigs. Under stress, pigs, like humans, can sometimes suffer from depression. Compared to the past, modern factory pig farming shows a trend of pigs being more susceptible to stress and depression. Depression can lead to reduced feed efficiency, and consequently, it is a major cause of tail biting in pigs. Similar to humans, depression can cause some pigs to lose weight, while others accumulate more subcutaneous fat. Furthermore, gastric ulcers are a common disease in pigs, especially observed under stress. Gastric ulcers are so prevalent that reports indicate over 90% of pigs reaching slaughterhouses show symptoms of gastric ulcers. One of the main causes of gastric ulcers in pigs is environmental temperature.

[0009] In particular, the prevention of heat stress in summer is more important because the sweat glands of pigs are basically degenerate. As a countermeasure against heat stress in pigs, there are known studies evaluating the antioxidant capacity of red rice and black rice as pig feed (Non-Patent Literature 1). According to Non-Patent Literature 1, the antioxidant capacity of red rice and black rice can be effectively utilized to reduce oxidative stress in breeding pigs under hot conditions, and oxidative stress in hot conditions can be reduced by feeding it to breeding sows.

[0010] Furthermore, as a strategy for dealing with heat stress in pigs, there are known studies on the effects of mixed feeding of feed rice, barley, and tea processing residues, and the differences in their particle size, on the development, carcass quality, and meat quality of fattening pigs under hot conditions (Non-Patent Literature 2). This relates to a heat stress countermeasure technology for fattening pigs that effectively utilizes the nutritional characteristics of feed rice and barley and the functional characteristics of tea processing residues.

[0011] Abscisic acid is a natural plant hormone that is widely found in plants. It is a substance that carries out physiological activities and signal transmission between cells.

[0012] Abscisic acid is synthesized in the cells of plants when they are subjected to environmental stresses such as dryness and low temperature, and plays a role in drought tolerance, growth inhibition, and seed dormancy. Commercially available formulations containing abscisic acid are used in agriculture and horticulture as so-called plant growth regulators, for example, to improve stress tolerance at or near harvest time and planting time, and to slow down growth rate to regulate flowering time.

[0013] Furthermore, abscisic acid or its salts or esters are used to treat vitamin deficiencies (Patent Document 1), diabetes or immune system diseases (Patent Document 2), and neurodegenerative diseases (Patent Document 3). It has been reported that ABA and flavin, as a precursor in its biosynthesis, are inhibitors of the human bitter taste G-protein coupled receptor (Non-Patent Document 3). Phaseic acid, a metabolite of ABA, has been shown to have neuroprotective effects against ischemic encephalopathy (Non-Patent Document 4).

[0014] As an example of using abscisic acid in livestock or fish, patent documents 4 to 8 can be cited. According to patent document 4, by feeding livestock and fish with feed characterized by containing abscisic acid as an active ingredient, the feeding efficiency, weight gain and meat gain of livestock and fish can be improved, the rearing time can be shortened, and the amount of antibiotics administered can be reduced or eliminated.

[0015] Patent document 5 discloses a composition comprising abscisic acid, its salts, derivatives and analogs, and a method for using the composition to improve the weight gain of animal offspring after birth.

[0016] Patent document 6 discloses a composition comprising abscisic acid, its salts and derivatives, and a method for improving feed efficiency, the method comprising administering abscisic acid, its salts and derivatives to livestock or fish.

[0017] Patent Document 7 discloses a composition comprising abscisic acid, its salts, derivatives and analogs, and a method for improving the reproductive productivity of animals, the method comprising administering abscisic acid to pregnant animals.

[0018] Patent Document 8 discloses a composition comprising abscisic acid, its salts, and derivatives, and a method for reducing mortality, the method comprising administering abscisic acid, its salts, and derivatives to chickens. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0019] [Patent Document 1] US Patent No. 3,958,025 [Patent Document 2] US Patent No. 7,741,367 [Patent Document 3] US Patent No. 7,718,699 [Patent Document 4] WO2012037561 [Patent Document 5] US Patent No. 9,591,867 [Patent Document 6] US Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0250209 [Patent Document 7] US Patent No. 10,238,613 [Patent Document 8] US Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0030269 [Non-Patent Documents]

[0020] [Non-Patent Literature 1] Journal of the Japanese Swine Association 49 (3) 109-116, 2012.9 [Non-Patent Literature 2] Journal of the Japanese Swine Association 49 (1) 1-13, 2012.3 [Non-Patent Literature 3] Pydi, et al., Biochemistry, 2015, 54, 2622-2631 [Non-Patent Literature 4] Hou, et al., The Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2016, 291, 27007-27022 [Summary of the Invention]

[0021] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0022] As mentioned above, the demand for pork as a type of edible meat is extremely high, and pork consumption continues to expand. Therefore, the object of this invention is to provide a feed that improves the productivity of pork. Furthermore, cold stress or heat stress can lead to various drawbacks such as reduced productivity and decreased feed intake. Therefore, the object of this invention is to provide a feed that can alleviate cold stress or heat stress. [Technical Means for Solving the Problem]

[0023] The inventors conducted intensive research in order to develop a feed that can improve the productivity of pork and alleviate cold stress or heat stress. As a result, they found that by adding a specified amount of abscisic acid and / or its salt to the feed of pigs, the above-mentioned objective can be achieved, thereby completing the present invention.

[0024] That is, the present invention relates to: a pig feed, characterized in that it contains abscisic acid and / or its salts; a method for raising pigs, a method for preventing and / or improving the reduced productivity of pigs due to severe cold and / or heat, and a method for improving the feed efficiency of pigs, wherein the methods use a composition of the above-mentioned pig feed or pig feed.

[0025] Therefore, the present invention includes the following: [1] A pig feed, wherein the feed contains 0.1 to 10 ppm of abscisic acid and / or its salts. [2] The pig feed as described in [1], which is used to alleviate cold stress and / or heat stress. [3] The pig feed as described in [2], wherein the alleviation of cold stress and / or heat stress refers to the prevention and / or improvement of reduced productivity in pigs due to cold stress and / or heat stress. [4] The pig feed as described in [3], wherein the reduction in productivity refers to a reduction in feed efficiency and / or survival rate. [5] A method of raising pigs, characterized in that: the pigs are fed the pig feed as described in [1]. [6] A method of preventing and / or improving reduced productivity in pigs due to cold and / or heat, characterized in that: the pigs are fed the pig feed as described in [1]. [7] A method for improving feed efficiency in pigs, characterized in that: the pigs consume pig feed as described in [1]. [8] The pig feed as described in [1] is used to increase reduced glutathione. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] The pig feed of the present invention can alleviate cold stress or heat stress in pigs, and can prevent and / or improve the decline in productivity caused by severe cold stress and / or heat stress. That is, the pig feed of the present invention can be used for pig raising as a pig feed that is also excellent in terms of weight gain and feed efficiency under severe cold stress and / or heat stress environments.

Implementation Method

[0027] The "abscisic acid and / or its salts" formulated in the pig feed of the present invention are preferably (S)-(+)-abscisic acid (hereinafter also referred to as "S-abscisic acid" or "S-ABA") and / or its salts, which are mirror isomers of abscisic acid. S-abscisic acid has the following structure. [Chemical 1]

[0028] Examples of abscisic acid salts that can be used in this invention include: inorganic acid salts, such as ammonium salts, lithium salts, sodium salts, potassium salts, and magnesium salts; and organic acid salts, such as triethanolamine salts, diethanolamine salts, and ethanolamine salts. In this invention, the invention is not limited to these salts, and other salts may also be used. In this invention, ammonium salts are preferred. Other preferred salts in this invention are sodium and potassium salts. The salt can be produced by contacting the abscisic acid with a sufficient amount of the desired alkali, and by conventional methods. The free acid can be regenerated by treating the salt with a suitable diluted acid solution, such as diluted sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, or phosphoric acid. Free acids differ in certain physical properties, such as solubility in polar solvents, and in the form of their respective salts, but all can be used in this invention. The abscisic acid salts that can be used in this invention can be pharmaceutically acceptable salts.

[0029] The particle size of ABA is preferably 0.03 to 3 mm, more preferably 0.1 to 1 mm. The particle size of the added ABA can be adjusted by sieving.

[0030] There are no particular limitations on the manufacture of abscisic acid itself, and previously known methods can be used. For example, the manufacturing method using Botrytis fungi (Japanese Patent Publication No. 61-35838) and the manufacturing method using Cercospora rosicola [Experimenta 33,1556 (1977), Japanese Patent Publication No. 58-36393, Japanese Patent Publication No. 56-160996] are well known.

[0031] There are no particular limitations on the bacteria used in the manufacture of ABA, as long as they are abscisic acid-producing bacteria belonging to the genus *Botrytis* or *Cercospora*, including common variants or bacteria produced through mutation treatment. A specific example of an abscisic acid-producing bacteria belonging to the genus *Botrytis* is *Botrytis cinerea* FERM P-6156. The bacteriological properties of this abscisic acid-producing *Botrytis* have been studied in Japanese Patent Publication No. 61-35838.

[0032] The culture medium used to generate abscisic acid is a solid or liquid culture medium. This culture medium may contain, individually or in combination with two or more of the following components: carbon sources such as wheat bran, wheat, rice, sugarcane, potato, glucose, maltose, malt extract, sucrose, dextrin, molasses, and starch; and nitrogen sources such as defatted soybean flour, soybean flour, gluten, yeast extract, peptone, meat broth, and corn extract. Furthermore, inorganic substances such as magnesium salts, potassium salts, sodium salts, and phosphates may be added, and vitamins, oils, and other substances may also be added.

[0033] The culture medium thus obtained is sterilized using conventional methods to prepare a substantially sterile culture medium before inoculation. The method employed is as follows: a sterilizing solution containing the spore portion of an abscisic acid-producing strain belonging to the genus *Botrytis* is used to evenly disperse the spores in the culture medium, thereby inoculating the spores into the sterilized culture medium. In this case, it is not a problem if mycelial portions other than spores are mixed in. By inoculating and culturing the spores, a more uniform culture can be achieved, thereby rapidly accumulating abscisic acid to a high concentration.

[0034] Regarding culture conditions, the culture temperature is typically 10–40°C, preferably 20–30°C; the pH of the culture medium is typically 3–12, preferably 4–8; and the culture time is typically 1–30 days, preferably 5–15 days. A culture system that eliminates the possibility of contamination by other microorganisms should be used for culture. Furthermore, aerated and agitated culture is particularly preferred. Abscisic acid is also generated during static culture, but aerated and agitated culture significantly promotes its formation.

[0035] Subsequently, after the culture is completed, in order to isolate abscisic acid from the culture medium, a common method can be used, such as the method described below. First, the bacterial cells are removed from the culture medium by centrifugation, the supernatant is adsorbed by activated carbon, and then dissolved using an organic solvent. The dissolution solvent at this time can be, for example, acetone, methanol, ethanol, etc. The abscisic acid transferred into the dissolution solution can be isolated and purified from the culture mixture by applying general purification methods and common organic compound purification methods, such as common fractional extraction, adsorption, partitioning, thin-layer chromatography, distillation, etc.

[0036] The abscisic acid-based pig feed of the present invention can be prepared by adding a specified amount of abscisic acid and / or its salt to conventionally used pig feed. Pig feed additives containing abscisic acid and / or its salt can be added to conventionally used pig feed. There are no particular restrictions on the administration of the abscisic acid-based pig feed of the present invention to pigs; it is simpler and therefore preferable to administer it to pigs by mixing a specified amount of abscisic acid and / or its salt into pig feed. The abscisic acid-based pig feed of the present invention can also be used as feed for sows (growing pigs) preparing to give birth, but it is preferred as feed for newborn piglets.

[0037] The amount of abscisic acid and / or its salts prepared may be, for example, 0.1 to 10 ppm, preferably 0.5 to 5 ppm, more preferably 0.5 to 2 ppm, and even more preferably 1 to 2 ppm.

[0038] The abscisic acid-infused pig feed of the present invention can be prepared by incorporating abscisic acid and / or its salts into conventionally used pig feed. There are no particular limitations on the pig feed used herein, and it may contain at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of: (examples include) Abyssinian oats, millet, barley, extruded wheat, extruded rice, extruded soybeans, extruded corn, peas, oats, barley, sugar-treated and heat-treated soybeans, sweet potatoes, soybean flour, millet, cassava, cassava flour, millet (milo), brown rice, sesame, wheat, wheat flour, and finger grains. Millet, wheat bran, Sudan grass, fine-stalked millet, polished white rice, buckwheat, broad beans, soybeans, hulled lupins, millet-like grains, dextrin, barnyard millet (pearl millet), corn, corn flour, quinoa (tiger claw bean), rye, potato starch, bread flour, barnyard millet, chickpeas, puffed soybeans, puffed hulled soybeans, rice, sorghum, rye, lupins, and other grains; rice bran, barley lees, barley lees, soluble barley lees, soluble barley lees, gluten meal, citric acid fermented meal, gluten-fermented meal, brown rice lees, soluble brown rice lees, wheat / brown rice lees, wheat lees, soluble wheat lees, soluble wheat / corn lees, rice lees, rice bran, rice germ, corn bran, lees, distillers' grains, soy sauce meal, screening Pellets, refined white rice / wheat brewing lees, refined white rice / wheat / brown sugar syrup brewing lees, soluble refined white rice brewing lees, soybean hulls, beet syrup / wheat brewing lees, beet syrup brewing lees, starch residue (sweet potato starch residue, cassava starch residue, potato starch residue), molasses-soluble brewing lees, corn / barley brewing lees, soluble corn / barley brewing lees, soluble corn / barley brewing lees, corn brewing lees, soluble corn brewing lees, malt roots, brewer's grains, wheat bran, puffed wheat bran, corn grits, wheat bran (barley coarse bran, mixed barley bran, refined barley bran, mixed rye bran), lysine fermented meal, and other bran products; oil palm hollow fruit bunch extract, linseed oil. Soybean meal, extruded soybean meal, extruded peeled soybean meal, extruded rapeseed meal, pea protein, humidified and heated soybean meal, sugar-treated extruded peeled soybean meal, sugar-treated and heated rapeseed meal, sugar-treated and heated soybean meal, kapok seed meal, crushed soybean meal, sesame meal, wheat gluten, wheat gluten enzyme decomposition products, corn gluten meal, corn germ meal (corn sauce meal), safflower meal, peeled safflower meal, soybean meal, peeled soybean meal, soybean germ meal, soybean whey, rapeseed meal, concentrated rice protein, concentrated soybean protein, fermented peeled soybean meal, enzyme decomposition peeled soybean meal, potato protein, palm kernel meal, sunflower seed meal, isolated soybean protein, puffed peeled soybean meal, cottonseed meal, coconut meal, peanut meal, and other vegetable oil meals;Shrimp meal, krill meal, chicken meal, whole chicken meal, casein, crab shell meal, dried pupae, dried whey, fish meal, white fish meal, egg meal, plasma protein, blood meal, enzyme-treated fish protein, enzyme-decomposed dried pig small intestine, pupae powder, gelatin, whole egg enzyme decomposition products, skim milk powder, meat and bone meal, concentrated whey protein, fish sol, fish sol adsorbed feed, feather meal, hydrolyzed pig blood protein, and other animal feeds; as well as flax stalks, flaxseed oil saponification, maltose residue, alfalfa, alfalfa meal, three-fortune beans, L-lactic acid, L-lysine acid, famine peas, cocoa bean shells, pastry crumbs, small sweet bread crumbs, fructose, turnips, sugarcane tops (cane Top of the list includes dried enoki mushroom bed residue, cassava stem and leaf powder, Bermuda grass, fish oil esters, silver acacia stem and leaf powder, kudzu, small black beans, glutamic acid fermentation by-products, alfalfa, green algae, mulberry branch and leaf powder, astragalus, yeast extract, coconut residue, coffee meal, and corn cob powder. (meal), corn extract, konjac powder, sugar, silkworm excrement, diuretic isobutane, calcium fatty acid, sago palm residue, food by-products, vegetable oil saponifications, vegetable rubber substances, vegetable oils, shelled round yeast, round yeast, baker's yeast, brewer's yeast, purified fish meal, flour scraps, soybean germ, soybean oil residue, multi-chain corona, medium- and long-chain calcium fatty acids, tempura batter powder, corn germ (corn sauce), DL-methionine, beet stems and leaves, beet sugar by-products, soybean residue, tofu residue, animal fats, molasses, trehalose, rapeseed oil residue, wild vetch, locust stem and leaf powder (locustleaf meal), lactic acid fermented soy sauce meal / tofu residue, lactose, urea, tropical kudzu, pineapple meal, sugarcane bagasse, pasta residue, fermented tofu residue, beet powder, beet pulp, fescue (Festuca), wine lees, glucose, bluegrass, brome (Bromus) The feed is prepared by appropriately mixing L.), monnieri (Mangelwurzel), orange peel (dried tangerine peel), orange juice residue, trefoil, Lespedeza serrata, cottonseed, cottonseed hulls, wood pulp, rice hulls, wild cabbage, L-lysine sulfate, apple juice residue, rutabaga, lupin hulls, and other feeds. The pig feed used in this invention comprises corn, wheat, sorghum, oats, barley, soybeans, soybean oil meal, rapeseed oil meal, corn distillers' grains solubles, corn bran, wheat bran, and rice bran.

[0039] The pig feed formulated with abscisic acid according to the present invention may further contain vitamins, minerals, guanidine acetic acid, pigments, etc. Examples of the aforementioned vitamins include: L-ascorbic acid, L-calcium ascorbate, sodium L-ascorbate, magnesium L-ascorbate-2-phosphate, acetome naphthone, inositol, diphenylthiamine hydrochloride, vitamin D2, choline chloride, thiamine hydrochloride, pyridoxine hydrochloride, β-carotene, vitamin D3, dl-α-tocopherol acetate, retinyl acetate, vitamin B12, thiamine nitrate, nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, p-aminobenzoic acid, retinyl palmitate, D-calcium pantothenate, DL-calcium pantothenate, d-biotin, vitamin A powder, vitamin A oil, vitamin D powder, vitamin D3 oil, vitamin E powder, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, retinyl propionate, menadione sodium bisulfite, menadione nicotinamide sulfite, folic acid, riboflavin, riboflavin butyrate, etc. Examples of the aforementioned minerals include: zinc chloride, potassium chloride, ferric chloride, copper chloride, basic copper chloride, ferric citrate, ferric ammonium citrate, calcium gluconate, sodium ferric citrate succinate, zinc acetate, cobalt acetate, copper acetate, zinc oxide, copper oxide, magnesium oxide, aluminum hydroxide, manganese hydroxide, selenium, zinc carbonate, cobalt carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, ferric carbonate, magnesium carbonate, manganese carbonate, zinc 2-deamino-hydroxymethionine, DL-threonate, calcium lactate, ferrous fumarate, zinc peptide, iron peptide, copper peptide, manganese peptide, molybdenum, potassium iodide, potassium iodate, calcium iodate, zinc sulfate, zinc methionine sulfate, sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, cobalt sulfate, ferric sulfate, copper sulfate, manganese sulfate, copper lysate complex, potassium hydrogen phosphate, sodium hydrogen phosphate, tricalcium phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen sulfate, etc. Examples of the aforementioned pigments include: astaxanthin, ethyl β-apo-8'-carotene, capsanthin, carbon black, canthaxanthin, citrus peel carotenoids, zeaxanthin, lutein, etc.

[0040] The abscisic acid-containing pig feed of the present invention may further contain flavoring agents, flavoring agents, enzymes, probiotics, organic acids, etc. Examples of flavoring agents include: esters, ethers, ketones, fatty acids, aliphatic higher alcohols, aliphatic higher aldehydes, aliphatic higher hydrocarbons, terpene hydrocarbons, phenolic ethers, phenols, aromatic alcohols, aromatic aldehydes, lactones, etc. Examples of flavoring agents include sodium saccharin. Examples of enzymes include: amylase, alkaline protease, galactosidase, xylanase, xylanase-pectinase complex enzyme, β-glucanase, acidic protease, cellulase, cellulase-protease-pectinase complex enzyme, neutral protease, phytase, mannitol-degrading enzyme, lactase, lipase, etc. Examples of probiotics mentioned above include: *Enterococcus faecalis*, *Enterococcus faecium*, *Clostridium butyricum*, *Saccharomyces cerevisiae*, *Bacillus amyloliquefaciens*, *Bacillus coagulans*, *Bacillus subtilis*, *Bacillus cereus*, *Bacillus badius*, *Bacillus licheniformis*, *Bifidobacterium animalis*, *Bifidobacterium thermophilum*, *Bifidobacterium pseudolongum*, *Pediococcus acidilactici*, and *Lactococcus lactis*. Lactobacillus species include *Lactobacillus acidophilus*, *Lactobacillus salivarius*, *Lactobacillus buchneri*, *Lactobacillus casei*, *Lactobacillus plantarum*, and *Lactobacillus rhamnosus*. Examples of organic acids mentioned above include calcium formate, sodium gluconate, potassium diformate, and fumaric acid.

[0041] Furthermore, synthetic antibacterial agents and antibiotics can be used together in the pig feed formulated with abscisic acid according to the present invention. Examples of the aforementioned synthetic antibacterial agents include: ampicillin-ethoxybenzoyl ester, ampicillin-ethoxybenzoyl ester-sulfaquinoline, chlorpheniramine hydrochloride, morundum citrate, diclazuril, decaoxyquin ester, nacarbazin, styraxone hydrobromide, styraxone polystyrene sulfonate calcium, etc. Examples of the aforementioned antibiotics include: bacitracin zinc, bacitracin, alkyltrimethylammonium calcium oxytetracycline, enramycin, chlortetracycline, sodium chlorate salinomycin, sodium sedulomycin, nanacin, nasitin, dicyclamic acid, flavomycin, maduramycin ammonium, monensin sodium, lasalicin sodium, tylosin phosphate, etc.

[0042] Furthermore, to prevent a decrease in feed quality, the abscisic acid-containing pig feed of the present invention may further contain antioxidants, binders, emulsifiers, and modifiers. Examples of the aforementioned antioxidants include: ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate, calcium ascorbate, α-tocopherol, ethoxyquin, butylated hydroxytoluene, ascorbate palmitate, butylated hydroxymethoxybenzene, etc. Examples of the aforementioned binders include: sodium alginate, sodium caseinate, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, propylene glycol, sodium polyacrylate, etc. Examples of the aforementioned emulsifiers include: glycerol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene glycerol fatty acid esters, etc. Examples of the aforementioned modifiers include: formic acid, etc.

[0043] In addition to the above, the following ingredients may be used alone, or in combination or in combination with several of the following ingredients in the abscisic acid-containing pig feed of the present invention: Acorus calamus, Allium sativum, Anethum graveolens, Artemisia absinthium, Carum carvi, Cinnamomum, Coriandrum sativum, Cuminum cyminum, Curcuma longa, Cymbopogon citratus, Cynara scolymus, Echinacea, Elettaria cardamomum, Foeniculum vulgare, Ginkgo biloba, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hypericum perforatum, and Laurus. nobilis, Levisticum officinale, Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), Melissa officinalis, Mentha spicata, Mentha x piperita, Myristica fragrans, Basil (Ocimum basilicum), Marjoram (Origanum majorana), Origanum vulgare, Panax ginseng, Parsley (Petroselinum sativum), Allspice (Pimenta dioica), Anise (Pimpinella anisum), Pepper (Piper nigrum), Pogostemon cablin, Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Sage (Salvia officinalis), Stevia rebaudiana, Clove (Syzygium aromaticum), Tanacetum vulgare, Taraxacum Herbs such as *Zingiber officinale*, thyme, *Trachyspermum ammi*, and ginger.Among the aforementioned herbs, the following are suitable: calamus (Acorus calamus), garlic (Allium sativum), wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), camphor (Cinnamomum), iris (Echinacea), oregano (Origanum vulgare), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), and thyme. Besides being used in powder form, these herbs can also be extracted to produce essential oils.

[0044] The abscisic acid-based pig feed of the present invention can be used as feed for newborn piglets in the form of meat pig feed, and can improve weight gain. Especially when used in environments with severe cold stress and / or heat stress, the abscisic acid-based pig feed of the present invention can alleviate severe cold stress and / or heat stress. Specifically, it can prevent and / or improve the reduced productivity of pigs due to severe cold stress and / or heat stress, and can improve the weight gain of piglets, and can prevent and / or improve the reduction in feed efficiency and / or survival rate. The feed is provided to piglets from weaning until slaughter. Preferably, the abscisic acid-based pig feed of the present invention is provided to piglets at least at the weaning period (approximately 21-70 days old).

[0045] Furthermore, the abscisic acid-based pig feed of the present invention can also be used as feed for sows (breeding pigs, etc.) preparing to give birth, which can increase the weight of sows, improve feed efficiency, and enhance reproductive productivity. In particular, when used in environments of severe cold stress and / or heat stress, the abscisic acid-based pig feed of the present invention can alleviate severe cold stress and / or heat stress. Specifically, it can prevent and / or improve the reduction in productivity of pigs due to severe cold stress and / or heat stress, and can prevent and / or improve the reduction in feed efficiency and / or survival rate. The abscisic acid-based pig feed of the present invention can be used as feed for sows (breeding pigs, etc.) at any stage of lactation, post-weaning mating, pregnancy, and farrowing.

[0046] By providing pigs with the abscisic acid-infused pig feed of the present invention, the amount of reduced glutathione in the pig's body can be increased. Reduced glutathione is known to capture reactive oxygen species, thus possessing antioxidant properties. An increase in the amount of reduced glutathione in the pig's body indicates that the accumulation of reactive oxygen species is inhibited, the pig's antioxidant capacity is enhanced, and the pig is healthy.

[0047] In this specification, "daily weight gain" is a unit representing the growth rate (weight gain) of livestock, and is generally expressed in grams per day. It is also referred to as the average weight gain per day or daily weight gain.

[0048] In this specification, the term "feed conversion ratio (FCR)" refers to the amount of feed required to produce 1 kg of livestock product, and is the inverse of feed efficiency, expressed by the following formula: Feed conversion ratio = [feed intake (or consumption) (kg) / livestock product yield (kg)]. On the other hand, in this specification, the term "feed efficiency" refers to "livestock product yield (kg) / feed intake (or consumption) (kg)". The term "livestock product yield" refers to the weight gain during the rearing process, also known as "weight gain".

[0049] In this specification, the term “survival rate” for pigs means “the number of weaned piglets” / “the number of piglets nursed by the sow”.

[0050] In this specification, "cold stress" refers to temperature stress at low temperatures. Low temperature means a temperature below room temperature, usually below the more suitable temperature for raising pigs (e.g., 26°C), such as temperatures below 22°C, below 20°C, or below 15°C. In this specification, "heat stress" refers to temperature stress at high temperatures. High temperature means a temperature above room temperature, usually above the more suitable temperature for raising pigs (e.g., 26°C), such as temperatures above 30°C or above 35°C. [Example]

[0051] Hereinafter, the present invention will be further described in detail by way of embodiments, but the present invention is not limited by these embodiments.

[0052] Experiment 1 Effect of Abscisic Acid on Alleviating Reduced Productivity Due to Cold Stress (1) Materials and Methods Eighty-four 28-day-old LWD piglets were introduced for the experiment. The weight of each piglet was measured, and seven piglets were housed in a manner that ensured that the average weight of each interval was equal. Each group was divided into four experimental groups with three intervals (repeated). The rearing period was from 28 to 70 days of age. The test substance used was S-abscisic acid (hereinafter referred to as S-ABA). S-ABA was added to the feed at the concentrations shown in Table 1. The feed containing S-ABA was fed to the piglets daily from 28 to 70 days of age. The experiment was conducted under low temperature conditions from 36 to 70 days of age.

[0053] (2) The experimental groups are set up as follows: 4 groups. Each group has 3 intervals (repeated), and the experimental groups are allocated as shown in Table 1 below. [Table 1] experimental group S-ABA addition concentration (ppm) breeding environment repeat Heads / Repeat Total number of heads 1 0 Suitable temperature 3 7 twenty one 2 0.1 Low temperature 3 7 twenty one 3 0.5 Low temperature 3 7 twenty one 4 1 Low temperature 3 7 twenty one

[0054] (3) All groups were raised at a suitable temperature from 28 to 35 days of age. After 36 days of age, air conditioning was used to manage experimental group 1 at a suitable temperature and experimental groups 2 to 4 at a low temperature. The raising temperature was measured and recorded using a thermometer or hygrometer or data recorder placed near the center of the raising room. The average room temperature of the suitable temperature group was 26.1℃, and the average room temperature of the low temperature group was 20.4℃.

[0055] Regarding feed, the infants were continuously fed pre-weaning, mid-weaning, and post-weaning feeds manufactured by Feed-One Co., Ltd. (2-6 Higashifukashiba, Kamisu City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan). The feed composition is shown in Table 2. Regarding drinking water, the infants had free access to the water via a dispenser with an attached dispenser. Pre-weaning feed was given before 35 days of age, mid-weaning feed was given from 36 to 42 days of age, and post-weaning feed was given after 43 days of age.

[0056] [Table 2] Element Pre-weaning period mid-weaning period late weaning period crude protein 21.5% or more More than 20.5% 19.0% or more Crude fat 4.0% or more 3.0% or more 3.0% or more crude fiber 2.0% or more 3.0% or more 3.5% or more Coarse ash 8.5% or more 8.5% or more 7.0% or more calcium 0.70% or more 0.70% or more 0.60% or more phosphorus 0.60% or more 0.60% or more 0.50% or more Total digestible nutrients More than 87.0% More than 84.0% More than 81.0%

[0057] (4) Observation and measurement items (i) Clinical symptoms: Observe daily. (ii) Weight: Measure weight at 28, 35 and 70 days of age, and calculate the average weight gain between 35 and 70 days of age during the measurement period. (iii) Feed intake: Measure daily for each interval, and calculate the weekly feed intake per head. Furthermore, calculate the feed conversion ratio (feed intake / weight gain) based on the average feed intake during the measurement process and the average weight gain between intervals.

[0058] This study investigated whether adding abscisic acid (ABA) to feed at concentrations of 0.1, 0.5, and 1 ppm could alleviate the decrease in productivity caused by severe cold stress. The results are shown in Tables 3-5.

[0059] (Clinical symptoms) No abnormalities were found in any of the individuals.

[0060] (Weight gain) As shown in Table 3, compared with the group fed at the appropriate temperature, the groups fed at low temperature and supplemented with ABA also showed an increase in weight gain despite being exposed to the low temperature environment, confirming the effect of reducing the cold stress of ABA (reduced weight gain).

[0061] [Table 3] breeding environment ABA addition concentration (ppm) Weight gain (kg, average) Suitable temperature 0 15.25 Low temperature 0.1 16.99 0.5 16.40 1.0 17.00

[0062] (Feed intake) As shown in Table 4, compared with the group fed at a suitable temperature, an increase in feed intake was observed in each group fed at a low temperature and supplemented with ABA, confirming the effect of reducing the cold stress of ABA (reduction in feed intake).

[0063] [Table 4] breeding environment ABA addition concentration (ppm) Feed intake (kg, average) Suitable temperature 0 28.80 Low temperature 0.1 29.81 0.5 29.91 1.0 30.30

[0064] (Feed Conversion Rate) As shown in Table 5, compared with the group fed at a suitable temperature, the groups fed at low temperature and supplemented with ABA also showed low feed conversion rates despite being exposed to a low temperature environment, confirming the effect of reducing the cold stress of ABA (reduction in feed conversion rate).

[0065] [Table 5] breeding environment ABA addition concentration (ppm) Feed conversion ratio (feed intake / weight gain, average) Suitable temperature 0 4.45 Low temperature 0.1 4.40 0.5 4.29 1.0 4.41

[0066] Experiment 2: Effect of Abscisic Acid on Alleviating Reduced Productivity Due to Heat Stress (1) Materials and Methods: 84 28-day-old three-way crossbred (LWD) piglets were introduced for the experiment. The weight of each piglet was measured, and 7 piglets were housed in each interval to ensure that the average weight of each interval was equal. Each group was divided into 4 experimental groups with 3 intervals (repeated). The rearing period was from 28 to 70 days of age, and the test substance was S-ABA. S-ABA was added to the feed at the concentrations shown in Table 6. The feed containing S-ABA was fed to the piglets daily from 28 to 70 days of age. The experiment was conducted under high temperature conditions from 36 to 70 days of age.

[0067] (2) The experimental groups are set up as follows: 4 groups. Each group has 3 intervals (repeated), and the experimental groups are allocated as shown in Table 6 below. [Table 6] experimental group ABA concentration (ppm) breeding environment repeat Heads / Repeat Total number of heads 1 0 Suitable temperature 3 7 twenty one 2 0.1 high temperature 3 7 twenty one 3 0.5 high temperature 3 7 twenty one 4 1 high temperature 3 7 twenty one

[0068] (3) All groups were raised at a suitable temperature from 28 to 35 days of age. After 36 days of age, air conditioning was used to manage experimental group 1 at a suitable temperature and experimental groups 2 to 4 at a high temperature. The raising temperature was measured and recorded using a thermometer or hygrometer or data recorder placed near the center of the raising room. The average room temperature of the suitable temperature group was 26.1℃, and the average room temperature of the high temperature group was 30.6℃.

[0069] Regarding feed, similar to Example 1, pre-weaning, mid-weaning, and post-weaning feed manufactured by Feed-One Co., Ltd. (2-6 Higashifukashiba, Kamisu City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan) was continuously provided. The feed composition is shown in Table 7. Regarding drinking water, free access was achieved through a water dispenser with an attached dispensing mechanism. Pre-weaning feed was provided until 35 days of age, mid-weaning feed was provided from 36 to 42 days of age, and post-weaning feed was provided after 43 days of age. [Table 7] Element Pre-weaning period mid-weaning period late weaning period crude protein 21.5% or more More than 20.5% 19.0% or more Crude fat 4.0% or more 3.0% or more 3.0% or more crude fiber 2.0% or more 3.0% or more 3.5% or more Coarse ash 8.5% or more 8.5% or more 7.0% or more calcium 0.70% or more 0.70% or more 0.60% or more phosphorus 0.60% or more 0.60% or more 0.50% or more Total digestible nutrients More than 87.0% More than 84.0% More than 81.0%

[0070] (4) Observation and Measurement Items (i) Clinical Symptoms: Observe daily. (ii) Weight: Measure weight at 28, 35 and 70 days of age, and calculate the average weight gain during the measurement period from 35 to 70 days of age. (iii) Feed Intake: Measure daily for each interval, and calculate the weekly feed intake per head. Furthermore, calculate the feed conversion ratio (feed intake / weight gain) based on the average feed intake during the measurement process and the average weight gain during the interval.

[0071] This study investigated whether adding abscisic acid (ABA) to feed at concentrations of 0.1, 0.5, and 1 ppm could alleviate the decline in productivity caused by heat stress. The results are shown in Tables 8-10.

[0072] (Clinical symptoms) No abnormalities were found in any of the individuals.

[0073] (Weight gain) As shown in Table 8, compared with the group fed at a suitable temperature, the groups fed at high temperature and supplemented with ABA also showed an increase in weight gain despite being exposed to a high temperature environment, confirming the effect of reducing the heat stress of ABA (reduced weight gain).

[0074] [Table 8] breeding environment ABA addition concentration (ppm) Weight gain (kg, average) Suitable temperature 0 15.60 high temperature 0.1 18.04 0.5 18.25 1.0 19.02

[0075] (Feed intake) As shown in Table 9, compared with the group fed at a suitable temperature, the groups fed at high temperature and supplemented with ABA also showed an increase in feed intake despite being exposed to a high temperature environment, confirming the effect of reducing the heat stress of ABA (reduction in feed intake).

[0076] [Table 9] breeding environment ABA concentration (ppm) Feed intake (kg, average) Suitable temperature 0 28.7 high temperature 0.1 30.7 0.5 29.7 1.0 32.9

[0077] (Feed Conversion Rate) As shown in Table 10, compared with the group fed at a suitable temperature, except for the group with 0.1 ppm of ABA, the groups fed at high temperature and with added ABA, despite being exposed to high temperature, also showed low feed conversion rates, confirming the effect of reducing the heat stress (reduction in feed efficiency) of ABA.

[0078] [Table 10] breeding environment ABA concentration (ppm) Feed conversion ratio (feed intake / weight gain, average) Suitable temperature 0 4.40 high temperature 0.1 4.54 0.5 4.25 1.0 3.91

[0079] Experiment 3 The effect of S-ABA administration was verified by increasing the production of reduced glutathione by abscisic acid in the following manner. (1) Materials and methods Twelve 8-month-old nulliparous pigs were introduced for the experiment. After artificial insemination, the amount of S-ABA (particle size 0.1-1 mm) shown in Table 11 was administered in the mixed feed for about 40 days.

[0080] [Table 11] experimental group S-ABA addition concentration (ppm) 3-1 0 3-2 10

[0081] (2) Observation and measurement items (i) Clinical symptoms: Observe daily. (ii) Intestinal collection: Dissect and collect small intestine at about the 40th day of pregnancy.

[0082] (Clinical symptoms) No abnormalities were found in any of the individuals.

[0083] (Reduced glutathione in small intestinal mucosa and epithelial cells) The results of the determination of reduced glutathione in the small intestine after approximately 40 days of administration are shown in Table 12. The amount of reduced glutathione contained in 1 g of small intestinal tissue was quantified using a commercially available glutathione assay kit (Tongren Chemical; GSSH / GSH quantification kit). Compared with the test without S-ABA administration (No. 3-1), the amount of reduced glutathione in the small intestinal tissue was significantly increased in the test in which 10 ppm of S-ABA was administered to the feed (No. 3-2).

[0084] [Table 12] experimental group Reduced glutathione content (μmol / g wet wipe) 3-1 0.137 3-2 0.234 [Industrial Applicability]

[0085] The abscisic acid-infused pig feed of the present invention is prepared by adding abscisic acid and / or its salts to pig feed, and can be used as a pig feed with excellent weight gain and feed efficiency. The abscisic acid-infused pig feed of the present invention can be used as pig feed to improve productivity, alleviate cold or heat stress, prevent and / or improve reduced productivity due to severe cold and / or heat stress, and prevent and / or improve reduced feed efficiency and / or survival rate. Furthermore, when fed to pigs, the abscisic acid-infused pig feed of the present invention can increase the amount of reduced glutathione in the pig's body and enhance the pig's antioxidant capacity.

Claims

1. Use of abscisic acid and / or its salts for manufacturing a pig feed for a method of alleviating cold stress and / or heat stress in pigs, the pig feed containing 0.1 to 10 ppm of abscisic acid and / or its salts, the method comprising providing feed to weaned piglets (21 to 70 days old).

2. As requested in item 1, the mitigation of severe cold stress and / or heat stress refers to the prevention and / or improvement of reduced productivity in pigs caused by severe cold stress and / or heat stress.

3. As claimed in claim 2, wherein the reduction in productivity refers to a reduction in feed efficiency and / or survival rate.

4. Use of abscisic acid and / or its salts in a pig feed for a method of increasing reduced glutathione in pigs, the pig feed containing 0.1 to 10 ppm of abscisic acid and / or its salts, the method comprising feeding piglets at weaning age (21 to 70 days old).