Anticaking formulation for inhibition of dry mold growth and preservation of livestock feed

Abstract

The present document describes a livestock feed preservation composition comprising preservative comprising an organic acids or salts thereof, parabens, proprionates, antimicrobial essential oils or active ingredients thereof, anticaking agents and filler materials. Also described are the use of the livestock feed preservation composition for the inhibition of mold growth and prevention of formation of lump in a livestock feed.

Description

File No.: P6456PC00 ANTICAKING FORMULATION FOR INHIBITION OF DRY MOLD GROWTH AND PRESERVATION OF LIVESTOCK FEED CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority of United States provisional patent application No. 63 / 530,567 filed on August 3, 2023, the specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND (a) Field

[0002] The subject matter disclosed generally relates to livestock feed preservation composition. More specifically, the subject matter relates to livestock feed preservation composition comprising preservative comprising an organic acids or salts thereof, parabens, proprionates, antimicrobial essential oils or active ingredients thereof, anticaking agents and filler materials. (b) Related Prior Art

[0003] The use of mold inhibitor, anticaking agents and other preservatives in animal feed is common to help prevent feed spoilage and improve ease of handling. Organics acids are known to be efficient for the control the of fungi growth in animal feed. However, not all organic acids have the same potency to control those harmful fungi, particularly when there is moisture content fluctuation within the animal feed. To overcome moisture fluctuation and prevent crump of animal feed caused increased moisture due to, for example, seasonal temperature variation, anticaking agents are often used to absorb the potential extra moisture.

[0004] However, while combining well-known additives to provide the function of mold inhibitor, anticaking and preservative would appear to provide a significant advantage and cost saving for the industry, not all of these ingredients are compatible with one another, such that they may interact and alter the individual activity each actives mold inhibitor, anticaking, and preservative. Moreover, organic acids possess unpleasant aromas, which deter animals from consuming the feed they are given, and the use of particular flavoring agents is critical to ensure that the animal feed will remain palatable to animals.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for livestock feed preservation composition that will prevent financial losses due to fungal degradation of animal / livestock feed, while improving the palatability of such animal / livestock feed. SUMMARY

[0006] According to an embodiment, there is provided a livestock feed preservation composition comprising:File No.: P6456US00 a) from about 15% to about 25% w / w of a preservative comprising an organic acid or an organic acid salt thereof, a paraben, a proprionate, and an antimicrobial essential oil or an active ingredient thereof; b) from about 15% to about 20% w / w of an anticaking agent comprising a silicate mineral; and c) a filler material up to 100% w / w.

[0007] The organic acid or organic acid salt thereof may comprise benzoic acid, sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate, calcium benzoate, citric acid, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, calcium citrate, formic acid, sodium formate, potassium formate, calcium formate, propionic acid, sodium propionate, potassium propionate, calcium propionate, or combinations thereof.

[0008] The organic acid or organic acid salt thereof may comprise from about 12% to about 14% w / w of the total weight of the composition of benzoic acid, sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate, calcium benzoate, or a combination thereof.

[0009] The organic acid or organic acid salt thereof may comprise about 12.5% w / w benzoic acid and about 0.5% sodium benzoate.

[0010] The organic acid or organic acid salt thereof may comprise from about 3% to about 6% w / w of the total weight of the composition of propionic acid, sodium propionate, potassium propionate, calcium propionate, or a combination thereof.

[0011] The organic acid or organic acid salt thereof may comprise about 5% w / w calcium propionate.

[0012] The organic acid or organic acid salt thereof may comprise from about 1% to about 3% w / w of the total weight of the composition of citric acid, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, calcium citrate, or combinations thereof.

[0013] The organic acid or organic acid salt thereof may comprise about 2.5% w / w citric acid.

[0014] The organic acid or organic acid salt thereof may comprise from about 0.05% to about 1% w / w of the total weight of the composition of formic acid, sodium formate, potassium formate, calcium formate, or combinations thereof.

[0015] The organic acid or organic acid salt thereof may comprise about 0.1% w / w formic acid.

[0016] The preservative may comprise from about 0.025% to about 1% w / w of the total weight of the composition of said paraben.File No.: P6456US00

[0017] The paraben may comprise methyl paraben, propyl parapen, and a combination thereof.

[0018] The antimicrobial essential oil or an active ingredient thereof may comprise thyme oil, thymol, carvacrol, cinnamon oil, cinnamaldehyde, or combinations thereof.

[0019] The antimicrobial essential oil or an active ingredient thereof may constitute from about 0.5% to about 2% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0020] The antimicrobial essential oil or an active ingredient thereof may comprise 0.9% w / w cinnamaldehyde and 0.5% w / w thyme oil.

[0021] The silicate mineral may comprise an aluminium silicate, a clay, a diatomaceous earth, or combinations thereof.

[0022] The aluminium silicate may comprise a zeolite, a kaolinite, a sodium aluminosilicate, and combinations thereof.

[0023] The clay may comprise a bentonite, a montmorillonite, and a combination thereof.

[0024] The bentonite may be sodium bentonite.

[0025] The silicate mineral may comprise from about 2% to about 4% w / w of the total weight of the composition of said aluminium silicate.

[0026] The aluminium silicate may comprise about 2.5% w / w of a zeolite, about 0.1% w / w of a kaolinite, and about 1.4% w / w of a sodium aluminosilicate.

[0027] The silicate mineral may comprise from about 10% to about 15% w / w of the total weight of the composition of said clay.

[0028] The clay may comprise about 10% w / w of bentonite sodium and about 2.5% w / w montmorillonite.

[0029] The silicate mineral may comprise from about 2.5% of the total weight of the composition of said diatomaceous earth.

[0030] The filler material may comprise limestone powder, ground grain, and a combination thereof.

[0031] The ground grain may comprise ground barley.

[0032] The livestock feed preservation composition may further comprise a dust suppressant.File No.: P6456US00

[0033] The dust suppressant may constitute from about 4% to about 8% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0034] The dust suppressant may comprise calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, a mineral oil, or combinations thereof.

[0035] The dust suppressant may comprise about 5% w / w calcium chloride and about 1% w / w of mineral oil.

[0036] The livestock feed preservation composition may further comprise a flavoring component.

[0037] The flavoring component may constitute about 0.1% to about 0.5% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0038] The flavoring component may comprise licorice extract, balsam oil, and a combination thereof.

[0039] The livestock feed preservation composition may further comprise a binder.

[0040] The binder may constitute from about from about 10% to about 15% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0041] The binder may comprise a lignin sulfonate, a polyvinylpyrrolidone, a yeast, charcoal powder, or combinations thereof.

[0042] The binder may comprise about 12.5% w / w of a lignin sulfonate, 0.8% w / w of a polyvinylpyrrolidone, 0.8% w / w of a yeast, and 0.3% w / w of charcoal powder.

[0043] According to another embodiment, there is provided a method for the inhibition of mold growth in a livestock feed, comprising contacting said livestock feed with the livestock feed preservation composition of the present invention.

[0044] According to another embodiment, there is provided a method for preventing the formation of lump in a livestock feed comprising contacting said livestock feed with the livestock feed preservation composition of the present invention.

[0045] The following terms are defined below.

[0046] The term “dietary supplement” is intended to mean a manufacture product intended to supplement the diet of a subject. The supplement may be a pill, capsule, tablet, powder, granules or liquid. A dietary supplement can provide nutrients either extracted from food sources or that are synthetic in order to increase the quantity of their consumption. Dietary supplements can also containFile No.: P6456US00 substances that have not been confirmed as being essential to life but are marketed as having a beneficial biological effect.

[0047] The term “food” is intended to mean any substance consumed to provide nutritional support for an organism or subject. Food is usually of plant, animal or fungal origin, and contains essential nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, or minerals.

[0048] The term “antimicrobial” is intended to mean an agent (a compound, or mixture of compounds) that kills microorganisms (a microbicide) or stops their growth (a microbiostatic). An antimicrobial can be grouped according to the microorganisms they act primarily against. For example, antibiotics, bactericides or bacteriostatics are used against bacteria, and antifungals are used against fungi. Antimicrobials may have efficacy against one or more type of microbes.

[0049] The term “composition” as used herein is intended to encompass a product comprising the specified ingredients in the specified amounts, as well as any product which results, directly or indirectly, from combination of the specified ingredients in the specified amounts. Such term in relation to pharmaceutical composition or other compositions in general, is intended to encompass a product comprising the active ingredient(s) and the inert ingredient(s) that make up the carrier, as well as any product which results, directly or indirectly, from combination, complexation or aggregation of any two or more of the ingredients, or from dissociation of one or more of the ingredients, or from other types of reactions or interactions of one or more of the ingredients. Accordingly, the pharmaceutical compositions or other compositions in general of the present invention encompass any composition made by admixing a compound of the present invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. By “pharmaceutically acceptable” or “acceptable” it is meant the carrier, diluent or excipient must be compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation and not deleterious to the recipient thereof. According to some embodiments, the composition may be an ophthalmic composition, which may be formulated as any one of a solution, an ointment, a cream, a lotion, eye drops or an eye gel.

[0050] The term “subject” as used herein, is a human patient or other animal such as another mammal including a bovine, an ovine, a canine, a caprine, an equine, a feline, a porcine, other primates and a rodent. Birds may also be included, for example chicken, turkey or duck.

[0051] The terms “livestock feed” or “animal feed” are intended to mean food given to domestic animals, especially livestock, in the course of animal husbandry. There are two basic types of such feed: fodder and forage. As known in the art, the terms livestock feed and / or animal feed more often refers to fodder, but could also mean forage, in the context of the present invention. As used herein, “fodder” refers particularly to foods or forages given to the animals which includes plants cut and carried to them, rather than that which they forage for themselves. It includes hay, straw, silage, compressedFile No.: P6456US00 and pelleted feeds, oils and mixed rations, and sprouted grains and legumes. Feed grains are the most important source of animal feed globally. The two most important feed grains are maize and soybean, but also include wheat, oats, barley, and rice, among many others. Traditional sources of animal feed include household food scraps and the byproducts of food processing industries such as milling and brewing. Material remaining from milling oil crops like peanuts, soy, and corn are important sources of fodder. Scraps fed to pigs are called slop, and those fed to chicken are called chicken scratch. Brewer’s spent grain is a byproduct of beer making that is widely used as animal feed. Compound feed is fodder that is blended from various raw materials and additives. These blends are formulated according to the specific requirements of the target animal. They are manufactured by feed compounders as meal type, pellets, or crumbles. The main ingredients used in commercially prepared feed are the feed grains, which include corn, soybeans, sorghum, oats, and barley. Compound feed may also include premixes, which may also be sold separately. Premixes are composed of micro ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, chemical preservatives, antibiotics, fermentation products, and other ingredients all blended into commercial rations. Because of the availability of these products, farmers who use their own grain can formulate their own rations and be assured that their animals are getting the recommended levels of minerals and vitamins. All embodiments of livestock feed or animal feed may be treated with the livestock feed preservation composition of the present invention.

[0052] The term “preservation” is intended to mean keeping the animal / livestock feed intact, or free from damage or decay, particularly free of fungal growth or the growth of other unwanted microorganisms, as well as keeping the animal / livestock feed in adequate conditions for consumption, for example, free of clumps, compacted mass or lumps of feed that would render the animal feed difficult to consume by animals.

[0053] Features and advantages of the subject matter hereof will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of selected embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying figures. As will be realized, the subject matter disclosed and claimed is capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive and the full scope of the subject matter is set forth in the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which:

[0055] Fig.1 illustrates a homogeneity screen test for particle size dispersion for a sample of a livestock feed preservation composition according to an embodiment of the present invention.File No.: P6456US00

[0056] Fig. 2 illustrates homogeneity test with sodium for a sample of a livestock feed preservation composition according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Fig.3 illustrates a product shelf-life report for a sample of a livestock feed preservation composition according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] In embodiments there is disclosed a livestock feed preservation composition which comprises a preservative, anticaking agents and filler materials to make up the composition to 100% w / w.

[0060] For the purposes of this invention the components or compounds may be provided from natural sources or from synthetic sources. The components or compounds may be provided as isolated compounds of natural or of synthetic origin. The components may be also provided from extracts, for examples as extracts from plants. Plant extract may be dried or partially dried, in the form of a powder, in oil, liquid (either as a solution or as an oil), crushed, an extract, fresh or semi-solid. The component or compound can be extracted and partially or fully purified, from the plant or other sources. The components or compounds may can be provided by one plant / herb or by a mixture of plants or herbs, for example, one or more of thyme, cinnamon, and oregano. For the purposes of this invention, any part of herb or plant can be used (for example, leaf, stem, bark, bulb, root, fruit, flower, or seed). The herb material can be dried, semi-dried, fresh, crushed, in oil, in solution as a powder, liquid (as a solution or as an oil) or semi-solid. Preferred forms of dried plan extract include those containing between 0 and 40% w / w water or between 0 and 10% w / w or between 0 and 5% w / w. Preservative

[0061] In embodiments, the livestock feed preservation composition of the present invention comprises from about 15% to about 25% w / w of a preservative, which is a mixture of ingredients tasked with keeping the animal / livestock feed intact, or free from damage or decay. The preservative component comprises organic acids or organic acid salts thereof, parabens, proprionates, and antimicrobial essential oil or active ingredients thereof. Organic acids or organic acid salts thereof

[0062] Organic acids are organic compounds with acidic properties. The most common organic acids are the carboxylic acids, whose acidity is associated with their carboxyl group –COOH. Organic acids are generically used in food preservation because of their effects on bacteria. The keyFile No.: P6456US00 basic principle on the mode of action of organic acids on bacteria is that non-dissociated (non-ionized) organic acids can penetrate the bacteria cell wall and disrupt the normal physiology of certain types of bacteria that we call pH-sensitive, meaning that they cannot tolerate a wide internal and external pH gradient. Among those bacteria are Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., C. perfringens, Listeria monocytogenes, and Campylobacter species.

[0063] Upon passive diffusion of organic acids into the bacteria, where the pH is near or above neutrality, the acids will dissociate and raise the bacteria internal pH, leading to situations that will not impair nor stop the growth of bacteria. On the other hand, the anionic part of the organic acids that can escape the bacteria in its dissociated form will accumulate within the bacteria and disrupt few metabolic functions, leading to osmotic pressure increase, incompatible with the survival of the bacteria. The state of the organic acids (undissociated or dissociated) is not important to define their capacity to inhibit the growth of bacteria, compared to undissociated acids, such that organic acid salts thereof may also be useful for this purpose.

[0064] Lactic acid and its salts sodium lactate and potassium lactate are widely used as antimicrobials in food products, in particular, dairy and poultry such as ham and sausages.

[0065] Furthermore, organic acids have been used successfully animals husbandry for more than 25 years, through their inclusion or presence in feed.

[0066] In embodiments, the organic acid or organic acid salt thereof comprises that may be used in the present invention include benzoic acid, sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate, calcium benzoate, citric acid, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, calcium citrate, formic acid, sodium formate, potassium formate, calcium formate, propionic acid, sodium propionate, potassium propionate, calcium propionate, or combinations thereof. The organic acid or organic acid salt thereof may comprise from about 12% to about 14% w / w, or from about 12% to about 13% w / w, or from about 13 to about 14% w / w, or 12, 13 or 14% w / w of the total weight of the composition of benzoic acid, sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate, calcium benzoate, citric acid, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, calcium citrate, formic acid, sodium formate, potassium formate, calcium formate, propionic acid, sodium propionate, potassium propionate, calcium propionate, or combinations thereof. The organic acid or organic acid salt thereof may comprise from about 12% to about 14% w / w, or from about 12% to about 13% w / w, or from about 13 to about 14% w / w or 12, 13 or 14% w / w of the total weight of the composition of benzoic acid, sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate, calcium benzoate, or a combination thereof. In embodiments, the organic acid or organic acid salt thereof may comprise about 12.5% w / w benzoic acid and about 0.5% sodium benzoate.File No.: P6456US00

[0067] In another embodiment, the organic acid or organic acid salt thereof may comprise from about 3% to about 6% w / w, or from about 3% to about 5% w / w, or from about 3% to about 4% w / w, or from about 4% to about 6% w / w, or from about 4% to about 5% w / w, or from about 5% to about 6% w / w, or about 3%, 4%, 5% or 6% w / w of the total weight of the composition of propionic acid, sodium propionate, potassium propionate, calcium propionate, or a combination thereof.

[0068] In another embodiment, the organic acid or organic acid salt thereof may comprise from about 1% to about 3% w / w, or from about 2% to about 3% w / w, or from about 1% to about 2% w / w, or about 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5% or 3% w / w of the total weight of the composition of citric acid, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, calcium citrate, or combinations thereof.

[0069] In another embodiment, the organic acid or organic acid salt thereof may comprise from about 0.05% to about 1% w / w, or from about 0.1% to about 1% w / w, or from about 0.15% to about 1% w / w, or from about 0.2% to about 1% w / w, or from about 0.25% to about 1% w / w, or from about 0.3% to about 1% w / w, or from about 0.35% to about 1% w / w, or from about 0.4% to about 1% w / w, or from about 0.45% to about 1% w / w, or from about 0.5% to about 1% w / w, or from about 0.55% to about 1% w / w, or from about 0.6% to about 1% w / w, or from about 0.65% to about 1% w / w, or from about 0.7% to about 1% w / w, or from about 0.75% to about 1% w / w, or from about 0.8% to about 1% w / w, or from about 0.85% to about 1% w / w, or from about 0.9% to about 1% w / w, or from about 0.95% to about 1% w / w, or 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.90, 0.95% w / w of the total weight of the composition of formic acid, sodium formate, potassium formate, calcium formate, or combinations thereof. The organic acid or organic acid salt thereof may comprise about 0.1% w / w formic acid. Parabens

[0070] Parabens are a class of widely used preservatives in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Parabens are effective preservatives in many types of formulas. These compounds, and their salts, are used primarily for their bactericidal and fungicidal properties. They are found in shampoos, commercial moisturizers, shaving gels, personal lubricants, topical / parenteral pharmaceuticals, suntan products, makeup, toothpaste and food.

[0071] In embodiments, the paraben may comprise methyl paraben, propyl parapen, and a combination thereof. In embodiments, the preservative may comprise from about 0.025% to about 1% w / w, or about 0.05% to about 1% w / w, or about 0.1% to about 1% w / w, or about 0.1% to about 1% w / w, or about 0.2% to about 1% w / w, or about 0.3% to about 1% w / w, or about 0.4% to about 1% w / w, or about 0.5% to about 1% w / w, or about 0.6% to about 1% w / w, or about 0.7% to about 1% w / w, orFile No.: P6456US00 about 0.8% to about 1% w / w, or about 0.9% to about 1% w / w, or 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or 1% w / w of the total weight of the composition of paraben. Antimicrobial essential oil

[0072] As used herein, “antimicrobial” refers to agents (a compound, or mixture of compounds) that kill microorganisms (a microbicide) or stops their growth (a microbiostatic). An antimicrobial can be grouped according to the microorganisms they act primarily against. For example, antibiotics, bactericides or bacteriostatics are used against bacteria, and antifungals are used against fungi. Antimicrobials may have efficacy against one or more type of microbes.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the oil may be an essential oil, or an active ingredient from an essential oil, that also has an oily nature when substantially isolated. An essential oil, as used herein, is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile (easily evaporated at normal temperatures) chemical compounds from plants. Essential oils are also known as volatile oils, ethereal oils, aetherolea, or simply as the oil of the plant from which they were extracted, such as oil of clove. An essential oil is “essential” in the sense that it contains the “essence of” the plant's fragrance, i.e. the characteristic fragrance of the plant from which it is derived. Essential oils are generally extracted by distillation, often by using steam. Other processes include expression, solvent extraction, sfumatura, absolute oil extraction, resin tapping, wax embedding, and cold pressing. They are used in perfumes, cosmetics, soaps and other products, for flavoring food and drink, and for adding scents to incense and household cleaning products.

[0074] In embodiments, the antimicrobial essential oil or an active ingredient thereof may comprise thyme oil, thymol, carvacrol, cinnamon oil, cinnamaldehyde, or combinations thereof.

[0075] Carvacrol is a monoterpenoid phenol. It has a characteristic pungent, warm odor of oregano. Carvacrol is present in the essential oil of Origanum vulgare (oregano), oil of thyme, oil obtained from pepperwort, and wild bergamot.

[0076] Thymol is a natural monoterpenoid phenol derivative of cymene, C10H14O, isomeric with carvacrol, found in oil of thyme, and extracted from Thymus vulgaris and various other kinds of plants. The phenolic compounds of natural origin as used in the present invention can be synthetically made by known methods or can be obtained from plant oil extracts.

[0077] The essential oil of thyme subspecies contains between 5% and 75% w / w of carvacrol, while Satureja (savory) subspecies have a content between 1% and 45% w / w. Origanum majorana (marjoram) and Dittany of Crete are rich in carvacrol, 50% and 60-80% w / w respectively. In embodiments, in the antimicrobial, the carvacrol and / or thymol may be provided by a thyme essentialFile No.: P6456US00 oil, an oregano essential oil, a pepperwort essential oil, a wild bergamot essential oil, a Satureja essential oil, a marjoram essential oil, a Origanum Dictamnus essential oil, and combinations thereof.

[0078] Cinnamaldehyde is an organic compound with the formula . Occurring naturally as predominantlyit gives cinnamon and cinnamon essential oil its flavor and odor. It is a phenylpropanoid that is naturally synthesized by the shikimate pathway. This pale yellow, viscous liquid occurs in the bark of cinnamon trees and other species of the genus Cinnamomum. The essential oil of cinnamon bark is about 90% cinnamaldehyde. Cinnamaldehyde decomposes to styrene because of oxidation as a result of bad storage or transport conditions. Styrene especially forms in high humidity and high temperatures.

[0079] In embodiments, the antimicrobial essential oil or an active ingredient thereof may constitute from about 0.5% to about 2% w / w, or from about 1% to about 2% w / w, or from about 1.5% to about 2% w / w, or about 0.5%, or about 1%, or about 1.5% or about 2% w / w of the total weight of the composition. In embodiments, the antimicrobial essential oil or an active ingredient thereof present in the composition may comprises 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, or 2% w / w cinnamaldehyde and / or 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, or 2% w / w w / w thyme oil.

[0080] In embodiments, in the antimicrobial, the anethole may be provided by an anise essential oil, a liquorice, a liquorice extract, and combinations thereof. Liquorice is used for food additives and foods in Japan. In the US, licorice was registered as a GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) food by FDA in 1985, approved as a cancer preventive food in the Designer Foods 1990, and ingestion thereof was recommended. In embodiments, glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid) which is the main sweet-tasting constituent of liquorice root or extracts thereof, and it is 30 to 50 times as sweet as sucrose. Glycyrrhizin is converted into its aglycone by intestinal flora. Flavonoid aglycones are very bioavailable. Anticaking agents

[0081] An anticaking agent, as used herein, is an additive placed in powdered or granulated materials, to prevent the formation of lumps (caking) and for easing packaging, transport, flowability, and consumption of the livestock feed. Caking mechanisms depend on the nature of the material. Crystalline solids often cake by formation of liquid bridge and subsequent fusion of microcrystals.File No.: P6456US00 Amorphous materials can cake by glass transitions and changes in viscosity. Polymorphic phase transitions can also induce caking. In the art, some anticaking agents function by absorbing excess moisture or by coating particles and making them water-repellent. Calcium silicate (CaSiO3), a commonly used anti-caking agent, added to e.g., table salt, absorbs both water and oil.

[0082] According to embodiments, the livestock feed preservation composition of the present invention may comprise from about 15% to about 20% w / w, or from about 16% to about 20% w / w, or from about 17% to about 20% w / w or from about 18% to about 20% w / w or from about 19% to about 20% w / w, or about 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20% w / w of an anticaking agent comprising a silicate mineral.

[0083] For example, according to embodiments, the silicate mineral may comprise an aluminium silicate, a clay, a diatomaceous earth, or combinations thereof.

[0084] In embodiments, the aluminium silicate may comprise a zeolite, a kaolinite, a sodium aluminosilicate, and combinations thereof. The silicate mineral may comprise from about 2% to about 4% w / w, or from about 3% to about 4% w / w, or from about 2% to about 3% w / w, or about 2%, 3% or 4% w / w of the total weight of the composition of aluminium silicate. For example, the aluminium silicate may comprise about 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5% or 4% w / w of a zeolite, about 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9% or 1% w / w of a kaolinite, and about 1%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%, 1.9%, or 2% w / w of a sodium aluminosilicate. According to an embodiment, the aluminium silicate may comprise about 2.5% w / w of a zeolite, about 0.1% w / w of a kaolinite, and about 1.4% w / w of a sodium aluminosilicate.

[0085] In embodiments, the clay may comprise a bentonite, a montmorillonite, and a combination thereof. Bentonite is an absorbent swelling clay consisting mostly of montmorillonite (a type of smectite) which can either be Na-montmorillonite or Ca-montmorillonite. Na-montmorillonite has a considerably greater swelling capacity than Ca-montmorillonite. Montmorillonite is a very soft phyllosilicate group of minerals that form when they precipitate from water solution as microscopic crystals, known as clay. It is named after Montmorillon in France. In embodiments, the bentonite may be sodium bentonite.

[0086] In embodiments, the silicate mineral may comprise from about 10% to about 15% w / w, or about 11% to about 15% w / w, 12% to about 15% w / w, 13% to about 15% w / w, 14% to about 15% w / w, or 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14% or 15% w / w of the total weight of the composition of said clay. For example, the clay may comprise about 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14% or 15% w / w of bentonite sodium and / or about 1%.1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, or 5 w / w montmorillonite.

[0087] According to another embodiment, the silicate mineral may comprise diatomaceous earth, which is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that can be crumbled into a fineFile No.: P6456US00 white to off-white powder. It has a particle size ranging from more than 3 μm to less than 1 mm, but typically 10 to 200 μm. Depending on the granularity, this powder can have an abrasive feel, like pumice powder, and has a low density as a result of its high porosity. The typical chemical composition of oven-dried diatomaceous earth is 80-90% silica, with 2-4% alumina (attributed mostly to clay minerals), and 0.5-2% iron oxide. Diatomaceous earth consists of the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled microalgae. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the diatomaceous earth may represent from about 1% to about 3% w / w, or from about 1.5% to about 3% w / w from about 2% to about 3% w / w from about 2.5% to about 3% w / w, or about 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5% or 3% w / w of the total weight of the composition of diatomaceous earth. Filler

[0088] The livestock feed preservation composition of the present invention comprises a filler material up to 100% w / w. In embodiments, the filler material may comprise limestone powder, ground grain, and a combination thereof. For example, the ground grain may comprise ground barley. Dust Suppressant

[0089] The livestock feed preservation composition of the present invention may comprise a dust suppressant for controlling dust and fine particles to prevent them from becoming airborne and causing health issues or damaging crops and vegetation. Dust suppressants also keep these particles from reaching streams and waterways where they can develop sediment levels dangerous to aquatic life. In embodiments, the dust suppressant may comprise calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, a mineral oil, or combinations thereof. The dust suppressant may constitute from about 1% to about 8% w / w, or from about 2% to about 8% w / w, or from about 3% to about 8% w / w, or from about 4% to about 8% w / w, or from about 4% to about 7% w / w, or from about 4% to about 6% w / w, or from about 4% to about 5% w / w, or about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, or 8% w / w of the total weight of the composition. For example, dust suppressant may comprise about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, or 8% w / w calcium chloride and about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, or 8% w / w of mineral oil. Flavoring component

[0090] The livestock feed preservation composition of the present invention may comprise a flavoring component, which provides a different, stronger, or more agreeable taste to the composition. The flavoring component may constitute from about 0.1% to about 0.5% w / w, or from about 0.1% to about 0.4% w / w, or from about 0.1% to about 0.3% w / w, or from about 0.1% to about 0.2% w / w, or about 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, or 0.5% w / w of the total weight of the composition. In embodiments, the flavoring component may comprise licorice extract, balsam oil, and a combination thereof.File No.: P6456US00 Binders

[0091] The livestock feed preservation composition of the present invention may further comprise a binder. Binder excipients hold the ingredients of a formulation of the present invention together, for example in pellets and / or granules. Binders ensure that granules or pellets and others type of formulations can be formed from the powdered ingredients with the required mechanical strength. In embodiments, the binders may be any suitable used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Particularly, the binders may comprise a lignin sulfonate, a polyvinylpyrrolidone, a yeast, charcoal powder, or combinations thereof. In embodiments, the composition of the present invention may comprise from about 10% to about 15% w / w, or from about 10% to about 14% w / w, or from about 10% to about 13% w / w, or from about 10% to about 12% w / w, or from about 10% to about 11% w / w, or about 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, or 15% w / w of the total weight of the composition. For example, the binder may comprise about 10%, 10.5%, 11%, 11.5%, 12%, 12.5%, 13%, 13.5%, 14%, 14.5%, or 15% w / w of a lignin sulfonate. For example, the binder may comprise about 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1% w / w of a polyvinylpyrrolidone. For example, the binder may comprise about 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1% w / w of a yeast. For example, the binder may comprise about 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1% w / w of charcoal powder.

[0092] In another embodiment there is disclosed a method for the inhibition of mold growth in a livestock feed, comprising contacting the livestock feed with the livestock feed preservation composition of the present invention.

[0093] In another embodiment there is disclosed a method for preventing the formation of lump in a livestock feed comprising contacting said livestock feed with the livestock feed preservation composition of the present invention.

[0094] In use, the livestock feed preservation composition of the present invention may be used at from about 0.25% to about 2% w / w, or from about 0.25% to about 1,75% w / w, or from about 0.25% to about 1,5% w / w, or from about 0.25% to about 1,25% w / w, or from about 0.25% to about 1% w / w, or from about 0.25% to about 0,75% w / w, or from about 0.25% to about 0,5% w / w, or 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1%, 1.25%, 1.5%, 1.75%, or 2% w / w of livestock feed. For example, the livestock feed preservation composition may be used as 1 kg of livestock feed preservation composition in one metric ton of livestock feed.

[0095] The present invention will be more readily understood by referring to the following examples which are given to illustrate the invention rather than to limit its scope.File No.: P6456US00 EXAMPLE 1 MOLD INHIBITOR AND ANTICAKING COMPOSITION #1

[0096] A mold inhibitor and anticaking formulation according to the present invention is prepared by mixing the following ingredients: Ingredient % (w / w) Limestone 33 Tab onEXAMPLE 2 LABORATORY AND FIELD EFFICACY EVALUATION OF COMPOSITION OF EXAMPLE 1 IN PIG FEED

[0097] A study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the composition described in example 1. Six standard galvanized 1.5 tons farm silos were used. Three silos were filled with a pig feed formulation with the addition of the composition of example 1 at 1 kg per metric ton of the feedFile No.: P6456US00 (i.e., the equivalent of 1% w / w), while 3 different silos were filled with the same pig feed formulation, and 1kg (i.e., 1% w / w) of limestone used as control. Both groups were exposed to same seasonal temperature fluctuation over a 4-year period from 2016 to 2020. A sample of 1kg of feed was taken every six months to be tested and challenged with mold and ten levels of moisture with ten different concentrations of the pig feed formulation. Sample were taken at the beginning of the trial and every six months. Each group were evaluated with five controls and five treatments at each level of concentration and moisture. All sample were challenge with Aspergillus glaucus, A. candidus and Penicillium spp. every 6 months during a 48 month.

[0098] The complete pig feed formulation with and without the mold inhibitor and anticaking formulation comprised 68.9% w / w of hog supplement, 15% w / w wheat, 10% w / w of soy bean meal (SBM) 48%, 1% w / w vitamin and trace minerals and 1% w / w limestone (control) or mold inhibitor and anticaking formulation (treatment). The microorganism mixture comprised Aspergillus glaucus, Aspergillus candidus and Penecillium spp.

[0099] Feeds were store in six 1.5 metric tons galvanize silo, in the same condition at the same farm and the silos were kept outside from spring 2016 to spring 2020. The silo characteristic: Standard Galvanize silo use in the feed industry. Weather resistant but still expose to normal condensation.

[0100] The initial moisture level of the feed was 12,7%. At day 0, one hundred samples of 60 grams were taken. The samples were divided as follow, the first 10 sample were directly challenged with a microorganism mix and exposed to 96 hours incubation at 37°C. Five from the treated feed and 5 from the non-treated feed. For the other samples of 60 grams, they were prepared according to moisture and specific level of composition of the present invention as shown in Tables 2 to 37. To increase moisture, water was added and the sample of feed re-blended with the mix of microorganism used for the challenge.File No.: P6456US00Table 2 - Inhibition at day 4 for Lot P1File No.: P6456US00Table 3 - Inhibition at day 4 for Lot P2File No.: P6456US00Table 4 - Inhibition at day 4 and Lot P3File No.: P6456US00Table 5 - Inhibition at 6 months (day 185) for lot P1File No.: P6456US00Table 6 - Inhibition at 6 months (day 185) for lot P2File No.: P6456US00Table 7 - Inhibition at 6 months (day 185) for lot P3File No.: P6456US00Table 8 - Inhibition at 12 months (day 365) for lot P1File No.: P6456US00Table 9 - Inhibition at 12 months (day 365) for lot P2File No.: P6456US00Table 10 - Inhibition at 12 months (day 365) for lot P3File No.: P6456US00Table 11 - Inhibition at 16 months (day 550) for lot P1File No.: P6456US00Table 12 - Inhibition at 16 months (day 550) for lot P2File No.: P6456US00Table 13 - Inhibition at 16 months (day 550) for lot P3File No.: P6456US00Table 14 - Inhibition at 24 months (day 731) for lot P1File No.: P6456US00Table 15 - Inhibition at 24 months (day 731) for lot P2File No.: P6456US00Table 16 - Inhibition at 24 months (day 731) for lot P3File No.: P6456US00Table 17 - Inhibition at 30 months (day 914) for lot P1File No.: P6456US00Table 18 - Inhibition at 30 months (day 914) for lot P2File No.: P6456US00Table 19 - Inhibition at 30 months (day 914) for lot P3File No.: P6456US00Table 20 - Inhibition at 36 months (day 1095) for lot P1File No.: P6456US00Table 21 - Inhibition at 36 months (day 1095) for lot P2File No.: P6456US00Table 22 - Inhibition at 36 months (day 1095) for lot P3File No.: P6456US00Table 23 - Inhibition at 42 months (day 1279) for lot P1File No.: P6456US00Table 24 - Inhibition at 42 months (day 1279) for lot P2File No.: P6456US00Table 25 - Inhibition at 42 months (day 1279) for lot P3File No.: P6456US00Table 26 - Inhibition at 48 months (day 1462) for lot P1File No.: P6456US00Table 27 - Inhibition at 48 months (day 1462) for lot P2File No.: P6456US00Table 28 - Inhibition at 48 months (day 1462) for lot P3File No.: P6456US00Table 29 - Inhibition at 48 months – 7 days challenge (day 1469) for lot P1File No.: P6456US00Table 30 - Inhibition at 48 months – 7 days challenge (day 1469) for lot P2File No.: P6456US00Table 31 - Inhibition at 48 months – 7 days challenge (day 1469) for lot P3File No.: P6456US00Table 32 - Inhibition at 48 months – 14 days challenge (day 1476) for lot P1File No.: P6456US00Table 33 - Inhibition at 48 months – 14 days challenge (day 1476) for lot P2File No.: P6456US00Table 34 - Inhibition at 48 months – 14 days challenge (day 1476) for lot P3File No.: P6456US00Table 35 - Inhibition at 48 months – 28 days challenge (day 1490) for lot P1File No.: P6456US00Table 36 - Inhibition at 48 months – 28 days challenge (day 1490) for lot P2File No.: P6456US00Table 37 - Inhibition at 48 months – 28 days challenge (day 1490) for lot P3

[0101] The results of table 2 to 37 demonstrate the repeatability and persistence of the effectiveness of the composition of the present invention to inhibit the growth of mold.

[0102] Product stability and recovery challenge was executed every 6 months for 48 months. The evaluation of the composition of the present invention a recovery / shelf-life analysis was done for propionic acid and benzoic acid. The results for lot P3 are shown in Fig.1.

[0103] Homogeneity testing: A UV analysis of Sodium was done to confirm homogeneity of the composition of the present invention, as shown in Fig.2. Furthermore, a screen testing was also done to confirm product homogeneity and is shown in Fig.3. The result of Figs. 2-3 show a 4,78% coefficient of variability and particle size proportion steady for each sample.

[0104] The results from and independent lab demonstrate that the composition of the present invention can inhibit the selected mold used in the challenge at all of use rate in correlation to theFile No.: P6456US00 moisture level. Furthermore, the composition of the present invention show particles range homogeneity and the sodium analysis show a coefficient of 4,78% variability.

[0105] While preferred embodiments have been described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made without departing from this disclosure. Such modifications are considered as possible variants comprised in the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

File No.: P6456US00 CLAIMS:

1. A livestock feed preservation composition comprising: a) from about 15% to about 25% w / w of a preservative comprising an organic acid or an organic acid salt thereof, a paraben, a proprionate, and an antimicrobial essential oil or an active ingredient thereof; b) from about 15% to about 20% w / w of an anticaking agent comprising a silicate mineral; and c) a filler material up to 100% w / w.

2. The livestock feed preservation composition of claim 1, wherein said organic acid or organic acid salt thereof comprises benzoic acid, sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate, calcium benzoate, citric acid, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, calcium citrate, formic acid, sodium formate, potassium formate, calcium formate, propionic acid, sodium propionate, potassium propionate, calcium propionate, or combinations thereof.

3. The livestock feed preservation composition of claim 2, wherein said organic acid or organic acid salt thereof comprises from about 12% to about 14% w / w of the total weight of the composition of benzoic acid, sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate, calcium benzoate, or a combination thereof.

4. The livestock feed preservation composition of claim 3, wherein said organic acid or organic acid salt thereof comprises about 12.5% w / w benzoic acid and about 0.5% sodium benzoate.

5. The livestock feed preservation composition of claim 2, wherein said organic acid or organic acid salt thereof comprises from about 3% to about 6% w / w of the total weight of the composition of propionic acid, sodium propionate, potassium propionate, calcium propionate, or a combination thereof.

6. The livestock feed preservation composition of claim 5, wherein said organic acid or organic acid salt thereof comprises about 5% w / w calcium propionate.

7. The livestock feed preservation composition of claim 2, wherein said organic acid or organic acid salt thereof comprises from about 1% to about 3% w / w of the total weight of the composition of citric acid, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, calcium citrate, or combinations thereof.File No.: P6456US00 8. The livestock feed preservation composition of claim 7, wherein said organic acid or organic acid salt thereof comprises about 2.5% w / w citric acid.

9. The livestock feed preservation composition of claim 2, wherein said organic acid or organic acid salt thereof comprises from about 0.05% to about 1% w / w of the total weight of the composition of formic acid, sodium formate, potassium formate, calcium formate, or combinations thereof.

10. The livestock feed preservation composition of claim 9, wherein said organic acid or organic acid salt thereof comprises about 0.1% w / w formic acid.

11. The livestock feed preservation composition of claim 1, wherein said preservative comprises from about 0.025% to about 1% w / w of the total weight of the composition of said paraben.

12. The livestock feed preservation composition of claim 1, wherein said paraben comprises methyl paraben, propyl parapen, and a combination thereof.

13. The livestock feed preservation composition of claim 1, wherein said antimicrobial essential oil or an active ingredient thereof comprises thyme oil, thymol, carvacrol, cinnamon oil, cinnamaldehyde, or combinations thereof.

14. The livestock feed preservation composition of claim 1, wherein said antimicrobial essential oil or an active ingredient thereof constitutes from about 0.5% to about 2% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

15. The livestock feed preservation composition of claim 14, wherein said antimicrobial essential oil or an active ingredient thereof comprises 0.9% w / w cinnamaldehyde and 0.5% w / w thyme oil.

16. The livestock feed preservation composition of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein said silicate mineral comprises an aluminium silicate, a clay, a diatomaceous earth, or combinations thereof.

17. The livestock feed preservation composition of claim 16, wherein said aluminium silicate comprises a zeolite, a kaolinite, a sodium aluminosilicate, and combinations thereof.File No.: P6456US00 18. The livestock feed preservation composition of claim 16, wherein said clay comprises a bentonite, a montmorillonite, and a combination thereof.

19. The livestock feed preservation composition of claim 18, wherein said bentonite is sodium bentonite.

20. The livestock feed preservation composition of claim 19, wherein said silicate mineral comprises from about 2% to about 4% w / w of the total weight of the composition of said aluminium silicate.

21. The livestock feed preservation composition of claim 20, wherein said aluminium silicate comprises about 2.5% w / w of a zeolite, about 0.1% w / w of a kaolinite, and about 1.4% w / w of a sodium aluminosilicate.

22. The livestock feed preservation composition of claim 16, wherein said silicate mineral comprises from about 10% to about 15% w / w of the total weight of the composition of said clay.

23. The livestock feed preservation composition of claim 22, wherein said clay comprises about 10% w / w of bentonite sodium and about 2.5% w / w montmorillonite.

24. The livestock feed preservation composition of claim 16, wherein said silicate mineral comprises from about 2.5% of the total weight of the composition of said diatomaceous earth.

25. The livestock feed preservation composition of any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein said filler material comprises limestone powder, ground grain, and a combination thereof.

26. The livestock feed preservation composition of claim 25, wherein said ground grain comprises ground barley.

27. The livestock feed preservation composition of any one of claims 1 to 26, further comprising a dust suppressant.

28. The livestock feed preservation composition of claim 27, wherein said dust suppressant constitutes from about 4% to about 8% w / w of the total weight of the composition.File No.: P6456US00 29. The livestock feed preservation composition of any one of claims 27 - 28, wherein said dust suppressant comprises calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, a mineral oil, or combinations thereof.

30. The livestock feed preservation composition of any one of claims 27 - 29, wherein said dust suppressant comprises about 5% w / w calcium chloride and about 1% w / w of mineral oil.

31. The livestock feed preservation composition of any one of claims 1 - 30, further comprising a flavoring component.

32. The livestock feed preservation composition of claim 31, wherein said flavoring component constitutes about 0.1% to about 0.5% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

33. The livestock feed preservation composition of claim 31, wherein said flavoring component comprises licorice extract, balsam oil, and a combination thereof.

34. The livestock feed preservation composition of any one of claims 1 to 33, further comprising a binder.

35. The livestock feed preservation composition of claim 34, wherein said binder constitutes from about from about 10% to about 15% w / w of the total weight of the composition. 36 The livestock feed preservation composition of any one of claims 34 - 35, wherein said binder comprises a lignin sulfonate, a polyvinylpyrrolidone, a yeast, charcoal powder, or combinations thereof.

37. The livestock feed preservation composition of any one of claims 34 - 36, wherein said binder comprises about 12.5% w / w of a lignin sulfonate, 0.8% w / w of a polyvinylpyrrolidone, 0.8% w / w of a yeast, and 0.3% w / w of charcoal powder.

38. A method for the inhibition of mold growth in a livestock feed, comprising contacting said livestock feed with the livestock feed preservation composition of any one of claims 1 to 37.

39. A method for preventing the formation of lump in a livestock feed comprising contacting said livestock feed with the livestock feed preservation composition of any one of claims 1 to 37.

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