Use of a feed additive for shortening farrowing time

Abstract

The invention relates to the use of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) or a feed additive comprising guanidinoacetic acid in feeding pregnant sows for reducing farrowing time, for reducing birthing interval, for shortening the time until placental expulsion and / or for increasing the birth weight of piglets.

Description

[0001] Use of a feed additive to shorten farrowing time

[0002] Description:

[0003] The present invention relates to the use of a feed additive comprising guanidinoacetic acid for shortening the farrowing period of pregnant sows.

[0004] The optimization of feed is an ongoing process that must take many aspects into account. For example, all the nutrients an animal needs must be present in sufficient quantities in the feed. In addition to nutrient requirements, animal health is another factor that determines optimal feed composition. Furthermore, feed requirements also differ depending on the animal's developmental stage.

[0005] The demands placed on modern feedstuffs are becoming ever more stringent. Therefore, various feed additives are now used to achieve a wide variety of objectives in the rearing of farm animals. Primarily, deficiencies in the feed mixture are compensated for by the targeted addition of essential and growth-limiting nutrients. Examples include essential amino acids, calcium and magnesium, as well as trace elements and vitamins. In addition, feed additives are also used that promote the well-being and health of the animals. For example, the use of creatine or guanidinoacetic acid in pig farming has been described to improve fattening success and feed utilization (EP 1 758 463 A1 and WO 2023 / 061916 A1), but also to calm the animals (EP 4 114 192 A1). Otherwise, the use of GAA in pig farming has been little researched.

[0006] In various studies by Panisson JC et al. (EAAP Scientific Series, Vol. 138, 2019, p. 183) and Schneider L. et al. (Animal - Science Proceedings 13, 2022, p. 165), only the effect of guanidinoacetic acid on productive sows and on fetal and postnatal piglet development has been investigated to date. When feeding pregnant sows, the focus is specifically on ensuring the smoothest possible birth process. To this end, strategies are used, for example, to ensure that the sows enter birth with appropriate body condition.

[0007] It is essential for a successful farrowing process that farrowing takes place as quickly as possible. Longer farrowing is becoming increasingly common, especially in high-yielding sows with large litters and in older sows from the second or third litter onwards. Shortening the farrowing period reduces piglet mortality during birth as well as potential health problems in the sows. Likewise, the longevity and thus the useful life of the sows can be improved. Targeted feeding with feeds rich in crude fiber or optimizing energy release during birth are examples of feeding measures. For this purpose, a variety of feed additives are recommended in the diet of pregnant sows, with the focus usually being on reducing the number of stillborn piglets, the birth weight of the piglets, or the quality of the milk (Threadgold T. et al., Animals 2021, 11, 2912). In Jahn L. et al., Animals 2022, 12, 611 , the effect of vitamin D on the farrowing process was also investigated.

[0008] Based on this, however, there is still a need for feed additives that can improve the birth parameters of sows and especially of old sows.

[0009] The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a feed additive that shortens the farrowing period and the birth interval of pregnant sows, ensuring good nutrition for the newborn piglets. A further aim of the present invention is to reduce the time until placental expulsion in order to shorten the entire birth process. Furthermore, the newborn piglets should be as fit as possible, i.e., have a normal birth weight.

[0010] The farrowing period refers to the period between the first and last piglets born in a litter. The birth interval is calculated by dividing the farrowing period by the number of piglets born.

[0011] This problem is solved by administering guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) or a feed additive containing guanidinoacetic acid to sows; it is sufficient to give the feed additive to the sows during pregnancy. By administering guanidinoacetic acid, the parturition interval, i.e. the time between the births of piglets, is shortened and thus the average farrowing period is reduced. This is achieved in particular because the administration of guanidinoacetic acid reduces the occurrence of problems during farrowing. Due to the shortened farrowing period, the piglets are more vital and suckle earlier, which improves the supply of colostrum to the piglets and thus, for example, strengthens the piglets' immune system. In addition, the number of piglets born alive also tends to increase through the administration of guanidinoacetic acid to pregnant sows.The shortened farrowing period also reduces the stress for the sows and the newborn piglets. This is particularly noticeable in a shortening of the time between the birth of the first piglet and the expulsion of the placenta. The comparison is made between the farrowing period, the birth interval and the time between the birth of the first piglet and the expulsion of the placenta in sows that do not receive GAA but are otherwise fed the same feed. Furthermore, it is particularly evident when GAA is administered to sows (number of litters of 2 or more), that their piglets have a higher birth weight compared to piglets from sows that received the same feed without GAA supplement. In order to obtain the most meaningful comparison values, the other housing conditions of the sows, such asTemperature and space availability must be the same, but this is easily possible when kept in different compartments in a stable.

[0012] Thus, a first object of the present invention is the use of guanidinoacetic acid or a feed additive comprising guanidinoacetic acid for feeding sows during pregnancy to reduce the farrowing period, the average birth interval, and / or the time until placental expulsion. A further object of the present invention is the use of guanidinoacetic acid or a feed additive comprising guanidinoacetic acid for feeding sows during pregnancy to increase the birth weight of the piglets.

[0013] Feeding trials have surprisingly shown that administering guanidinoacetic acid to pregnant sows can reduce farrowing time by up to 30%, even when administration begins relatively shortly before the piglets are born and the administered dose is relatively small. The same applies to the time from the birth of the first piglet to the expulsion of the placenta, meaning that the entire birth process can be significantly shortened on average. In the examples, the entire birth process could be reduced by up to 6 hours and 17 minutes compared to the control group through the administration of guanidinoacetic acid.

[0014] Based on the total weight of the feed, a quantity of guanidinoacetic acid of 0.01 wt% to 1 wt%, preferably of 0.02 wt% to 0.8 wt% and in particular of 0.05 wt% to 0.6 wt% can be added to the feed in order to achieve the desired shortening of the farrowing period, the birth interval and the time until the expulsion of the placenta.

[0015] When administering guanidinoacetic acid to young sows (gilts), higher amounts in the range of 0.05 wt-% to 1 wt-%, in particular from 0.1 wt-% to 0.8 wt-% and particularly preferably in the range of 0.2 wt-% to 0.6 wt-% based on the total weight of the feed are preferred in order to achieve a significant improvement in the aforementioned birth parameters. In addition, a longer administration period of guanidinoacetic acid is also advantageous for pregnant gilts. In gilts, guanidinoacetic acid should preferably be administered from day 50 of pregnancy until farrowing. Administration from day 70 after insemination until farrowing is particularly preferred. Gilts are understood to be sows that are farrowing for the first time (sows with a litter size of 1).

[0016] Particularly surprising is that the effect of guanidinoacetic acid on farrowing duration, birth interval, and placental expulsion time is significantly greater in mature sows than in gilts. Mature sows are defined as sows that have already farrowed once, i.e., sows with two or more litters. A possible explanation for this is that the birth process becomes longer and more problematic, and thus more difficult, for the sows with increasing litter numbers. Especially for pregnant mature sows, even the administration of small amounts of guanidinoacetic acid before farrowing can significantly improve birth parameters, i.e., shorten the farrowing duration, birth interval, and the time until placental expulsion. Guanidinoacetic acid is administered in an amount of 0.02 wt.% to 0.6 wt.% or in an amount of 0.03 wt.% to 0.4 wt.%, preferably in an amount of 0.05 wt.% to 0.3 wt.A 50% dose based on the total weight of the feed is sufficient to achieve a significant improvement in birth parameters. Furthermore, in pregnant sows, a significant improvement in birth parameters can be observed even with shorter administration periods. For example, in mature sows, a period of administration of guanidinoacetic acid from day 108 of pregnancy until farrowing on day 115 is sufficient, as shown in Example 1. Therefore, in mature sows, the administration of guanidinoacetic acid from day 70, 90, 100, or 105 after insemination until farrowing is preferred.

[0017] The administration of guanidinoacetic acid beyond farrowing, particularly during lactation, is of course also possible for both gilts and old sows and primarily serves to strengthen the sows. The administration of guanidinoacetic acid can of course also begin earlier than preferably stated, e.g. with insemination or even before. The term "day of pregnancy" refers to the number of days from insemination, with the day of insemination being day 1 of pregnancy. The administration of guanidinoacetic acid is preferably carried out until farrowing, but can alternatively be stopped up to 10 days or, better still, only up to 5 days before farrowing, which is usually achieved by administering guanidinoacetic acid until at least day 105 or day 110 of pregnancy.

[0018] The duration of administration of guanidinoacetic acid should preferably not be less than 3 days, and preferably 5 days. Administration is preferably over a period of 5 to 60 days. For gilts, a longer administration period of 20 to 50 days, particularly between 30 and 45 days, is preferred. In contrast, for pregnant sows, a shorter administration period of 3 to 30 days, particularly 5 to 20 days or 6 to 14 days, is sufficient to achieve a significant reduction in farrowing time, the interval between births, and the time to placental expulsion.

[0019] A longer administration period of more than 60 days, preferably at least 90 days and particularly preferably from the time of insemination until the birth of the piglets should be chosen for old sows and gilts if, in addition to shortening the farrowing period, the birth interval or the period until the expulsion of the placenta, an increase in the birth weight of the piglets is to be achieved.

[0020] The phrase "based on the total weight of the feed" or "based on the feed" refers to a feed with 88% dry matter by weight, unless explicitly stated otherwise. In all cases, it may be beneficial to feed the sows an appropriate amount of guanidinoacetic acid during lactation. During lactation, it is also advisable to administer guanidinoacetic acid in an amount of 0.02% to 1% by weight, preferably 0.05% to 0.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the feed (with 88% dry matter).

[0021] Guanidinoacetic acid can be used as such or as a component of a feed additive or premix mixed with other additives.

[0022] Guanidinoacetic acid (syn. glycocyamine, N-guanylglycine, N-amidinoglycine; C3H7N3O2; CAS No. 352-97-6) is commercially available and can be used as the free acid or in the form of a salt of this acid. Preferred salts are selected from the group of alkali or alkaline earth metal salts. Particularly preferred guanidinoacetic acid salts are sodium guanidinoacetate, potassium guanidinoacetate, magnesium guanidinoacetate, or calcium guanidinoacetate.

[0023] Guanidinoacetic acid can be used as a powder or aqueous solution. However, guanidinoacetic acid is preferably used in the form of granules containing a binder. Particularly suitable binders are nutritionally active substances that have a binding effect and enable good granulation of the composition, such as glycine, starch, or sugar. Other suitable binders include methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, carboxyethylcellulose, carboxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, ethylmethylcellulose and other cellulose derivatives, hydroxypropyl starch, pregelatinized or modified starch, sugar syrup, dextrin, gelatin, propylvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, xanthan gum, gum arabic, sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and glycerin, as well as mixtures thereof.To improve the flowability of the granules, it can be advantageous for them to contain a flow aid, in particular a hydrophilic and / or hydrophobic silica and / or silicate-based additives and / or fatty acids and / or their salts, such as stearic acid or palmitic acid, as well as their sodium, potassium, and calcium salts. The binder is preferably present in the granulated guanidinoacetic acid composition in amounts of 0.05 to 15% by weight, in particular 0.1 to 1.5% by weight. The grain size of suitable granules is preferably between 100 and 850 pm, with preferably less than 10% by weight of the particles being below 100 pm and less than 10% by weight of the particles being above 850 pm. Accordingly, the moldings preferably have a guanidinoacetic acid or guanidinoacetic acid salt content of 85 to 99.95 wt.%, in particular 95 to 98.5 wt.%. Flow agents and other additives may be present in the granules at up to 5 wt.%.

[0024] Suitable feed additives for pregnant sows may include guanidinoacetic acid as well as other feed additives such as amino acids.

[0025] Amino acids that are suitable as feed supplements are primarily selected from the group consisting of lysine, methionine, threonine, tryptophan, and / or valine. Lysine, in particular, is generally not present in sufficient quantities in the crude protein portion of the feed, so supplemental administration of this amino acid is advisable. The total amount of lysine in the feed for pregnant sows should preferably be in the range of 4g to 8g per 1kg of feed.

[0026] The content of other amino acids in the feed for pregnant sows should preferably be in the following ratios to lysine: lysine to methionine + cysteine ​​in the range of 0.5 to 0.7, lysine to threonine in the range of 0.55 to 0.75, lysine to tryptophan in the range of 0.15 to 0.25, and lysine to valine in the range of 0.6 to 0.8. The total amount of lysine in the feed should be significantly higher for lactating sows, preferably in the range of 8g to 12g per 1 kg of feed. The content of other amino acids in the feed for lactating sows should be correspondingly higher so that the ratios to lysine are the same as for pregnant sows.

[0027] The feed additive containing guanidinoacetic acid can also contain other nutritionally active additives, for example from the group of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, methyl group donors and derivatives of these substances, as well as carbohydrates and fats and mixtures of all these substances. Helpful ingredients are particularly selected from the group of vitamins. Preferred in this context are, for example, vitamin A, vitamin D3, vitamin E, nicotinic acid, nicotinamide and choline. Other preferred ingredients are B vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, nicotinic acid, pantothenic acid, biotin, folic acid, cobalamin and vitamin B1. Important minerals and trace elements that can be included as supplements in the feed additive include iron, copper, zinc, manganese, iodine and selenium. L-carnitine is also often given to breeding sows as a additive.

[0028] The optional additives mentioned can be added to the feed additive or directly to the feed.

[0029] Preferably, a feed is used that is adjusted to the crude protein and energy content parameters of pregnant sows. The feed can consist of a base feed and other feed additives. It is further preferred if the feed comprises, as a base feed, at least one plant component, in particular a grain, a grain flour, a grain meal, a grain extraction meal, or a grain semolina, and b) a fat or oil of plant or animal origin.

[0030] Preferred feeds for pregnant and lactating sows are feeds based on wheat, barley, triticale, rye, oats, soybean meal, rapeseed meal, and grain maize. However, other types of feed such as maize grain silage, field beans, peas, dried pulp, rapeseed cake, soybeans, sunflower meal, sugar beet pulp, etc. can also be used. Fiber sources such as fruit pomace, soybean hulls, bran (e.g., wheat bran), and oils or oilseeds from soybeans, rapeseed, and sunflowers can be incorporated into the feed mixture to achieve the desired composition. The feed may also contain other additives such as vitamins, minerals, trace elements, amino acids, methyl donors, etc.

[0031] Feeds based on wheat, barley, triticale, maize, soybean and rapeseed meal are particularly advantageous.

[0032] Feeds for pregnant or lactating sows, which contain a balanced mix of nutrients to meet the sows' specific needs during pregnancy or lactation, generally contain the following components: a) Cereals such as barley, maize, wheat, triticale, rye, millet and / or oats, which serve as a carbohydrate-rich energy source. The grains can also be used in the form of flour, semolina, grits or meal. Preferred are barley flour, maize flour, wheat flour, barley meal, maize meal, wheat meal, wheat meal or mixtures thereof. b) Fats and oils: Fats and oils are a concentrated source of energy and help to improve energy supply. Vegetable oils such as soybean oil, sunflower oil or rapeseed oil are often used, but fats of animal origin are also used.c) Protein sources: Proteins are essential for maintaining body structures and tissues and for fetal development. Typical protein sources in piglet feed are soy, soy meal, soybean meal, soybean extraction meal, rapeseed, rapeseed meal, rapeseed extraction meal, sunflower, sunflower meal, sunflower meal, sunflower extraction meal, or mixtures thereof. d) Crude fiber sources: Fiber- and fiber-rich vegetable ingredients, such as alfalfa, beet pulp, straw, hay, soybean hulls, fruit pomace or bran, especially wheat bran, wheat semolina bran, barley bran and maize bran. e) Fish meal or products of animal origin. f) Vitamins, minerals and trace elements: Pregnant and lactating sows have increased requirements for the provision of vitamins and minerals to ensure a healthy diet. The most important supplements are vitamins from groups A, B, D, E and folic acid and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron and zinc.g) Amino acids: Pregnant and lactating sows have an increased need for certain amino acids, such as lysine and, where appropriate, methionine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. An adequate supply of amino acids, especially essential amino acids, is important not only for the sows themselves, but also for the development of the fetuses and piglets. h) Other additives: Depending on requirements, other additives such as enzymes, creatine, carnitine, or methyl group donors, such as betaine and choline, as well as sugars and acids, can be added to the sow feed.

[0033] The energy content of feeds can be chosen broadly. The feed should preferably have a metabolizable energy (ME) in the range of 10 MJ / kg to 16 MJ / kg. When feeding pregnant sows, energy concentrations of 11 MJ / kg to 13 MJ / kg, and for lactating sows, energy concentrations of 12 MJ / kg to 15 MJ / kg are advantageous for optimal animal nutrition. The crude protein content of suitable feeds is usually in the range of 8 to 22 wt.%. For pregnant sows, a crude protein content of 11 to 17 wt.%, in particular 12 to 16 wt.%, is preferred; for lactating sows, the crude protein content in the feed is preferably in the range of 14 to 20 wt.%, in particular 15.5 to 18.5 wt.%, whereby the wt.% data are based on the total weight of the feed (with 88 wt.% dry matter).

[0034] The adjustment of crude protein content and metabolisable energy content in the diet of pregnant and lactating sows can be easily achieved by weighting the components listed under a) to e).

[0035] The energy content of the feed is adjusted in particular by suitable choice of feed components a) and b). A proportion of 35 to 90 wt.%, preferably between 45 and 80 wt.% of component a) and 0 to 8 wt.%, preferably between 0.5 and 6 wt.% of component b) in the feed is usual. In order to provide sufficient crude protein in the feed, the feed usually contains 2 to 40 wt.%, preferably 10 to 35 wt.% of components c) and e), whereby the amount of component e) usually does not exceed 10 wt.% and is preferably between 0 and 5 wt. Component d) is generally contained in the feed in a proportion of up to 35 wt.%, preferably between 3 and 30 wt.In accordance with the crude protein and metabolizable energy ranges specified above, it is customary to give higher weight to protein- and energy-rich components in feed for lactating sows, and especially lower weight to fiber-rich components, than in feed for pregnant sows, in order to achieve the preferred energy and crude protein content in the feed. For pregnant sows, a feed content of components c) and e) of 10 to 25 wt.% is preferred, and for lactating sows, 15 to 35 wt.%.

[0036] The high-fiber feed components d) are preferably present in the range of 3 to 30 wt.% in the feed for pregnant sows; in the feed for lactating sows, the content is preferably below 10 wt.% or even below 5 wt. In lactating sows, high-fiber feed components are often even omitted altogether.

[0037] The feed component e) (animal origin) includes in particular components with a protein content of more than 15% by weight, e.g. selected from the group whey protein concentrate, whey fat concentrate, milk powder (including whole and skimmed milk powder), dried blood plasma, PAP (processed animal protein = animal meal (e.g. meat and bone meal, meat meal, blood meal) e.g. based on poultry).

[0038] Further feed additives may be added to the basic feed for pregnant sows consisting of components a) to e). In particular, in addition to the feed additive used according to the invention, the feed may also contain other feed additives from the group of minerals, amino acids, enzymes, vitamins, trace elements, or mixtures thereof. Furthermore, creatine, carnitine, or methyl group donors, such as betaine and choline, sugars, and acids, such as formic acid and benzoic acid, may also be added to the feed. The proportion of additives in the piglet feed is selected to ensure an adequate supply to the pregnant sows and the unborn piglets.

[0039] Particular attention is paid to ensuring that unborn piglets and pregnant sows are supplied with essential amino acids. The lysine content in the feed for pregnant sows is preferably in the range of 0.4 to 1.2 wt.%, and that for lactating sows is preferably in the range of 0.6 to 1.5 wt.%. In both cases, the content of other amino acids is determined in proportion to the lysine content. The lysine:methionine + cysteine ​​ratio in the feed for pregnant and lactating sows is preferably between 1:0.50 and 1:0.70, the lysine:threonine ratio between 1:0.55 and 1:0.75, the lysine:tryptophan ratio between 1:0.15 and 1:0.25, and the lysine:valine ratio between 1:0.60 and 1:0.80. If the content of the respective amino acid is not already determined from the protein content of the feed, the amino acid can be added to the feed in free form.

[0040] To calculate the lysine content or the content of other amino acids, the total amount of lysine / other amino acids contained in the feed is used. To calculate the lysine content, the content of lysine amino acid building blocks in the proteins contained in the feed and the amount of free amino acid lysine contained in the feed or added to the feed is used. To calculate the content of other amino acids, the content of building blocks of the respective amino acid in the proteins contained in the feed and the amount of respective free amino acid contained in the feed or added to the feed is used. Many of these ingredients, in particular the additives from groups f), g) and h) are added to the feed in the form of a mixture (premix) to ensure the animals are adequately supplied with essential nutrients. The total content of these additives is generally less than 10% by weight.-% based on the total weight of the feed (88% dry matter).

[0041] The effect of guanidinoacetic acid is independent of the energy content of the feed and the amount of energy provided, as long as no deficiency symptoms occur. Therefore, compliance with the respective feed recommendations for pregnant and lactating sows is beneficial. Advantageous results generally arise from regional supply recommendations for pig farming, e.g., by adhering to the recommendations issued by the Bavarian State Office for Agriculture (LfL) in "Feed Calculation for Pigs," 27th edition, August 2022 (especially pages 18-25, 39-43, and 59-68). Among other things, this publication provides supply recommendations and guideline values ​​for gilt rearing, piglet feeding, fattening pig feeding depending on the age of the animals, and for the feeding of pregnant and lactating sows.These recommendations cover a wide range of parameters, such as metabolizable energy (ME), crude protein, lysine and precaecal digestible lysine, methionine and cysteine, tryptophan and threonine, crude fiber content, calcium, digestible phosphorus and sodium.

[0042] Typical analytical values ​​for various types of grain and grain by-products, typical protein feeds, potato and by-products, and beet and beet by-products, as well as for green fodder, silage, hay and straw, brewery and dairy products, and other food processing by-products, oils and oilseeds, as well as additives such as amino acids and minerals, are also listed. It is advantageous to combine the feedstuffs available at each location in such a way that the composition of the final feed corresponds to the aforementioned recommendations for pregnant and lactating sows.

[0043] If no analytical values ​​are available, the metabolizable energy content (ME) of the feed can also be calculated using the following formula (Gesellschaft für Ernährungsphysiologie (GfE), 2008: Prediction of metabolizable energy of compound feeds for pigs. Proceedings of the Society of Nutrition Physiology 17, 199-204): ME (MJ / kg) = 0.021503 (MJ / g) x XP (g / kg) + 0.032497 (MJ / g) x XL (g / kg) - 0.021071 (MJ / g) x crude fiber (g / kg) + 0.016309 (MJ / g) x starch (g / kg) + 0.014701 (MJ / g) x digestible residue (g / kg) (Formula I)

[0044] The formula therefore includes the analyzed contents of crude protein (XP), crude fat (XL), crude fiber, starch and the “digestible residue” (difference between the organic mass and the sum of XP, XL, crude fiber and starch, each in g / kg).

[0045] Commercially available feeds usually list the crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and starch content, allowing the metabolizable energy content to be calculated directly. Crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and starch content can also be determined using common VDLUFA methods (VDLUFA Methods Book III: 3rd Supplement 1993, Section 4.1.1 (Crude Protein Determination); 2nd Supplement 1988, Section 5.1.1 (Crude Fat Determination); 8th Supplement 2012, Section 7.2.1 (Starch Determination); 3rd Supplement 1993, Section 6.1.1 (Crude Fiber Determination)).

[0046] Guanidinoacetic acid or the feed additive containing guanidinoacetic acid can be administered to the animals depending on the feeding system. Generally, guanidinoacetic acid can be administered with the feed or with water. When administered with the feed, guanidinoacetic acid can be mixed with the finished feed. However, it is advantageous that when preparing the feed mixture, the guanidinoacetic acid is first added to the base feed, i.e., the bulk of the feed, and then the other feed ingredients are added. This has the advantage that no additional mixing time is required. The guanidinoacetic acid can, of course, also be contained in a premix with other additives. When administered with water, it is advantageous to administer it as a salt, for example, as a Na or Ca salt.

[0047] In general, administration with feed is preferable, as this ensures a more consistent uptake of guanidinoacetic acid in animals. The preferred dosage is based on the feed.

[0048] Dosing into the water is advantageous if a guanidinoacetic acid-free

[0049] The feed mixture is present and the guanidinoacetic acid must be dosed easily. However, the animals' water requirements, depending on their age and temperature, must be taken into account to achieve an appropriate dosage.

[0050] When feeding dry food without water, with water, or with dry food from a dry feeder, the dosage can be added to either the water or the feed. Only if the animal facility also administers other ingredients with the drinking water is it advisable to add guanidinoacetic acid to the water. Otherwise, it has proven easier to administer guanidinoacetic acid in combination with the feed.

[0051] When feeding liquid food, guanidinoacetic acid can be dosed into the liquid feed and is distributed homogeneously by simply stirring.

[0052] Guanidinoacetic acid can be added to feed in a variety of solid preparations or as a solution. It is particularly advantageous to add guanidinoacetic acid to feed in the form of granules, extrudates, or as a solution.

[0053] If the guanidinoacetic acid is used as a solid or solid preparation, the guanidinoacetic acid can also be applied to a carrier material.

[0054] The present invention further relates to guanidino acid or a feed containing guanidino acid for use in the feeding of pregnant sows to reduce the farrowing period, reduce the birth interval, shorten the time until placental expulsion, and / or increase the birth weight of piglets. The preferred embodiments are as described above.

[0055] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for reducing the farrowing period, for reducing the birth interval, for shortening the time until placental expulsion and / or for increasing the birth weight of piglets, wherein guanidinoacetic acid is administered during the feeding of pregnant sows.

[0056] Examples of implementation: Example 1 : Feeding experiment 1

[0057] Fifteen high-yielding sows (average litter size ~3) were assigned to a farrowing group and fed two different diets. The diets of the two groups differed only by the addition of GAA; the control diet contained no GAA, whereas the other group's diet contained 0.10 wt% GAA. The animals received the different diets from day 108 of gestation, from the time they were moved into the farrowing pen, until weaning. The diet was the standard feed program from Voeders Decadt, Oostnieuwkerke, Belgium.

[0058] The feeding schedule of the sows was as follows:

[0059] 1) From insemination onwards, a gestation feed was used that was the same for all animals examined.

[0060] 2) For transfer to the farrowing house on day 108 of gestation, a transition feed with or without GAA was given which was fed until day 7 after farrowing (day 122 after insemination) (“Zeugen Kruimel Zogend Transit”).

[0061] 3) From the seventh day after farrowing, a lactation feed I with or without GAA was fed until day 21 after farrowing (day 136 after insemination) (“Zeugen Kruimel Zogend”).

[0062] 4) Thereafter, a lactation end feed II was given until weaning on day 28 after farrowing (day 143 after insemination) (“Zeugen Kruimel Zogend Hoog”).

[0063] During farrowing, numerous birth parameters were recorded, such as the number of piglets, the farrowing period (from the birth of the first piglet to the birth of the last piglet), the farrowing interval (calculated as the farrowing period divided by the number of piglets born), and the time to placental expulsion (from the start of farrowing to complete expulsion of the placenta). Colostrum intake was calculated from the piglets' weight gain during the first 24 hours of life. The mean values ​​for these parameters are shown in Table 1.

[0064] Table 1 : Effects of the addition of 0.1% GAA to the feed of breeding sows on various farrowing parameters

[0065] GAA dosage

[0066] 0.0% 0.1%

[0067] Sows (n) 8 7 Birth parameters

[0068] Number of litters 2.7 2.6

[0069] Live-born piglets per litter (n) 21 .8 21 .4

[0070] Farrowing time (minutes) 419 286

[0071] Average birth interval (minutes) 19.8 13.5

[0072] Placental expulsion (minutes) 694,458

[0073] Clostrum intake per piglet (ml) 257 271

[0074] The sows in both feeding groups were almost the same age. With almost identical piglet numbers, feeding the sows a diet with 0.1% GAA significantly improved farrowing parameters (birth parameters). GAA supplementation reduced farrowing time by an average of 133 minutes, and the sows with GAA in their diet expelled the placenta 236 minutes earlier. The faster farrowing resulted in significantly shorter farrowing intervals. The sows in the control group gave birth to a piglet almost every 20 minutes, while the sows in the GAA group gave birth every 13.5 minutes. The significantly faster farrowing meant that the piglets were able to ingest more colostrum, which generally has extremely positive effects on the piglets' immunity and fitness.

[0075] By adding 0.1% GAA to the feed of pregnant sows, a significant improvement in the farrowing parameters of the sows was achieved. A shortened farrowing period supports sow and piglet fitness, reduces animal stress, and has a positive effect on piglet production and the sows.

[0076] Example 2: Feeding experiment 2

[0077] In a feeding study, a total of 160 gilts were divided into four groups and fed different dosages of GAA. The dosages were 0.00 wt% (control group), 0.12 wt% GAA, 0.24 wt% GAA, and 0.36 wt% GAA based on the total weight of the feed provided. GAA feeding began with the transition to a high-pregnancy feed on gestation day 80, which is mathematically 35 days before farrowing. GAA was then fed to the sows until weaning.

[0078] The study parameters included the standard performance parameters of sows and piglets, in particular the number of piglets (live and total births) per sow and litter, the sow's weight loss at farrowing, and the piglet weight at birth and weaning. The feed used to feed the sows is shown in Table 2. The feeding trial began with the transition to the late-pregnancy feed on gestation day 80. Up to this point, all sows received a feed for late-pregnancy sows, which was identical for all sows (Table 2). From the time they were moved to the farrowing pen on gestation day 110, the sows received a lactation feed (Table 2) and, after weaning, a (pre-)starter feed without GAA. To conduct the feeding trials according to the invention, guanidinoacetic acid was additionally mixed in the appropriate amounts into the "late-pregnancy" and "lactation" feed rations shown in Table 2.

[0079] Table 2: Ration composition and calculated ingredients of sow feed

[0080] Low pregnancy High pregnancy Lactation

[0081] Sugar (%) 0.00 0.00 5.00

[0082] Soybean oil (%) 4.00 0.00 3.00

[0083] Oat bran (%) 26.00 10.00 0.00

[0084] Corn (%) 16.05 0.00 48.16

[0085] Grain millet (%) 35.00 66.01 0.00

[0086] Biscuit flour (%) 0.00 0.00 10.00

[0087] Soybean meal (%) 15.00 19.60 29.10

[0088] Premix 2 (%) 0.20 0.50 0.80

[0089] Salt (%) 0.32 0.52 0.30

[0090] Calcium (%) 1.19 0.90 0.85

[0091] Dicalcium phosphate (%) 1.92 1.55 1.30

[0092] DL-methionine (%) 0.02 0.12 0.18

[0093] Lysine (%) 0.19 0.15 0.45

[0094] Threonine (%) 0.11 0.15 0.27

[0095] Tryptophan (%) 0.00 0.00 0.03

[0096] Valine (%) 0.00 0.00 0.06

[0097] Live yeast (%) 0.00 0.50 0.50

[0098] Total (%) 100.00 100.00 100.00

[0099] Calculated nutrient contents in feed

[0100] Metabolizable energy MJ / kg 12.55 12.36 14.45

[0101] Crude protein (%) 15.86 15.52 19.11

[0102] Verd. 1 Lysine (%) 0.63 0.75 1.20

[0103] Verd. 1 Met+Cys (%) 0.35 0.53 0.77

[0104] Verd. 1 Methionine (%) 0.25 0.30 0.50

[0105] Verd. 1 Tryptophan (%) 0.13 0.15 0.22

[0106] Verd. 1 Valine (%) 0.49 0.63 0.82

[0107] Verd. 1 Threonine (%) 0.47 0.60 0.84

[0108] Calcium (%) 1 ,01 0.80 0.76

[0109] Available phosphorus (%) 0.50 0.45 0.42

[0110] Sodium (%) 0.15 0.52 0.30

[0111] 1Precaecal digestible; % values ​​are weight percentages based on the total weight of the feed

[0112] 2 Vitamin and trace element mixture. The sows were fed the appropriate feeds based on predefined feeding curves. Up to day 90 of pregnancy, the feed for sows in low pregnancy and subsequently the feed for sows in high pregnancy were fed at an average of 2.8 kg per sow per day. From day 90 onward, this amount was increased to 3.8 kg. The average amount was increased or decreased according to the sows' body condition. From farrowing onward, the sows were fed ad libitum, i.e., according to the sow's daily consumption, within the limits of feeding possibilities.

[0113] Table 3 provides an overview of the observed parameters of the feeding trial, particularly the parturition parameters. GAA supplementation starting on gestation day 80 led to a reduction in farrowing time, the average parturition interval, and the time to placental expulsion. With increasing dosage, these times were shortened. This confirmed the findings of the first feeding trial.

[0114] Table 3 : Performance data of sows and piglets in feeding trial 1

[0115] GAA dosage

[0116] 0.00% 0.12% 0.24% 0.36%

[0117] Sows (n) 40 40 40 40

[0118] Birth parameters

[0119] Live births per litter (n) 13.05 13.63 14.45 13.45

[0120] Farrowing time (minutes) 297 283 271 216

[0121] Average birth interval (minutes) 22.8 20.8 18.8 16.1

[0122] Placental expulsion (minutes) 384 380 372 291

[0123] Piglet performance during lactation and after weaning

[0124] Birth weight (kg) 1 ,34 1 ,19 1 ,19 1 ,26

[0125] Number of piglets after litter balancing (n) 13 13 13 13

[0126] Piglet weight after litter balancing (kg) 1 ,36 1 ,21 1 ,22 1 ,30

[0127] Weaning weight piglets d 24 (kg) 5.81 5.59 6.06 6.22

[0128] Number of piglets after weaning (n) 300 300 300 300

[0129] Number of bays 10 10 10 10

[0130] Daily gain (kg / d) 0.434 0.440 0.479 0.452

[0131] Final weight of piglets d 67 (kg) 24.46 24.29 26.64 25.66

[0132] Regarding the number of live piglets born, the sows in the group receiving 0.24 wt% GAA in their diet gave birth to a significantly higher number of piglets, 14.45. The groups receiving 0.12 wt% and 0.36 wt% GAA showed only a slightly positive effect. The average birth weight of the piglets in the GAA groups was slightly lower than in the control group. This suggests that the facilitated farrowing process also increased the survival rate of smaller piglets. After litter balancing to 13 piglets per sow within 24 hours of farrowing, the piglets in the 0.12 wt% group were the lightest (1.21 kg) and those in the control group the heaviest (1.36 kg). At weaning, the piglets of sows receiving 0.24 wt% and 0.36 wt% GAA reached the highest weaning weights of 6.06 kg and 6.22 kg, respectively.This indicates that the piglets are developing well in the first rearing phase, which is likely due to the shortened farrowing period and thus the better care of the piglets shortly after birth.

[0133] In summary, it can be stated that in mature sows (Example 1), even a short application before parturition is sufficient to shorten the farrowing period, whereas in gilts (Example 2), higher dosages and longer application times are beneficial. This may be related to the fact that farrowing period increases with the age of the sow, and mature sows therefore respond better to the administration of GAA and the associated strengthening of cellular metabolism.

[0134] Example 3: Feeding experiment 3

[0135] A disadvantage of feeding trial 2 is that the birth weight of the piglets in the groups with GAA supplementation was not improved. In another study, a group of mixed-parity sows was fed a feed containing 0.1 wt% GAA based on the total weight of the feed from entry into the artificial insemination pen (approximately 5 days before insemination) until weaning and compared with a group without GAA supplementation. During the feeding study, the feed composition was changed after farrowing from a feed for pregnant sows to a feed for lactating sows (Table 4). To investigate the performance parameters of the sows up to weaning, three consecutive sow groups were examined during the production cycle. Thus, a total of 70 sows were examined for sow performance: 35 sows in the control group without GAA supplementation and 35 in the group with 0.1 wt% GAA supplementation from insemination onwards.

[0136] The results were statistically analyzed using SPSS in an analysis of variance (UNIANOVA after prior Bonferroni correction) (significance p<0.05). Table 4: Ration design of the sow rations

[0137] Ingredient Pregnancy Lactating

[0138] Barley % 45.90 34.15

[0139] Wheat % 22.00 32.00

[0140] Soybean meal (CP48) % 6.0 8.50

[0141] Rapeseed meal % 7.1 7.70

[0142] Soybeans % 2.00

[0143] Linseed meal % 2.40

[0144] Wheat bran % 4.80 3.40

[0145] Sugar beet pulp % 4.00 1.25

[0146] Fruit pomace % 3.00

[0147] Alfalfa % 3.10

[0148] L-Lysine % 0.15 0.35

[0149] DL-Methionine % 0.08

[0150] L-Threonine % 0.12

[0151] L-tryptophan % 0.03

[0152] Calcium % 1.08 1.75

[0153] Monocalcium phosphate % 0.40 0.80

[0154] Sugar beet molasses % 0.50 1.00

[0155] Vegetable oil % 1 ,15 3,57

[0156] Salt % 0.42 0.50

[0157] Premix 2 (incl. choline) % 0.40 0.40

[0158] Treatment 1 : GAA % 0.00 0.00

[0159] Treatment 2: GAA % 0.10 0.10

[0160] Calculated ingredients in feed

[0161] Metabolizable energy MJ / kg 12.3 13.3

[0162] Crude protein % 14.1 16.1

[0163] Crude fiber % 6.68 4.73

[0164] Crude fat % 2.80 5.47

[0165] Total lysine (digestible) 1 % 0.75 (0.61) 1 .00 (0.86)

[0166] Methionine 1 % 0.23 (0.20) 0.34 (0.30)

[0167] Methionine / Cystine 1 % 0.52 (0.44) 0.66 (0.58)

[0168] Threonine 1 % 0.51 (0.38) 0.69 (0.56)

[0169] Tryptophan 1 % 0.18 (0.14) 0.23 (0.20)

[0170] Calcium % 0.69 0.92

[0171] Diluted phosphorus % 0.25 0.33

[0172] Sodium % 0.20 0.21

[0173] Choline % 0.13 0.13

[0174] % values ​​are percentages by weight based on the total weight of the feed

[0175] 1) The values ​​indicate the absolute weight percentage or, in parentheses, the digestible weight percentage in the feed. 2) Contents per kg of premix: 2,950,000 IU vitamin A; 300,000 IU vitamin D3; 33,000 mg vitamin E;

[0176] 356.7 mg vitamin K3; 626.7 vitamin B1; 2,167 mg vitamin B2; 12,599 mg niacin; 1,7940 mg vitamin B6; 9,917 pg vitamin B12; 133 mg biotin; 230,413.2 choline chloride; 5,417 mg d-pantothenic acid; 900 mg folic acid; 33,356 mg Zn; 53,503 mg Fe; 22,743 mg Mn; 4,513 mg Cu; 100 mg Se; 450 mg iodine; 430 pg Cobalt. Feeding 0.1% GAA throughout pregnancy resulted in a statistically significant increase in birth weight (1.263 kg in the control group versus 1.327 kg in the GAA group, p<0.01), with statistically identical litter sizes (14.9 and 14.1 kg, p=0.41). Thus, when administered continuously during pregnancy, GAA appears to improve the piglets' nutrition in utero, leading to higher birth weights. A higher birth weight without compromising economic performance, i.e., the number of piglets, is desirable. Heavier piglets are generally more vital and have a better chance of surviving the critical first hours of life.

[0177] Table 5: Summary of birth weights of piglets in feeding trial 3

[0178] Treatment 0.0% GAA 0.1% GAA p-value

[0179] Performance parameters of sows

[0180] Number of sows 35 35

[0181] Number of litters (n) 2.9 3.2 0.56

[0182] Piglets born alive (n) 14.9 14.1 0.41

[0183] Weight of live-born piglets (kg) 1 ,263 1 ,327 <0.01

[0184] Piglet performance parameters after weaning

[0185] Number of sows (n) 27 30

[0186] Number of piglets dO (n) 398 423

[0187] Piglet weight dO (kg) 1 ,264 1 ,323 0.02

[0188] The effect of maternal GAA supplementation on birth weight varies depending on the duration of use. A higher birth weight was observed when GAA was supplemented at 0.1% over a longer period, ideally from insemination to farrowing. With a shortened application period of approximately 35 days, even increased GAA administration appears to have no positive effect on birth weight (see Example 2). Therefore, continuous GAA supply to the sow appears necessary to positively influence the birth weight of the piglets.

[0189] Another difference between the two case studies is that in Example 2, only gilts were fed. Although gilts were also included in the present case study (9 in the control group, 7 in the GAA group), the study primarily involved multiparous (old) sows. From this, it can be concluded that continuous GAA provision, especially to old sows, but also to gilts, improves the nutrition of the piglets in the uterus, leading to higher birth weights.

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Use of guanidinoacetic acid in the feeding of pregnant sows to reduce the duration of farrowing, to reduce the interval between births, to shorten the time to expulsion of the placenta and / or to increase the birth weight of piglets.

2. Use of guanidinoacetic acid according to claim 1, characterized in that guanidinoacetic acid is used in an amount in the range of 0.01 wt.% to 1 wt.% based on the total weight of the feed.

3. Use of guanidinoacetic acid according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that guanidinoacetic acid is fed from the insemination of the sows until farrowing for a period of at least 3 to 60 days in order to reduce the farrowing period, reduce the birth interval and / or shorten the time until the expulsion of the placenta.

4. Use of guanidinoacetic acid according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that guanidinoacetic acid is fed from the insemination of the sows until farrowing for a period of at least 60 days to increase the birth weight of the piglets.

5. Use of guanidinoacetic acid according to claim 4, characterized in that the guanidinoacetic acid is administered to pregnant old sows with a litter number of 2 or more or to gilts with a litter number of 1.

6. Use of guanidinoacetic acid according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the guanidinoacetic acid is administered to pregnant old sows with a litter number of 2 or more or to pregnant gilts with a litter number of 1.

7. Use of guanidinoacetic acid according to claim 6, characterized in that the guanidinoacetic acid is administered to the old sows carrying guanidinoacetic acid for a period of at least 5 days in an amount in the range of 0.02 wt% to 0.6 wt% based on the total weight of the feed.

8. Use of guanidinoacetic acid according to one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the guanidinoacetic acid is administered to old sows from day 70 of pregnancy, preferably from day 100 of pregnancy.

9. Use of guanidinoacetic acid according to claim 6, characterized in that the guanidinoacetic acid is administered to gilts carrying guanidinoacetic acid for a period of at least 20 days in an amount in the range of 0.1% by weight to 0.8% by weight based on the total weight of the feed.

10. Use of guanidinoacetic acid according to one of claims 6 and 9, characterized in that the guanidinoacetic acid is administered to gilts from day 50 of pregnancy, preferably from day 70 of pregnancy.

11. Use of guanidinoacetic acid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guanidinoacetic acid is used to reduce the farrowing time in pregnant sows by at least 10% or by at least 30 minutes, preferably 1 hour, compared to pregnant sows that do not receive guanidinoacetic acid but otherwise receive the same feed, or to reduce the birth interval in pregnant sows by at least 8% or by at least 2 minutes compared to pregnant sows that do not receive guanidinoacetic acid but otherwise receive the same feed, or to reduce the time until the placenta is expelled in pregnant sows by at least 10% or by at least 1 hour compared to pregnant sows that do not receive guanidinoacetic acid but otherwise receive the same feed.

12. Use of a feed additive containing guanidinoacetic acid in the feeding of pregnant sows to reduce the farrowing period, To reduce the birth interval, to shorten the time to expulsion of the placenta and / or to increase the birth weight of the piglets.

13. Guanidinoacetic acid for use in the feeding of pregnant sows to reduce the duration of farrowing, to reduce birth interval, to shorten the time to placental expulsion and / or to increase the birth weight of piglets.

14. A method for reducing the duration of farrowing, reducing the interval between births, shortening the time to expulsion of the placenta and / or increasing the birth weight of piglets, wherein guanidinoacetic acid is administered to pregnant sows during feeding.