Flavoured animal feed composition and its use for promoting animal's feed intake and growth performance

Abstract

It relates to an animal feed composition which comprises: a) a dihydrochalcone; and b) a flavouring composition, as well as it uses for promoting animal's feed intake and growth performance.

Description

[0001] Flavoured animal feed composition and its use for promoting animal’s feed intake and growth performance

[0002] This application claims the benefit of European Patent Application EP24382124 on February 8th, 2024.

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to an animal feed composition comprising a flavouring composition and a dihydrochalcone, in particular for young livestock to promote and improve the animal’s feed intake, feed conversion, and the animal's growth performance.

[0005] Background Art

[0006] The rearing of livestock and especially of young livestock is a critical process, particularly in the transition phase between lactation and weaning and transferring the animal’s nutrition from mother’s milk to solid feed. This transfer is known to be very complicated because the young animals compete for the mother’s milk and normally the strongest come first. Hence, there is no uniform distribution, and some animals don’t get sufficient mother’s milk and remain small and underdeveloped. Other animals may not adopt well to the transition to solid feed because it is simply not attractive enough and they reject the solid feed. Such weak or no eaters, as they are called, are eventually separated before the subsequent rearing or fattening phase of the livestock, because they have not a minimum body weight to start with. Also, the transitioning to solid feed causes changes in the animal’s digestion system and normally provokes diarrhoea, which in turns can cause mortality. Hence, for various reasons animals do not adjust their feed consumption and their upbringing is not uniform, so that the farmer needs to make a selection among the animals for the further upbringing, rearing and fattening.

[0007] Generally, this is coped with in the prior art by adding extra sweeteners, such as natural or artificial sweeteners to make the solid feed more attractive. Especially in the lactation phase it has been intended to provide already solid feed to the young animals, which is commonly called creep feed. This allows supplementing the smaller and weaker animals with an additional nutrition source and bring them in contact already with solid feed to make the transition to only solid feed easier. The general approach is to add a sweetener, being saccharine the most common one, to the creep feeds to make them more palatable and acceptable to the animals. In general, sweeteners that have been added to animal feed in the prior art with the aim to improve feed acceptance are usually saccharine, such as sodium or calcium saccharinate, but it can also be other natural or artificial intense sweeteners. In some cases, it may be even necessary to use a sweetener together with a potentiator to extend the perception of the sweet flavours and to hide the secondary tastes of the sweeteners (e.g. the bitter, metallic taste).

[0008] For example, US625146B1 discloses a powdered and micronized sweetening composition for animal feed comprising a sweetener and a potentiator and having a particle size comprised between 10 pm and 100 pm. The sweetener can be sodium or calcium saccharinate, saccharine, aspartyl-phenylalanine, acesulfame potassium, cyclamates and stevioside. The potentiator can be thaumatin, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, glycyrrhizin and mixtures thereof.

[0009] LIS2011171343A1 discloses an additive for animal feed that is in the form of granules, each granule comprising at least one compound selected from a sweet tasting compound such as sugar, saccharine and salts thereof, aspartame, acesulfame K, cyclamates, stevioside among others; and a flavour enhancers such as glutamates, guanylates, inosinates, ribonucleotides, amino acids, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, kokumi, among others; and flavour ingredients, and a coating comprising at least two flavour ingredients. Also, the particle size of the granules appears to be relevant, even more than the actual sweet-tasting compound, flavour enhancer or other flavour ingredients.

[0010] CN112998121 discloses a very complex feed sweetener comprising: 30-35 parts of anhydrous sodium saccharine, 1-2 parts of neotame, 1-3 parts of neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, 2-3 parts of stevia, 3-5 parts of sodium cyclamate, 0.5-2 parts of mogroside, 8-12 parts of citric acid, flavour enhancer 10-13 servings, 18-21 servings of fermented Chinese herbal medicine and appropriate amount of carrier. According to this document the complex feed sweetener not only has a sweet taste but also has the function of inhibiting harmful intestinal bacteria. Yet, the document is silent about the specific functions of the individual components of the complex mixture.

[0011] Finally, some flavouring mixtures are known to be added to creep feed as a strategy to improve diet acceptance and stimulate feed consumption of suckling animals. For instance, WO2016169905A1 discloses a flavouring mixture to be added to creep feed for swine or cattle comprising: a) two or three esters of formula R1-COO-R2; b) two or three ketones of formula R3-CO-R4; and c) two or three aldehydes of formula R5-CHO; where R1, R3, and R4 are C1-5 linear alkyl groups; R2 is a C1-5 linear or branched alkyl group; and Rs is a C2-9 linear alkyl group. However, the known methods of the prior art are still not sufficient. There are still issues with obtaining a necessary and uniform minimum starting weight of all animals for the subsequent rearing and fattening phase, which causes the farmers still loss by having to separate those animals that are too small. The mortality occurring in the early phases, and especially in the transition to solid feed, is also still too high and still must be addressed. On the other hand, there are ongoing discussions, at least in the European Union, about safety concerns with the most common sweetener used nowadays which is saccharine and its sodium salt.

[0012] Hence, despite the various feed compositions disclosed in the prior art, there is still the need of providing suitable and safe additives to be added to animal feed making the animal feed highly palatable and more attractive, for the supplementation of young livestock, in particular for suckling and weanling diets, to not only stimulate solid feed intake, but also to effectively improve the feed conversion and thus the animal's performance at weaning and in the transition phase from maternal milk to solid feed in terms of increased growth rate and body weight, and diminished mortality. Also, there is a need to provide a safe alternative for saccharine and its salts, and to avoid the safety concerns of its use.

[0013] Summary of Invention

[0014] The present inventors have found that an animal feed composition comprising a flavouring composition and a dihydrochalcone provides a better acceptability of the animal feed and has a positive effect on animal’s feed intake and animal’s growth performance compared to those animals that had a control diet. Advantageously, a very significant increase in body weight was obtained, being the gain of body weight, also more uniform compared to control feed. Therefore, the average daily feed intake was improved over the control feed.

[0015] Especially the new feed composition allows for an excellent transition from lactation to weaning and post-weaning, i.e. from maternal milk or mother’s milk to solid feed. The results show that the young animals eat more, mortality decreases although diarrhoea increases, and they eventually adjust better to solid feed and increase their feed intake which improves their rearing and, subsequently, their fattening. Further, the excellent acceptance of the solid feed of the invention makes it possible to switch in the early phase, such as the pre-starter phase, to a normal solid feed because the young animals have already been well adapted thereto.

[0016] In addition, when a flavouring composition in combination with the dihydrochalcone is used to supplement both creep feed and pre-starter, the end results are especially good. The body weight of the young animals shows a significant increase until the end of the starter phase when compared to the conventional feed diet.

[0017] Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention relates to an animal feed composition which comprises: a) a dihydrochalcone; and b) a flavouring composition.

[0018] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a preformed mixture comprising a dihydrochalcone and a flavouring composition

[0019] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a combination of a dihydrochalcone and a flavouring composition for flavouring an animal feed composition. The combination includes either the dihydrochalcone and the flavouring composition as separated components or as a preformed mixture as disclosed above.

[0020] Another aspect of the present invention is the use of either an animal feed composition as defined above, or of the combination of a dihydrochalcone and a flavouring composition, for promoting animal’s feed intake, feed conversion, and growth performance in livestock.

[0021] Brief Description of Drawings

[0022] FIG. 1 shows faecal score regression by lactation (litter) treatment. “Treat 1” refers to the control feed during LT phase, while “treat 2” refers to the feed according to the invention fed during LT phase.

[0023] FIG. 2 shows faecal score regression by treatment up to 8 days post-weaning. “Treat 11” refers to the control feed during LT and PS phase; “treat 12” refers to feeding control feed during LT phase and feed according to the invention during PS phase; “treat 21” refers to feeding the feed according to the invention fed during LT phase and control feed during PS phase; and “treat 22” refers to feeding the feed according to the invention during LT and PS phase.

[0024] Detailed description of the invention

[0025] All terms as used herein in this application, unless otherwise stated, shall be understood in their ordinary meaning as known in the art. Other more specific definitions for certain terms as used in the present application are as set forth below and are intended to apply throughout the description and claims. As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise".

[0026] "As used herein, the indefinite articles “a” and “an” are synonymous with “at least one” or “one or more.” Thus, as used herein, the singular forms ”a”, “an”, and also the definite article “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise".

[0027] As used herein, the terms "comprise", "comprises", "comprising", "include", "includes", and "including" are meant to be non-limiting, i.e. , they are used to specify the presence of the stated components but do not preclude the presence of additional components, unless the contrary is specifically stated. These terms also include the term "consisting essentially of" or "consisting of".

[0028] Unless indicated otherwise, the percentages (%) used in the present description refer to weight percentages (weight / weight, w / w, wt.%).

[0029] Some amounts are provided as “g / 1000 kg” which is equivalent to gram per metric ton.

[0030] The term “livestock feed”, refers to feed for livestock, such as cattle and farm animals, including ruminants, swine, and ovine, among others.

[0031] The term “lactation phase” (LT) as used herein is understood to be the period during which the young animals are mainly fed by mother’s milk and, in the case of piglets, may be a period from 7 to 28 days of life. This is an average interval.

[0032] The term “at the time of weaning” as used herein is understood as the moment where the animal is separated from its mother and starts the transition from mother’s milk to solid feed. In the case of piglets, this moment is at day 28 of life. This is an average value.

[0033] The term “young livestock diets” as used herein refers to diets for young animals during a lactation phase, pre-starter phase and / or starter phase. In the case of piglets, this spans from approximately 7 days of life to approximately 70 days of life, which are average values.

[0034] The term “suckling and weanling diets” used herein refers to diets for animals in the lactation phase and in the subsequent diets for the transition to pre-starter feed phase and the starter feed phase.

[0035] The term “pre-starter phase” (PS) as used herein is understood to be a first phase which is immediate post-weaning and may be from 0 to 14 days post-weaning. In the case of piglets, this means the pre-starter phase is after day 28 of life and up to day 42 of life, which are average values.

[0036] The term “starter phase” (ST) as used herein is understood to be a second phase postweaning, after the pre-starter phase. Its length depends on the type of animal. In the case of piglets, the starter phase spans from 15 to 35 days post -weaning, i.e., from day 43 of life to day 63 of life.

[0037] The term “flavouring composition” in the context of an animal feed composition as used herein refers to a substance or a mixture of substances the inclusion of which into a feed composition increases or improves feed smell, attraction and / or palatability. In an embodiment of the invention, a flavouring composition according to the presence invention is substantially free of sweetener, meaning that it contains less than 3 wt.% of sweeteners. Preferably the flavouring composition does not encompass any sweetener at all, and is thus free from sweeteners, so that it is considered being a non-sweetening flavour composition.

[0038] The term “a combination of a flavouring composition and a dihydrochalcone” refers either to the combination of dihydrochalcone and the flavouring composition which are added to the animal feed as separated components or ingredients, or alternatively, which are added to the animal feed as a single ingredient which is a preformed mixture as disclosed above. The term “preformed mixture” means that it is previously formed by mixing both the flavouring composition and the dihydrochalcone forming a single ingredient.

[0039] The term “animal feed composition” refers to an animal feed supplemented with a flavouring composition in combination with a dihydrochalcone according to the present invention, the animal feed may be, for instance, a feed for creep feed diet, a feed for pre- starter feed diet, or a feed for starter feed diet.

[0040] As mentioned above, an animal feed composition which comprises: a) a dihydrochalcone; and b) a flavouring composition is part of the invention, i.e., an animal feed composition which comprises a combination of a) a dihydrochalcone; and b) a flavouring composition.

[0041] The animal feed composition is that which is a feed selected from the group consisting of a feed for creep feed diet, a feed for pre-starter feed diet, and a feed for starter feed diet, supplemented with the flavouring composition and the dihydrochalcone. Thus, in another particular embodiment of the invention, in combination with any of the embodiments below, the animal feed composition is that which comprises: a) a dihydrochalcone; b) a flavouring composition; and c) a feed selected from a feed for creep feed diet, a feed for pre-starter feed diet, and a feed for starter feed diet.

[0042] In another particular embodiment in combination with any of the embodiments above or below, the animal feed composition is that which comprises: a) a dihydrochalcone; and b) a flavouring composition; the flavouring composition is selected from the group consisting of: a first flavouring composition comprising: a) at least one ester of formula R1-COO-R2; b) at least one ketone of formula R3-CO-R4; c) at least one aldehyde of formula R5-CHO; d) at least one alcohol of formula Re-OH; e) at least one carbonic acid of formula R7- COOH; f) at least one phenol of formula Rs-OH; g) at least one terpene; and h) at least one aromatic amine; wherein R1, R3, and R4 are independently a C1-7 linear alkyl; R2 is a C1-4 linear alkyl; Rs is selected from the group consisting of a C2-7 linear alkyl, a C2-7 branched alkyl and an (C5-Cs)-aromatic or heteroaromatic ring, that is optionally independently substituted by one, two, three or four substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxy, carboxyl, carbonyl, carbonyl-Ci-4 linear alkyl, linear or branched C1-4 alkyl, and carboxylate-Ci-4 linear alkyl, preferably said (C5-Cs)-aromatic or heteroaromatic ring is phenyl, furanyl, pyrrolyl, pyridinyl, or thiophenyl; Rs is selected from the group consisting of a C2-8 linear or branched alkyl, a C5-10 linear alkenyl comprising at least one olefinic bond; R7 is a C1-5 linear alkyl; Rs is a phenyl optionally independently substituted with one, two, three or four substituents, the substituent being selected from the group consisting of: halogen, hydroxy, carboxyl, carbonyl, carbonyl-Ci-4 linear alkyl, linear or branched C1-4 alkyl, carboxylate-Ci-4 linear alkyl; the terpene is a monocyclic or bicyclic monoterpene; and the aromatic amine is selected from the group consisting of aniline, pyridine, indole, optionally substituted with one, two, or three substituents, the substituents being independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxy, carboxyl, carbonyl, carbonyl-Ci-4 linear alkyl, linear or branched C1-4 alkyl, and carboxylate- C1-4 linear alkyl; and a second flavouring composition comprising: a) two or three esters of formula R1-COO-R2; b) two or three ketones of formula R3-CO-R4; and c) two or three aldehydes of formula R5-CHO; wherein R1, R3, and R4 are C1-5 linear alkyl; R2 is a C1-5 linear or branched alkyl; and Rs is a C2-9 linear alkyl.

[0043] In another particular embodiment in combination with any of the embodiments above or below, the animal feed composition is that in which the animal feed composition is substantially free of sweeteners, which means that the animal feed composition has no more than 1 % by weight of a compound that can act as a sweetener (e.g. saccharin or its salts such as the sodium salt).

[0044] In a particular embodiment, the animal feed composition is that mentioned above which is free of a sweetener (added sweeteners). In another particular embodiment, the animal feed composition is that mentioned above which is also absence of an effective sweetness amount of any other substance that can provide sweetness to the feed composition, specifically of any other known substance that can provide sweetness to the feed composition

[0045] In a particular embodiment of the invention, in combination with any of the embodiments below, the animal feed composition is for young livestock diets. In another particular embodiment, in combination with the embodiments above or below, the animal feed composition according to the invention is for young livestock diets, wherein the young livestock diet is a suckling or a weanling diet. Particularly, the animal feed composition is for livestock, such as cattle, ovine, and piglets.

[0046] In another a particular embodiment, in combination with the embodiments above or below, the animal feed composition of the present invention is that which comprises: a) a dihydrochalcone; and b) a flavouring composition, wherein the dihydrochalcone is present in an effective amount to potentiate the effect of the flavouring composition, and in particular, without producing a sweetening effect.

[0047] In this context, the dihydrochalcone, in the amounts used in the present invention, is not considered a sweetener.

[0048] In particular, no extra sweetener substance is added to the animal feed composition of the present invention, so that the animal feed composition is considered being substantially free of sweeteners.

[0049] By the term “substantially free of sweeteners” is understood that the feed composition has no more than 3% by weight of a compound that can act as a sweetener when is present in a certain amount, preferably, no more than 2% by weight, more preferably no more than 1% by weight, even more preferably, no more that 0.5% by weight, still even more preferably, no more than 0.15 by weight, these amounts being considered not effective sweetness amounts to provide sweetness to the feed composition.

[0050] Thus, in another a particular embodiment, in combination with the embodiments above or below, the animal feed composition is that which is free of added sweeteners and is absence of an effective sweetness amount of any other substance that can provide sweetness to the feed composition, particularly, of any other known substance that can provide sweetness to the feed composition. In particular, the animal feed composition is substantially free of saccharine and salts thereof such as sodium or calcium saccharinate, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, cyclamates, stevioside, aspartyl-phenylalanine, cyclamates, and stevioside. Thus, the added sweetener may be any of these substances. In another particular embodiment the animal feed composition is free of saccharine and salts thereof such as sodium or calcium saccharinate, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, cyclamates, stevioside, aspartyl-phenylalanine, cyclamates, and stevioside.

[0051] In a particular embodiment, in combination with the embodiments above or below, the animal feed composition of the present invention is that which comprises: a) a dihydrochalcone; b) a flavouring composition; and c) a feed for creep feed diet. In another particular embodiment, the animal feed composition of the present invention is that which comprises: a) a dihydrochalcone; b) a flavouring composition; and c) a feed for pre-starter feed diet. In still another particular embodiment, the animal feed composition of the present invention is that which comprises: a) a dihydrochalcone; b) a flavouring composition; and c) a feed for starter feed diet.

[0052] Examples of the dihydrochalcone used in the animal feed composition of the present invention are neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, naringin dihydrochalcone, phloretin, and mixtures thereof. In a particular embodiment, in combination with any of the embodiments above or below, the animal feed composition of the present invention is that where the dihydrochalcone is neohesperidin dihydrochalcone.

[0053] Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, or simply NHDC, is derived from citrus and is particularly effective in masking the bitter tastes of other compounds found in citrus. Industrially, it may be produced by extracting neohesperidin from the bitter orange, and then hydrogenating this to make NHDC.

[0054] The dihydrochalcone is present in the animal feed composition of the present invention in an effective amount to potentiate the effect of the flavouring composition. In a particular embodiment, in combination with the embodiments above or below, the animal feed composition of the present invention is that where the dihydrochalcone is in an amount from about 0.1 to about 12 g / 1000 kg of animal feed composition. In another particular embodiment, the animal feed composition of the present invention is that where the dihydrochalcone is in an amount from 1 to 12 g / 1000 kg of animal feed composition. In another particular embodiment, the animal feed composition of the present invention is that where the dihydrochalcone is in an amount from 2 to 12 g / 1000 kg of animal feed composition. In another particular embodiment, the animal feed composition of the present invention is that where the dihydrochalcone is in an amount from 2 to 8 g / 1000 kg of animal feed composition. In another particular embodiment, the animal feed composition of the present invention is that where the dihydrochalcone is in an amount from 3 to 8 g / 1000 kg of animal feed composition. In another particular embodiment, the animal feed composition of the present invention is that where the dihydrochalcone is in an amount from 4 to 6 g / 1000 kg of animal feed composition. In another particular embodiment, the animal feed composition of the present invention is that where the dihydrochalcone is in an amount of about 5 g / 1000 kg of animal feed composition. These amounts may vary by ± 10% error margin.

[0055] Due to above amounts, the dihydrochalcone is not used herein to sweeten the animal feed composition but to provide an acceptable flavour to the feed composition and, at the same time, enhance the effect of the flavouring composition, thus rendering a more attractive, more palatable feed composition.

[0056] The flavouring compositions of the animal feed of the present invention are for instance compositions made from volatile molecules that disperse in the air so that the feed ’’smells” and the animal perceives them. The flavouring must therefore remain long enough in the feed to stay effective between the manufacture of the feed and its consumption by the animals. The flavouring composition in the animal feed composition has the effect of rendering the feed more attractive and more palatable to the animals and thus facilitates the supplementation during the lactation phase and the transition to solid feed during weaning and post-weaning, and when used in combination with a dihydrochalcone, in particular, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone this effect is increased. The dihydrochalcone can be used here as a flavour of its own, but also as an enhancer for the flavouring effect of the flavouring composition.

[0057] The nature of the flavouring composition which is added to the animal feed composition can vary. For example, a first flavouring composition may be used during the lactation phase, when the weaker eaters or the so-called no eaters need supplementation to mother’s milk, whereas in the transition to solid feed during the weaning and postweaning, a second flavouring composition may be used. Independently, the flavouring mixture can be based on a specific combination of several fragrances selected from aldehydes, acetals, ketones, terpenes, esters, pyrazines, alcohols, phenols, aromatic amines, carbonic acids, and lactones. The flavouring may suitably contain also essential oils, such as citrus or essential oils of herbs and spices that contain the aforementioned flavouring substances.

[0058] In a particular embodiment, in combination with the embodiments above or below, the flavouring composition comprises a mixture of at least two flavouring substances, wherein the flavouring substances are selected from the group consisting of aldehydes, acetals, ketones, terpenes, esters, pyrazines, alcohols, phenols, aromatic amines, carbonic acids, lactones, and essential oils. In another particular embodiment, the animal feed composition is that where the flavouring composition comprises a mixture of at least three flavouring substances selected from those mentioned above. In another particular embodiment, the animal feed composition is that where the flavouring composition comprises a mixture of at least four flavouring substances selected from those mentioned above. Generally, such combinations comprise components of the different categories mentioned, aldehydes, acetals, ketones, terpenes, esters, pyrazines, alcohols, phenols, aromatic amines, carbonic acids, lactones, and essential oils.

[0059] The flavouring composition is present in an effective amount to flavour an animal feed composition, and in particular, without producing a sweetening effect. Generally, the flavouring composition in the animal feed composition is comprised in an amount from 20 to 1000 g / 1000 kg of animal feed composition. In a particular embodiment, in combination with the embodiments above or below, the flavouring composition in the animal feed composition is comprised in an amount of 50 to 800 g / 1000 kg of animal feed. In another particular embodiment, the flavouring composition in the animal feed composition is comprised in an amount of 50 to 600 g / 1000 kg of animal feed. In another particular embodiment, the flavouring composition in the animal feed composition is comprised in an amount of 70 to 400 g / 1000 kg of animal feed. In another particular embodiment, the flavouring composition in the animal feed composition is comprised in an amount of 100 to 200 g / 1000 kg of animal feed. In another particular embodiment, the flavouring composition in the animal feed composition is comprised in an amount of 130 to 200 g / 1000 kg of animal feed. In another particular embodiment, the flavouring composition in the animal feed composition is comprised in an amount of 150 to 180 g / 1000 kg of animal feed. In another particular embodiment, the flavouring composition in the animal feed composition is in an amount of about 170 g / 1000 kg of animal feed. These amounts may vary by ± 10% error margin.

[0060] In a particular embodiment, in combination with the embodiments above or below, the animal feed composition of the present invention is that which comprises a dihydrochalcone in combination with a first flavouring composition. In another embodiment, the first flavouring composition comprises: at least one ester of formula Ri- COO-R2, where R1 is a C1-7 linear alkyl and R2 is a C1-4 linear alkyl, more particularly, said first flavouring composition comprises two esters as previously defined.

[0061] In another particular embodiment, in combination with the embodiments above or below, said first flavouring composition comprises at least one ketone of formula R3-CO-R4 where R3 and R4 are independently selected from C1-7 linear alkyl, more particularly, said first flavouring composition comprises two ketones as previously defined.

[0062] In another particular embodiment, in combination with the embodiments above or below, said first flavouring composition comprises at least one aldehyde of formula R5-CHO, where Rs is selected from the group consisting of a C2-7 linear alkyl, a C2-7 branched alkyl and an (C5-Cs)-aromatic or heteroaromatic ring, that is optionally independently substituted by one, two, three or four substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxy, carboxyl (-C-(=O)OH),, carbonyl (CHO), carbonyl-Ci-4 linear alkyl, linear or branched C1-4 alkyl, and carboxylate-Ci-4 linear alkyl, preferably said (Cs-C6)-aromatic or heteroaromatic ring is phenyl, furanyl, pyrrolyl, pyridinyl, or thiophenyl; more particularly, said first flavouring composition comprises two or three aldehydes as previously defined.

[0063] In another particular embodiment, in combination with the embodiments above or below, said first flavouring composition comprises at least one alcohol of formula Re-OH, where Re is C2-8 linear or branched alkyl, or a C5-10 linear alkyl comprising at least one olefinic bond, more particularly, said first flavouring composition comprises two, three or four alcohols as previously defined.

[0064] In another particular embodiment, in combination with the embodiments above or below, said first flavouring composition comprises at least one carbonic acid of formula R7- COOH, where R7 is a C1-5 linear alkyl, more particularly, said first flavouring composition comprises two carbonic acids as previously defined.

[0065] In another particular embodiment, in combination with the embodiments above or below, said first flavouring composition comprises at least one phenol of formula Rs-OH, where Rs is a phenyl that is optionally independently substituted by one, two, three or four substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxy, carboxyl (-C- (=O)OH), carbonyl (CHO), carbonyl-Ci-4 linear alkyl, linear or branched C1-4 alkyl, and carboxylate-Ci-4 linear alkyl, more particularly, said first flavouring composition comprises one phenol as defined above.

[0066] In another particular embodiment, in combination with the embodiments above or below, said first flavouring composition comprises at least one terpene, where the terpene is a monocyclic or bicyclic monoterpene, more particularly, said first flavouring composition comprises two or three terpenes as defined above.

[0067] In another particular embodiment, in combination with the embodiments above or below, said first flavouring composition comprises at least one aromatic amine, where the aromatic amine is aniline, pyridine or indole structure, that is optionally substituted by one, two or three substituents independently selected from halogen, hydroxy, carboxyl, carbonyl, carbonyl-Ci-C4 linear alkyl, linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl, or carboxylate-Ci-4 linear alkyl, more particularly, two aromatic amines as defined above.

[0068] In a particular embodiment, the animal feed composition of the present invention is that which comprises a dihydrochalcone in combination with a first flavouring composition. In one embodiment, said first flavouring composition comprises a) at least one ester of formula R1-COO-R2; b) at least one ketone of formula R3-CO-R4; c) at least one aldehyde of formula R5-CHO; d) at least one alcohol of formula Re-OH; e) at least one carbonic acid of formula R7-COOH; f) at least one phenol of formula Rs-OH; g) at least one terpene; and h) at least one aromatic amine; wherein R1, R3, and R4 are independently a C1-7 linear alkyl; R2 is a C1-4 linear alkyl; Rs is selected from the group consisting of a C2-7 linear alkyl, a C2-7 branched alkyl and an (C5-Cs)-aromatic or heteroaromatic ring, that is optionally independently substituted by one, two, three or four substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxy, carboxyl, carbonyl, carbonyl-Ci-4 linear alkyl, linear or branched C1-4 alkyl, and carboxylate-Ci-4 linear alkyl; preferably said (C5-Cs)-aromatic or heteroaromatic ring is phenyl, furanyl, pyrrolyl, pyridinyl, or thiophenyl; Rs is selected from the group consisting of a C2-8 linear or branched alkyl, a C5-10 linear alkenyl comprising at least one olefinic bond; R7 is a C1-5 linear alkyl; Rs is a phenyl optionally independently substituted with y one, two, three or four substituents, the substituent being independently selected from the group consisting of: halogen, hydroxy, carboxyl, carbonyl, carbonyl-Ci-4 linear alkyl, linear or branched C1-4 alkyl, carboxylate-Ci-4 linear alkyl; the terpene is a monocyclic or bicyclic monoterpene; and the aromatic amine is selected from the group consisting of aniline, pyridine indole, optionally substituted with one, two or three substituents, the substituents being independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxy, carboxyl, carbonyl, carbonyl-Ci-4 linear alkyl, linear or branched C1-4 alkyl, and carboxylate-Ci-4 linear alkyl.

[0069] In a particular embodiment of the first flavouring composition, Rs is selected from the group consisting of a C2-7 linear alkyl, a C2-7 branched alkyl, and an (C5-Cs)-aromatic or heteroaromatic ring.

[0070] In another particular embodiment, said first flavouring composition comprises 1-butanol, propanoic acid, 2-pentanone, ethyl propionate, butyric acid, ethyl butyrate, n-hexanal, benzaldehyde, 1-octen-3-ol, 4-ethylphenol, indole, 3-methylindole, a-pinene, p-pinene, L- limonene, 2-heptanone, 3-methylbutanal, 3-methylbutanol, and 1-hexanol.

[0071] Preferably, the first flavouring composition is added in the amounts indicated above to the animal feed composition used during the lactation phase before weaning. In the case of piglets, this is the creep feed.

[0072] In a particular embodiment, in combination with the embodiments above or below, the animal feed composition of the present invention is that which comprises a dihydrochalcone in combination with a second flavouring composition. In one embodiment, said second flavouring composition comprises two or three esters of formula R1-COO-R2, where R1 is a C1-5 linear alkyl groups and R2 is a C1-5 linear or branched alkyl, more particularly, it comprises three esters. In another particular embodiment, said second flavouring composition comprises two or three ketones of formula R3-CO-R4 where R3 and R4 are C1-5 linear alkyl, more particularly, two ketones. In another particular embodiment, said second flavouring composition comprises two or three aldehydes of formula R5-CHO, where Rs is a C2-9 linear alkyl, more particularly, three aldehydes. In another particular embodiment, said second flavouring composition comprises: a) two or three esters of formula R1-COO-R2; b) two or three ketones of formula R3-CO-R4; and c) two or three aldehydes of formula Rs-CHO; where R1, R3, and R4 are C1-5 linear alkyl; R2 is a C1-5 linear or branched alkyl; and Rs is a C2-9 linear alkyl. In another particular embodiment, said second flavouring composition comprises a) three esters of formula R1- COO-R2; b) two ketones of formula R3-CO-R4; and c) three aldehydes of formula Rs-CHO.

[0073] In another particular embodiment, said second flavouring composition comprises 2- butanone, methyl butyrate, methyl hexanoate, ethyl acetate, valeraldehyde, n-hexanal, n- heptanal, and methyl propyl ketone.

[0074] In a particular embodiment, in combination with the embodiments above or below, the second flavouring composition is added in the amounts indicated above to the animal feed composition used during weaning and post-weaning. In the case of piglets, the feeds comprising the second flavouring compositions are the pre-starter and the starter feed. In another particular embodiment, the second flavouring composition is added only to the feed used during weaning and immediately after weaning. In the case of piglet, this would be the pre-starter feed. This embodiment is advantageous from a cost-versus-profit perspective.

[0075] The flavouring compositions of the present invention may be added to the animal feed composition as such, before or after adding the dihydrochalcone, preferably the neohesperidin dihydrochalcone. That is, both ingredients are mixed individually with the animal feed.

[0076] Alternatively, the flavouring compositions may also be prepared in a diluted liquid form before its addition to the animal feed, that is, the individual flavouring substances making up the flavouring composition may be diluted in a solvent such as 1 ,3-propanodiol, glycerol, ethanol, medium chain triglyceride oil (MCT oil) that are triglycerides with two or three fatty acids having an aliphatic tail of 6-12 carbon atoms, or vegetable oil such as sunflower oil, and thus provide such a diluted liquid flavouring composition. Preferably, 1 ,3-propanodiol is used. This may be advantageously done to facilitate the dosing and stability during storage of the flavouring composition. In one particular embodiment, this diluted liquid flavouring composition may then be added as such to the animal feed composition, before or after adding the dihydrochalcone, preferably the neohesperidin dihydrochalcone.

[0077] In another particular embodiment, in combination with the embodiments above or below, the dihydrochalcone, preferably neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, may also be added to the diluted liquid flavouring composition and the resulting mixture of flavouring composition and the dihydrochalcone, preferably neohesperidin dihydrochalcone in diluted liquid form may then be added to the animal feed composition, thus providing both, dihydrochalcone, preferably neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, and flavouring composition, together as one ingredient to the animal feed composition. This ingredient in diluted liquid form is also named preformed mixture in the context of the present invention.

[0078] The preformed mixture according to the present invention may consist of a) a dihydrochalcone; and b) a flavouring composition; or alternatively, the preformed mixture may consist of a) a dihydrochalcone; and b) a flavouring composition; and c) a carrier.

[0079] In another particular embodiment, in combination with the embodiments above or below, the diluted liquid flavouring composition may be adsorbed on a solid carrier, to obtain the mixture of flavouring composition in solid form. This can improve even further the dosing and the stability of the flavouring composition and allows storage in larger bulk units. The point is that diluted liquid supplements are not generally well accepted by the farm operators due to the fact that their shelf life is shorter, all feeding equipment must be thoroughly cleaned, and extreme sanitation maintained, which is less problematic with a solid ingredient. Also, it has been observed that the preparation of the final feed composition results in better homogeneity and uniformity when a solid is used instead of a liquid. Thus, more preferably, the animal feed composition of the present invention is that where the flavouring composition is in solid form. In a particular embodiment, the animal feed composition according to the present invention is that where the flavouring composition further comprises a carrier selected from silica, maltodextrin, gum Arabic, modified starch, lecithin, cyclodextrin, gelatine or whey protein. In another particular embodiment, the animal feed composition of the present invention is that where the carrier in the flavouring composition is silica. In a particular embodiment, this solid flavouring composition contains 50 weight % of the diluted liquid flavouring composition and 50 weight% of the carrier.

[0080] In the context of the present invention, the term “ingredient” is used. However, it may be also understood as being an additive or a supplement.

[0081] In another particular embodiment, in combination with the embodiments above or below, the diluted liquid flavouring composition is adsorbed on the solid carrier together with the dihydrochalcone, preferably neohesperidin dihydrochalcone. Hence, the dihydrochalcone, preferably neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, is dissolved together with the flavouring substances in a solvent as defined above and then adsorbed on the solid carrier.

[0082] Preferably, the solid flavouring composition in this case contains 50 weight % of the diluted liquid flavouring composition together with dihydrochalcone, preferably neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, and 50 weight % of the solid carrier. This ingredient in solid form may be also named preformed mixture in the context of the present invention.

[0083] In another particular embodiment, in combination with the embodiments above or below, the neohesperidin dihydrochalcone may be added as such to the animal feed composition. For better dosage and handling, it may be mixed with the flavouring composition as described above. It may also be possible to mix it beforehand with other solid excipients. Preferably, it is mixed with the flavouring composition.

[0084] The use of a combination of a dihydrochalcone and a flavouring composition, as defined above, for flavouring an animal feed composition is also part of the invention. This aspect can also be formulated as a method for flavouring an animal feed composition comprising adding a dihydrochalcone and a flavouring composition to the animal feed. As explained above, this combination includes both the embodiments where both ingredients are mixed individually with the animal feed or those embodiments where a preformed mixture is used, either as a liquid or as a solid.

[0085] In a particular embodiment, in combination with the embodiments above or below, the use of a dihydrochalcone in combination with a flavouring composition as defined above is for flavouring an animal feed composition, in particular for young livestock diets, even more in particular, in the lactation and / or pre-starter and, optionally, starter feed phase. In another particular embodiment, in combination with the embodiments above or below, the use of a dihydrochalcone in combination with a flavouring composition as defined above is for flavouring an animal feed composition, in particular for young livestock diets, even more in particular, both in the lactation and in the pre-starter feed phase. In another particular embodiment, in combination with the embodiments above or below, the use of a dihydrochalcone in combination with a flavouring composition as defined above is for flavouring an animal feed composition, in particular for young livestock diets, even more in particular, both in the lactation and in the starter feed phase.

[0086] In particular, flavouring the animal feed composition comprises modifying the flavouring of the animal feed composition, and more particularly, enhancing the taste and flavour of the animal feed composition in terms of palatability and attractiveness. This embodiment can also be formulated as a method for flavouring an animal feed composition for young livestock diets comprising adding a dihydrochalcone and a flavouring composition to the animal feed.

[0087] The use of a combination of a flavouring composition and dihydrochalcone as defined above, for promoting animal’s feed intake, feed conversion, and growth performance in livestock, in particular, young livestock, is also part of the invention.

[0088] The use of an animal feed composition which comprises: a) a dihydrochalcone; and b) a flavouring composition for promoting animal’s feed intake, feed conversion, and growth performance in livestock, in particular young livestock, is also part of the invention. In particular, in the lactation phase and / or pre-starter feed phase and, optionally, also the starter phase. In another particular embodiment, it is used during the lactation and / or prestarter phase. This aspect can also be formulated as a method for promoting animal’s feed intake, feed conversion, and growth performance comprising administering to an animal in the lactation phase and / or pre-starter phase and optionally, starter phase, preferably lactation phase and / or pre-starter phase, an animal feed composition for livestock diets, in particular young livestock diets, which comprises: a) a dihydrochalcone; and b) a flavouring composition. In a particular embodiment of the method, the method comprises increasing the feed intake, the feed conversion, and the animal’s growth rate and body weight compared to control feed.

[0089] Especially excellent results are obtained by using a combination of a dihydrochalcone and a flavouring composition as defined above promoting animal’s feed intake, feed conversion, and growth performance in the lactation in combination with the pre-starter feed phase: as well as, in the lactation in combination with the starter feed phase.

[0090] When combining supplementation in creep feed and pre-starter feed the flavouring composition to be combined with neohesperidin dihydrochalcone may be the same or different for each feed. In a particular embodiment, this use comprises a combination of a dihydrochalcone and a first flavouring composition comprising 1 -butanol, propanoic acid, 2-pentanone, butyric acid, ethyl butyrate, 3-methylbutanol (isoamylalcohol), and 1- hexanol, more particularly comprising: 1 -butanol, propanoic acid, 2-pentanone, ethyl propionate, butyric acid, ethyl butyrate, hexanal, benzaldehyde, 1-octen-3-ol, 4- ethylphenol, indole, 3-methylindole, a-pinene, p-pinene, L-limonene, 2-heptanone, 3- methylbutanal (isovaleraldehyde), 3-methylbutanol, and 1 -hexanol for promoting animal’s feed intake, feed conversion and growth performance in the lactation phase, and a combination of dihydrochalcone and a second flavouring composition comprising 2- butanone, methyl butyrate, methyl hexanoate, ethyl acetate, valeraldehyde, n-hexanal, n- heptanal, and methyl propyl ketone for promoting animal’s feed intake, feed conversion, and growth performance in the pre-starter phase or in the starter phase.

[0091] All the particular and / or preferred embodiments disclosed above for other aspects of the invention, are also particular or preferred embodiments of the uses of the invention.

[0092] It is also considered part of the invention the animal feed composition for young livestock diets which comprises: a) a dihydrochalcone; and b) a flavouring composition for use in reducing the mortality compared to control feed, which is a feed without comprising a dihydrochalcone and a flavouring composition. This aspect may be formulated as a use of a) a dihydrochalcone; and b) a flavouring composition for the preparation of an animal feed composition for young livestock diets which comprises them for reducing the mortality compared to control feed. This aspect may also be formulated as method for reducing the mortality compared to control feed in a young animal, the method comprising the administration to said young animal of an animal feed composition for young livestock diets which comprises: a) a dihydrochalcone; and b) a flavouring composition. All the particular embodiments, of the previous aspects of the invention (animal feed composition and use of such animal feed composition) are also particular embodiments for these aspects of the invention.

[0093] It is also considered part of the invention the animal feed composition for livestock diets, in particular, young livestock diets which comprises: a) a dihydrochalcone; and b) a flavouring composition for use in reducing mortality compared to control feed, which is a feed without comprising a dihydrochalcone and a flavouring composition. This aspect may be formulated as a use of a) a dihydrochalcone; and b) a flavouring composition for the preparation of an animal feed composition for young livestock diets which comprises them for reducing mortality despite showing higher diarrhoea incidents. Hence, the novel animal feed of the invention prevents suffering severe consequences from diarrhoea. This aspect may therefore also be formulated as method for preventing in a young animal to suffer from diarrhoea, the method comprising the administration to said young animal of an animal feed composition for young livestock diets which comprises: a) a dihydrochalcone; and b) a flavouring composition. All the particular embodiments, of the previous aspects of the invention (animal feed composition and use of such animal feed composition) are also particular embodiments for these aspects of the invention.

[0094] Finally, the animal feed suitable to be flavoured with the flavouring mixture in any form as described above of the present invention can be any kind of animal feed, whose possible compositions are well known to the skilled in the art, designed according to the nutrition requirements of the specific animals and the specific age period. For example, a feed for piglets typically contains cereals, such as corn, wheat, soybeans, barley or oats; different protein sources, such as fishmeal, soybean meal or animal plasma, for example, amino acids, such as methionine, threonine, valine, tryptophan, arginine, histidine or leucine; as well as vitamins and minerals to meet the requirements for growth of piglets (U.S. National Research Council, NRC, 2012).

[0095] Throughout the description and claims the word "comprise" and variations of the word, are not intended to exclude other technical features, additives, components, or steps. Furthermore, the word “comprise” encompasses the case of “consisting of”. Additional objects, advantages and features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the description or may be learned by practice of the invention. The following examples and drawings are provided by way of illustration, and they are not intended to be limiting of the present invention. Reference signs related to drawings and placed in parentheses in a claim, are solely for attempting to increase the intelligibility of the claim and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claim. Furthermore, the present invention covers all possible combinations of particular and preferred embodiments described herein.

[0096] For reasons of completeness, various aspects of the invention are set out in the following numbered clauses:

[0097] Clause 1. An animal feed composition which comprises: a) a dihydrochalcone; and b) a flavouring composition.

[0098] Clause 2. The animal feed composition according to clause 1, wherein the flavouring composition is a non-sweetening flavouring composition.

[0099] Clause 3. The animal feed composition according to clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the animal feed composition is for young livestock, preferably for young livestock during the suckling, weanling or post-weanling phase.

[0100] Clause 4. The animal feed composition according to any of the clauses 1-3, wherein the dihydrochalcone is selected from the group consisting of neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, naringin dihydrochalcone, phloretin, and mixtures thereof.

[0101] Clause 5. The animal feed composition according to any of the clauses 1-4 wherein the dihydrochalcone is neohesperidin dihydrochalcone.

[0102] Clause 6. The animal feed composition according to any of the clauses 1-5, wherein the animal feed composition comprises the dihydrochalcone in an amount from 0.1 to 15 g / 1000 kg of animal feed composition.

[0103] Clause 7. The animal feed composition according to any of the clauses 1-6, wherein the animal feed composition comprises the flavouring composition in an amount from 50 to 1000 g / 1000 kg of animal feed composition.

[0104] Clause 8. The animal feed composition according to any of the clauses 1-7, wherein the flavouring composition comprises a mixture of at least two flavouring substances, wherein the flavouring substances are selected from the group consisting of aldehydes, acetals, ketones, terpenes, esters, pyrazines, alcohols, phenols, aromatic amines, carbonic acids, lactones, and essential oils.

[0105] Clause 9. The animal feed composition according to any of the clauses 1-8, wherein the flavouring composition is a first flavouring composition comprising: a) at least one ester of formula R1-COO-R2; b) at least one ketone of formula R3-CO-R4; c) at least one aldehyde of formula R5-CHO; d) at least one alcohol of formula Re-OH; e) at least one carbonic acid of formula R7-COOH; f) at least one phenol of formula Rs-OH; g) at least one terpene; and h) at least one aromatic amine; wherein

[0106] R1 , R3, and R4 are independently a C1-7 linear alkyl;

[0107] R2 is a C1-4 linear alkyl;

[0108] Rs is selected from the group consisting of a C2-7 linear alkyl, a C2-7 branched alkyl and an (C5-Ce)-aromatic or heteroaromatic ring, that is optionally independently substituted by one, two, three or four substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxy, carboxyl, carbonyl, carbonyl-Ci-4 linear alkyl, linear or branched C1-4 alkyl, and carboxylate-Ci-4 linear alkyl, preferably said (C5-Cs)-aromatic or heteroaromatic ring is phenyl, furanyl, pyrrolyl, pyridinyl, or thiophenyl;

[0109] Re is selected from the group consisting of a C2-8 linear or branched alkyl, a C5-10 linear alkenyl comprising at least one olefinic bond;

[0110] R? is a C1-5 linear alkyl;

[0111] Rs is a phenyl optionally independently substituted with one, two, three or four substituents, the substituent being selected from the group consisting of: halogen, hydroxy, carboxyl, carbonyl, carbonyl-Ci-4 linear alkyl, linear or branched C1-4 alkyl, carboxylate-Ci-4 linear alkyl; the terpene is a monocyclic or bicyclic monoterpene; and the aromatic amine is selected from the group consisting of aniline, pyridine, indole, optionally substituted with one, two, or three substituents, the substituents being independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxy, carboxyl, carbonyl, carbonyl-Ci-4 linear alkyl, linear or branched C1-4 alkyl, and carboxylate-Ci-4 linear alkyl.

[0112] Clause 10. The animal feed composition according to any of the clauses 1-8, wherein the flavouring composition is a second flavouring composition comprising: a) two or three esters of formula R1-COO-R2; b) two or three ketones of formula R3-CO-R4; and c) two or three aldehydes of formula R5-CHO; wherein R1, R3, and R4 are C1-5 linear alkyl; R2 is a C1-5 linear or branched alkyl; and Rs is a C2-9 linear alkyl.

[0113] Clause 11. The animal feed composition according to any of the clauses 1-10, wherein the dihydrochalcone and the flavouring composition are either separated components or are forming part of a preformed mixture.

[0114] Clause 12. The animal feed composition according to clause 11 , wherein the preformed mixture further comprises a carrier.

[0115] Clause 13. A preformed mixture comprising a) a dihydrochalcone; and b) a flavouring composition.

[0116] Clause 14. Use of a combination of a dihydrochalcone and a flavouring composition, wherein the dihydrochalcone and the flavouring composition are as defined in any of the clauses 1-12, for flavouring an animal feed composition.

[0117] Clause 15. Use of either an animal feed composition as defined in any of the clauses 1-12 or of a combination of a dihydrochalcone and a flavouring composition wherein the dihydrochalcone and the flavouring composition are as defined in any of the clauses1-12, for promoting animal’s feed intake, feed conversion, and growth performance in livestock.

[0118] Examples

[0119] Example 1: First flavouring composition plus neohesperidin dihydrochalcone

[0120] A1) First diluted flavouring composition in liquid form

[0121] A2) First flavouring composition in solid form

[0122] Example 2: Second flavouring composition plus neohesperidin dihydrochalcone

[0123] B1) Second flavouring composition in diluted liquid form

[0124] B2) Second flavouring composition in solid form.

[0125] Example 3: Composition of the creep-feed diet.

[0126] INGREDIENTS wt. %

[0127] Corn 21.24

[0128] LACTUMFEED B 16.66

[0129] Broken Rice 12.5

[0130] Wheat 10

[0131] EP 200 (soja-based protein) 8.99

[0132] Whey powder 7.69

[0133] HP300 (soja protein) 5.01

[0134] Soybean Protein concentrate 3.34 Extruded Straw 3

[0135] Sucrose 2.23

[0136] Carob bean 2

[0137] Animal plasma 80% PB 1.65

[0138] Wheat bran 1.3

[0139] L- Lysine 50 1.02

[0140] Vitamin-Mineral Premix 0.5

[0141] Lard 0.5

[0142] Salt 0.46

[0143] L-Arginine 0.41

[0144] DL-Methionine 0.32

[0145] Beet pulp 0.3

[0146] Monocalcium phosphate 0.28

[0147] L-Threonine 0.26

[0148] L-Valine 0.16

[0149] L-lsoleucine 0.09

[0150] L-Tryptophan 0.07

[0151] L-Histidine 0.01

[0152] Nutrient composition of the experimental creep-feed (%, as feed basis)

[0153] NUTRIENTS %

[0154] Dry Matter 89.96

[0155] Ash 4.47

[0156] NE Pig, Kcal / kg 2521.19

[0157] Ether Extract 4.485

[0158] Linoleic acid 0.665

[0159] Crude fiber 3.261

[0160] NDF 8.291

[0161] Starch 31.849

[0162] Sugars 11.324

[0163] Crude Protein 18.5

[0164] Lys 1.494

[0165] Lys SID 1.37

[0166] Met 0.604

[0167] Met SID 0.577

[0168] Cys 0.22

[0169] Cys SID 0.192

[0170] Met+Cys 0.893 Met+Cys SID 0.822

[0171] Thr 0.983

[0172] Thr SID 0.891

[0173] Trp 0.302

[0174] Trp SID 0.274

[0175] Vai 1.064

[0176] Vai SID 0.959 lie 0.852 lie SID 0.726

[0177] Leu 1.493

[0178] Leu SID 1.37

[0179] Arg 1.447

[0180] Arg SID 1.37

[0181] His 0.467

[0182] His SID 0.425

[0183] Lactose 8

[0184] Ca 0.600

[0185] P Total 0.477

[0186] P dig 0.3

[0187] Mg 0.087

[0188] Na 0.37

[0189] Cl 0.595

[0190] K 0.905

[0191] Example 4: Composition of the pre-starter diet (%)

[0192] INGREDIENTS wt %

[0193] National maize 17

[0194] Barley, 2 rows 11.5

[0195] Rice 10

[0196] Wheat 10

[0197] LACTUMFEED B 10

[0198] Whey powder 9.66

[0199] Soybean meal 47 8

[0200] HP300 (soja protein) 5

[0201] Bakery byproducts (FlorPROMIC) 4

[0202] LACTAL (Promic yogurt) 3

[0203] Animal plasma 80% PB 2.59

[0204] Carob bean 1.6 Extruded maize 1.5

[0205] Straw Barley 1.5

[0206] Lard 1

[0207] L-Lysine 50 0.9

[0208] Salt 0.53

[0209] Vitamin-Mineral Premix 0.4

[0210] L-Threonin 0.28

[0211] Mono calcium phosphate 0.28

[0212] DL-Methionine 99 0.27

[0213] Sucrose 0.21

[0214] L-Histidine 0.19

[0215] ARBOCEL RC Fine 0.16

[0216] L- Valine 0.15

[0217] L-Tryptophan 0.1

[0218] L-lsoleucine 0.08

[0219] Nutrient composition of the experimental pre-starter diet (%, as feed basis)

[0220] NUTRIENTS %

[0221] Dry Matter 89.887

[0222] Ash 4.495

[0223] Net Energy (Kcal / Kg) 2507.6

[0224] Ether Extract 4.76

[0225] Linoleic acids 0.826

[0226] Crude Fiber 2.80

[0227] Neutro Detergent Fiber 8.10

[0228] Starch 34.95

[0229] Sugars 11.56

[0230] Crude protein 17.1

[0231] Lys 1.364

[0232] Lys. SID 1.25

[0233] Met 0.523

[0234] Met SID 0.499

[0235] Cys 0.281

[0236] Cys SID 0.249

[0237] Met+Cys 0.815

[0238] Met+Cys SID 0.75

[0239] Thr 0.949

[0240] Thr SID 0.85 Trp 0.316 Trp SID 0.287 Vai 0.979

[0241] Vai SID 0.875 lie 0.77 lie SID 0.662

[0242] Leu 1.385

[0243] Leu SID 1.25

[0244] Arg 0.915

[0245] Arg SID 0.831

[0246] His 0.542

[0247] His SID 0.5

[0248] Lactose 8.74

[0249] Ca 0.32

[0250] P Total 0.481

[0251] P.dig 0.3

[0252] Na 0.45

[0253] Cl 0.701

[0254] K 0.824

[0255] Example 5: Composition of the experimental starter diets (%)

[0256] INGREDIENTS wt %

[0257] Barley, 2 rows 24.21

[0258] Soybean meal flour 47 20

[0259] National maize 17

[0260] Wheat 16

[0261] Bakery byproducts 6.01

[0262] Broken Rice 3

[0263] Beet pulp 3

[0264] HP300 (soja protein) 2.83

[0265] Straw Barley 1.66

[0266] Lard 1.5

[0267] Monocalcium phosphate 0.94

[0268] Salt 0.9

[0269] L- Lysine 50 0.84

[0270] Calcium Carbonate 0.63

[0271] Vitamin-Mineral Premix 0.4

[0272] DL-Methionine 99 0.27 L-Threonine 0.26

[0273] Sucrose 0.21

[0274] L-Valine 0.14

[0275] L-Tryptophan 0.07

[0276] L-Histidine 0.04

[0277] Nutrient composition of the experimental starter diets (%, as feed basis)

[0278] NUTRIENT ANALYSIS

[0279] Dry Matter 88.276

[0280] Ash 5.654

[0281] Net Energy (Kcal / Kg) N.E. Pig 2450.067

[0282] Ether Extract 4.027

[0283] Linoleic acids 1.05

[0284] Crude Fiber 4.269

[0285] Neutral Detergent Fibre 12.33

[0286] Starch 37.642

[0287] Sugars 3.642

[0288] Crude protein 18.2

[0289] Lys 1.319

[0290] Lys SID 1.2

[0291] Met 0.526

[0292] Met SID 0.5

[0293] Cys 0.271

[0294] Cys SID 0.239

[0295] Met+Cys 0.811

[0296] Met+Cys SID 0.744

[0297] Thr 0.9

[0298] Thr SID 0.792

[0299] Trp 0.294

[0300] Trp SID 0.264

[0301] Vai 0.958

[0302] Vai SID 0.84 lie 0.726 lie SID 0.636

[0303] Leu 1.349

[0304] Leu SID 1.2

[0305] Arg 1.104

[0306] Arg SID 1.008 His 0.457

[0307] His SID 0.408 Lactose 0 Ca 0.6

[0308] P Total 0.57

[0309] P.dig 0.31

[0310] Na 0.4

[0311] Cl 0.647

[0312] K 0.753

[0313] Example 6: Effect of the supplementation with the solid flavouring composition of example 1, A2 during the lactation and the solid flavouring composition of Example 2, B2 during the weaning period on feed consumption, growth performance, and intestinal health in piglets

[0314] METHODOLOGY

[0315] Site and duration of the experiment

[0316] The trial was conducted at the lactation unit at a commercial S1 swine facility, Villanueva de Gallego, Zaragoza. At the weaning the animals were transferred to, Agrocaude, Gimenells, Segria.

[0317] The trial was conducted throughout the lactation period (LT: 21 pre-weaning; 25 / 04 / 2023- 16 / 05 / 2023), pre-starter period (PS: 0 to 14 days post-weaning; 16 / 05 / 2023-30 / 05 / 2023), and starter period (ST: 15 to 35 days post- weaning; 30 / 05 / 2023-20 / 06 / 2023) in which the animals were completely monitored.

[0318] Experimental animals

[0319] A total of 40 litters were selected from 80 litters and monitored after cross-fostering ([Landrace x York Shire] x Pietrain) until weaning. 513 male and female 7±1.49 days-old piglets with an initial body weight of 2.21± 0,02 Kg were used in this trial. Individual ear tag identification and monitoring of the BWwere performed to all the piglets to evaluate individual average daily gain (ADG), body weight (BW) and allowing to calculate litter weight, litter weight gain and homogeneity between experimental treatments. The experimental treatments during the suckling period were based on the creep-feed (supplemented or not with 350 g / 1000 kg of the first flavouring composition of Example 1, A2) and they were offered from day 7 onwards until weaning. A total of 20 litters per treatment were monitored. At weaning (28±1.49 days old) all piglets were transported to the nursey unit, there they were weighted (BW: 6,14±0,06 Kg) and checked for marker excretion in faeces to perform an individual characterization of eater or non-eater piglets before weaning. A total of 40 litter were split into 48 pens of 11-12 piglets and homogenized according to the previous experimental treatment given during the suckling period, sex (males and females) and BW category (heavy, middle, and low weaning weight). The animals were arranged, distributed, and mixed only within the original experimental treatment. Once the animals were allocated, a factorial arrangement of treatments for the pre-starter period was performed following a 2x2 arrangement in which the main factors were the supplementation of 350 g / 1000 kg of the first solid flavouring composition of Example 1 A2 (yes or not) during the suckling period and the supplementation of 350 g / 1000 kg of the second flavouring composition of Example 2 B2 (yes or not) in the pre-starter period (P1 ; 0-14 days post-weaning). For the starter period (P2; 15-35d post- weaning) an extra factor was included in the factorial arrangement that was the supplementation of 350 g / 1000 kg of the second flavouring composition of Example 2 B2 (yes or not) during the starter period. Then, the final factorial arrangement consisted in a 2 x 2 x 2 with a sample size of n=6 replicates / treatment.

[0320] Each pen has had a commercial non-lidded hopper and a nipple waterer to ensure ad libitum feeding and free water access.

[0321] Experimental products

[0322] The experimental products under study were the first flavouring composition of Example 1 A2 and the second flavouring composition of Example 2 B2, they were added to the experimental diets.

[0323] Feeding program

[0324] At lactation period, the animals were offered the creep-feed diet supplemented or not with 350 g / 1000 kg of the first flavouring composition of Example 1 A2 from day 7 onwards until weaning (28d). All creep feed diets were supplemented with 0,5% of indigo carmine as a marker. Once weaned (28d), during the pre-starter period (0-14d post-weaning) the animals were offered the pre-starter diet supplemented or not with 350 g / 1000 kg of the second flavouring composition of Example 2 B2, then at the starter period (15-35d postweaning) another diet was given which was supplemented or not with 350 g / 1000 kg of the second flavouring composition of Example 2 B2.

[0325] The diets were fed ad libitum for the lactation, pre-starter and starter period. A basal diet was formulated for the suckling period (LT) (Example 3) containing 2300kcal EN / kg, 18,5% CP and 1 ,37% Lys SID. For the pre- starter period (PS) a basal diet (Example 4) was formulated to contain 2507 Kcal NE / Kg, 17.1%CP / Kg and 1.25% Dig Lys, for the starter period (ST) the diet (Example 5) contained 2450 Kcal NE / Kg, 18.1CP / Kg, 1.20% Dig Lys. Diets were formulated to meet the requirements for growth of newly weaned piglets (NRC, 2012). No common antibiotics nor ZnO were included in the basal diets.

[0326] Experimental diets were produced in mash (LT and PS) and in pellet form (ST) and bagged and labelled, ready for dispatch to the farm. Diets were mixed in batches of 1500kg except for the LT diets that were manufactured as single diet of 1000kg and then mixed in a 500kg batch.

[0327] The test articles were administered via the diet(s). In order to secure proper mixing of the feed additive, a premix was produced by very gentle mixing of the test articles in the feed under a minimum of dust formation and added to the remaining feed at a minimum of dust formation. The ventilation inside the mixing equipment was reduced to a minimum. To avoid cross contamination with elements from previous productions, feed was manufactured in an appropriate rank order starting with the lower concentrations to be included in the diet and with a neutral meal mixing in between each of the diets.

[0328] One composite sample (1000g) of each of the diets was collected and stored for further analysis.

[0329] Treatments and experimental design

[0330] A total of eight experimental treatments were achieved based on the factorial arrangement according to the supplementation or not of the experimental products study as described above along the lactation (LT), Pre-Starter (PS) and Starter (ST) periods. Therefore, the different experimental diets used combined in the factorial arrangement were as follows:

[0331] First, the factorial arrangement is considered: Lactation period (LT): T1-Control: Basal diet without product

[0332] T2-lnvention: T1 + 350 g / 1000 kg first flavouring composition of Example 1 A2

[0333] Pre-Starter period (PS):

[0334] T1-Control: Basal diet without product

[0335] T2-lnvention: T1 + 350 g / 1000 kg second flavouring composition of Example 2 B2

[0336] Starter period (ST):

[0337] T1-Control: Basal diet without product

[0338] T2-lnvention: T1 + 350 g / 1000 kg second flavouring composition of Example 2 B2 This way, treatments were as follows:

[0339] T1.1.1: Control (LT) + Control (PS) + Control (ST)

[0340] T1.1.2: Control (LT) + Control (PS) + Invention (ST) T1.2.1: Control (LT) + Invention (PS) + Control (ST) T1.2.2: Control (LT) + Invention (PS) + Invention (ST) T2.1.1: Invention (LT) + Control (PS) + Control (ST) T2.1.2: Invention (LT) + Control (PS) + Invention (ST) T2.2.1: Invention (LT) + Invention (PS) + Control (ST) T2.2.2: Invention (LT) + Invention (PS) + Invention (ST)

[0341] Controls

[0342] Animals were individually weighed at lactation period 7d, weaning 28d, 42d (PS;14d post weaning) and 63d (ST; 35d post-weaning). The average daily gain (ADG) was calculated for each piglet in each period, as well as the weight and weight gain of the litter in the lactation period. In each control, the number of piglets per pen with diarrhoea was recorded through pen faecal scores scale 0-1-2, where 0 = no scour, 1 = pasty faeces and 2 = liquid scour. The health status of the piglets was regularly checked, also mortality, abnormal signs or any medication given was recorded. Moreover, for the pre-starter (PS) and starter (ST) average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) were calculated by pen.

[0343] Mortality and incidence of pathologies were controlled daily, including registration of individual antibiotic treatments applied (different from feed).

[0344] Faecal consistence was visually evaluated by the same experienced person that was blind to treatments. To give a score value, the observer considered the main aspect of the faces found in the damp corner of each pen. Scores were registered every two days postweaning until the end of the trial.

[0345] Blood, tissue and intestinal content sampling

[0346] Blood and faecal samples were collected from one piglet per litter (the one closest to the average BW of the litter) at the start of the trial (7d), at weaning (28d) and 10 d postweaning. Samples were collected and analysed.

[0347] RESULTS Performance parameters

[0348] Below are presented the performance parameters according to lactation (LT: 7d to 28d- weaning), pre-starter (PS; from 0 to 14 d post-weaning) and starter phase (ST; from 15 to 42d post-weaning).

[0349] Body weight (BW, g), litter weight (g), average daily feed intake (ADFI, g) of the litter, average daily gain (ADG, g) of the litter, and mortality considering each sow for the lactation period are shown in Table 1 while Table 1.2 shows the aforementioned parameters considering weaning age.

[0350] Table 1 : Effect of the different experimental treatments on body weight of individuals, average daily feed intake, and mortality for the lactation period (7d to 28d weaning)

[0351] Abs. diff. means absolute difference versus control experiment.

[0352] ADFI: Average daily feed intake

[0353] BW: Body weight

[0354] Higher BW and ADFI of the litter were observed for the animals fed the animal feed according to the invention (T2) during this period compared to the control group (T 1). Furthermore, lower mortality was observed as well when feeding the animals with the animal feed according to the invention.

[0355] The effects of all the experimental treatments during the whole trial on BW, ADG, ADFI and feed conversion ratio (FOR) of the individual and pen are detailed in Table 2.

[0356] Table 2 Effect of the different experimental treatments on body weight, average daily gain for the lactation period until weaning (7d-28d), pre-starter (0-14 days post-weaning), starter (15 to 35 days post-weaning) and for the entire post-weaning period (0 to 35 days post-weaning)

[0357] Abs. diff. means absolute difference of the respective treatment versus the treatment 1.1.1 using control feed only BW: body weight

[0358] ADG: Average daily gain

[0359] LT: Lactation period

[0360] PS: pre-starter period

[0361] ST: starter period

[0362] PW: post weaning

[0363] In Table 2, an interaction was observed between LT, PS and ST and LT and ST for ADG during days 15-35 post-weaning (P2), pigs fed T2.2.1 had increased ADG than those fed the rest of the treatments, except for T2.1.2. Higher ADG 15-35 days post-weaning tended to be observed for the animals fed the Control treatment than those fed the invention treatment during the ST period. Moreover, the interaction between PS and ST tended to show higher ADG for the animals fed TX.2.1 than those fed TX.2.2. (X means independent of the nature of the treatment either control treatment (1) or invention (2)). While Control treatment achieved higher ADG on days 15-35 post-weaning during Starter period, the interaction of invention in LT treatment per se exerted an effect on BW 35days post-weaning, ADG 15-35d and ADG 0-35days.

[0364] Table 3: Number of eaters and non-eater piglets during lactation period (7d until weaning 28d)

[0365] Eater-no eater: Taking into account eater and no eater piglets of each treatment during lactation period, the animal feed according to the invention (T2) had more consumers (24.8%) than the control group (8.3%). This means the creep feed according to the invention was very attractive to those animals that could not access sufficiently to the mother’s milk and thus switched to the solid feed that was supplemented. This means that there are more animals that will compensate the loss of mother’s milk by the solid feed and thus less animals with a low body weight will transition to the pre-starter phase. Overall, this will result in less animals required to be separated when it comes to rearing and fattening.

[0366] Faecal score

[0367] It is seen (FIG. 1) how for the treatment according to the invention (T2) during lactation the faecal score increases more than in case of the control, but then both trail off to 0.

[0368] Along the first 8 days post-weaning, the diarrhoea score again was higher (FIG. 2) for T2.1 and T2.2 as seen by the higher faecal score compared to T1.1 , while no different faecal score was observed for T1.2 compared with T1.1. Therefore, pre-starter treatment does not differentiate between treatments and there are only two treatments with relevant differences: the ones during lactation period (T1-control and T2-invention), being the control T 1 the one with better faecal score. Normally, lower faecal scores would be preferred, since then less animals will suffer from diarrhoea meaning that less mortality might be expected. However, in case of the feed according to the invention the opposite was observed, and mortality could effectively be reduced with the feed according to the invention.

[0369] Hence, the animal feed according to the invention increases faecal score even though, it must be considered that most of the piglets were no eaters of their treatment (25% of piglets from T2). But despite showing a higher faecal score, and this higher incidents in diarrhea, the animals fed with feed according to the invention showed far less mortality than the control.

[0370] Mortality rate, culling percentage and total piglet loss

[0371] During lactation period 47 piglets died, however, neither the experimental treatment nor sex was directly associated as causes of deaths. After weaning, 21 piglets died between 0-35days post-weaning, but they were not related to LT x PS treatments.

[0372] Results

[0373] According to these results supplementation of the feed according to the invention during lactation period stimulates feed consumption and increases average daily feed intake per litter, and thus the animal’s body weight. The overall proportion of consumers may be considered low (33.1% total pigs). However, it is well accepted that those animals that consume creep feed are the smallest of the litter as this compensates for their lower milk intake, fact that would explain this low proportion, and only related to those without access to sow milk (not available teat, hierarchies etc).

[0374] Considering the last phase (starter) a carry-over effect on ADG is observed of those pigs fed with the supplemented diet by using the animal feed composition according to the present invention during lactation and pre-starter periods (T2.2.1). This suggests a better adaptation on solid feed after weaning with a connection and reward to the suckling period after weaning. This improves the first feed contact and the adaptation to the abrupt change to a solid diet although they were not categorized as eaters before. Although pigs fed T2.2.1 did not have a higher feed intake between 15-35 days post-weaning, they tended to have a lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) meaning higher feed profitability and thus a better conversion of the feed into body weight in the early post-weaning stages. The FCR is calculated according to the following formula:

[0375] FCR = (Amount of feed consumed) I (weight gain of the animal)

[0376] Hence, the lower the FCR, the better the animal converts the feed consumed into body weight, which is desired because more feed is actually used by the animal. This is shown in table 4.

[0377] Table 4: FCR observed in the different treatments.

[0378] PW means post weaning

[0379] It can be derived from table 4 that the use of the feed according to the invention during the LT phase achieves a better FCR during PS and ST phase (results 0-35d PW) when compared with the control treatments.

[0380] In terms of faecal score T2 intake during lactation increased diarrhoea during the 8 days post-weaning. This might be explained because of the higher number of eaters of this treatment as well as an increased feed intake of those animals, at weaning the digestive capacity of the piglet is limited thus, undigested dietary materials may allow fermentation by the intestinal microbiota and cause diarrhoea. However, although the low proportion of eaters in the T2 group that were related with low BW piglets at weaning as compared with the eaters from T 1 but reaching the same average BW at the end of the P1 period. This indicates that those piglets consuming the feed according to the invention were more adapted to consume and digest solid feed. The higher probability to show high diarrhoea scores would be related with higher early feed intake after weaning, indicating a mechanical diarrhoea instead a pathological diarrhoea since those animals showed higher performance.

[0381] Citation List

[0382] Patent Literature

[0383] - US625146B1

[0384] - CN112998121 - US2011171343A1

[0385] - WO2016169905A1

Claims

Claims1. An animal feed composition which comprises: a) a dihydrochalcone; and b) a flavouring composition; the flavouring composition is selected form the group consisting of: a first flavouring composition comprising: a) at least one ester of formula R1-COO-R2; b) at least one ketone of formula R3-CO-R4; c) at least one aldehyde of formula R5-CHO; d) at least one alcohol of formula Re-OH; e) at least one carbonic acid of formula R7-COOH; f) at least one phenol of formula Rs-OH; g) at least one terpene; and h) at least one aromatic amine; whereinR1 , R3, and R4 are independently a C1-7 linear alkyl;R2 is a C1-4 linear alkyl;Rs is selected from the group consisting of a C2-7 linear alkyl, a C2-7 branched alkyl and an (Cs-C6)-aromatic or heteroaromatic ring, that is optionally independently substituted by one, two, three or four substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxy, carboxyl, carbonyl, carbonyl-Ci-4 linear alkyl, linear or branched C1-4 alkyl, and carboxylate-Ci-4 linear alkyl, preferably said (Cs-C6)-aromatic or heteroaromatic ring is phenyl, furanyl, pyrrolyl, pyridinyl, or thiophenyl;Re is selected from the group consisting of a C2-8 linear or branched alkyl, a C5-10 linear alkenyl comprising at least one olefinic bond;R7 is a C1-5 linear alkyl;Rs is a phenyl optionally independently substituted with one, two, three or four substituents, the substituent being selected from the group consisting of: halogen, hydroxy, carboxyl, carbonyl, carbonyl-Ci-4 linear alkyl, linear or branched C1-4 alkyl, carboxylate-Ci-4 linear alkyl; the terpene is a monocyclic or bicyclic monoterpene; and the aromatic amine is selected from the group consisting of aniline, pyridine, indole,optionally substituted with one, two, or three substituents, the substituents being independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxy, carboxyl, carbonyl, carbonyl-Ci-4 linear alkyl, linear or branched C1-4 alkyl, and carboxylate-Ci-4 linear alkyl; and a second flavouring composition comprising: a) two or three esters of formula R1-COO-R2; b) two or three ketones of formula R3-CO-R4; and c) two or three aldehydes of formula R5-CHO; wherein R1, R3, and R4 are C1-5 linear alkyl; R2 is a C1-5 linear or branched alkyl; and Rs is a C2-9 linear alkyl.

2. The animal feed composition according to claim 1 , which is a feed selected from the group consisting of a feed for creep feed diet, a feed for pre-starter feed diet, and a feed for starter feed diet, and which has been supplemented with the flavouring composition and the dihydrochalcone.

3. The animal feed composition according to any of the claims 1-2, wherein the flavouring composition is a non-sweetening flavouring composition.

4. The animal feed composition according to any of the claims 1-3, wherein the animal feed composition is for young livestock, during the suckling, weanling or post-weanling phase.

5. The animal feed composition according to any of the claims 1-4, wherein the dihydrochalcone is selected from the group consisting of neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, naringin dihydrochalcone, phloretin, and mixtures thereof.

6. The animal feed composition according to any of the claims 1-5 wherein the dihydrochalcone is neohesperidin dihydrochalcone.

7. The animal feed composition according to any of the claims 1-6, wherein the animal feed composition comprises the dihydrochalcone in an amount from 0.1 to 8 g / 1000 kg of animal feed composition.

8. The animal feed composition according to any of the claims 1-7, wherein the animal feed composition comprises the flavouring composition in an amount from 50 to 1000 g / 1000 kg of animal feed composition.

9. The animal feed composition according to any of the claims 1-8, wherein a) the first flavouring composition comprises 1-butanol, propanoic acid, 2-pentanone, ethyl propionate, butyric acid, ethyl butyrate, n-hexanal, benzaldehyde, 1-octen-3-ol, 4- ethylphenol, indole, 3-methylindole, a-pinene, p-pinene, L-limonene, 2-heptanone, 3- methylbutanal, 3-methylbutanol, and 1 -hexanol; and b) the second flavouring composition comprises 2-butanone, methyl butyrate, methyl hexanoate, ethyl acetate, valeraldehyde, n-hexanal, n-heptanal, and methyl propyl ketone.

10. A preformed mixture comprising a) a dihydrochalcone; and b) a flavouring composition.11 . The preformed mixture according to claim 10 consisting of a) a dihydrochalcone; and b) a flavouring composition.

12. The preformed mixture according to claim 10 consisting of a) a dihydrochalcone; b) a flavouring composition; and c) a carrier.

13. Use of a combination of a dihydrochalcone and a flavouring composition, wherein the dihydrochalcone and the flavouring composition are as defined in any of the claims 1-12, for flavouring an animal feed composition.

14. Use of either an animal feed composition as defined in any of the claims 1-12 or of a combination of a dihydrochalcone and a flavouring composition wherein the dihydrochalcone and the flavouring composition are as defined in any of the claims 1-12, for promoting animal’s feed intake, feed conversion, and growth performance in livestock.

15. Use according to any of the claims 13 or 14, wherein the dihydrochalcone is neohesperidin dihydrochalcone.

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