Phytogenic composition and use of the phytogenic composition in feeding animals

Abstract

Phytogenic compositions with valerian root extract, an essential oil mixture and plant polyphenols are used for feeding calves. A method of feeding animals during the development phase with the phytogenic compositions is provided. The calves provided basal feed supplemented with the phytogenic compositions have improved growth performance. Animal feed with the phytogenic composition is also provided.

Description

PHYTOGENIC COMPOSITION AND USE OF THE PHYTOGENIC COMPOSITIONIN FEEDING ANIMALSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Application No. 63 / 568,582, filed March 22, 2024, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to feeding animals and more particularly relates to plant-derived compositions provided to calves.BACKGROUND

[0003] Respiratory disease is the second-leading cause of mortality in dairy calves and the predominate cause of weaned heifer mortality up to 6 months of age. Financial costs of combating bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) are substantial to the dairy and beef industries, estimated to be at least $3 billion annually due to mortality, reduced performance, and increased medical costs while in feedlots. Specifically, to the dairy industry, it is estimated that for every treatment for BRDC, rearing costs increase over $250 per heifer compared to healthy animals. Additionally, the likelihood that a heifer will survive to first lactation is reduced for heifers treated more than twice for BRDC and of those heifers that do survive to freshen, milk yields are significantly reduced compared to healthy cohorts. Dairy and beef calves are particularly sensitive to immune stressors and encounter multiple stressful events in the first 120 days of life. There is a narrow window where maternal immunity, which must come from colostrum consumption, and adaptive immunity may be insufficient to mount an effective immune response to stressors. Modulating the innate immune response, which is immediate and non-specific, has the potential to provide additional coverage to stressed calves. With increased scrutiny on antibiotic use in the agriculture sector, alternatives to traditional medications are needed to satisfy consumer demands and support judicious use of antibiotics while not compromising animal well-being.SUMMARY

[0004] The present description relates to modern livestock production methods to support calves during the critical calf development period. The methods and compositions described herein therefore are part of modern health and nutrition management strategies to support bovine calves during the calf development period.

[0005] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of feeding livestock animals. The method includes providing a phytogenic feed comprising a basal diet supplemented with a phytogenic composition, wherein the animals are bovine calves, preferably dairy and / or beef calves. The phytogenic composition comprises a plant extract, an essential oil mixture and / or plant polyphenols, wherein the plant extract comprises valerian root extract. Preferably, the valerian root extract comprises valerenic acid. The calves have improved growth performance relative to calves provided the basal diet without the phytogenic composition. The phytogenic composition may be formulated as a liquid soluble powder or as pellets. The phytogenic composition may include between 0.01wt% and 0.3wt% of the valerian root extract in the phytogenic composition. The amount of valerian extract in the phytogenic composition may be between 100 ppm and 3000 ppm. The essential oil mixture may include thyme oil and anise oil, preferably the ratio of thyme oikanise oil is between 10: 1 and 1 : 1, respectively. The phytogenic composition may include between 0.5wt% and 5wt% of the essential oil mixture in the phytogenic composition. The amount of thyme oil in the phytogenic composition may be between 800 ppm and 5000 ppm. The amount of anise oil in the phytogenic composition may be between 100 ppm and 1000 ppm. The plant polyphenols may include grape extract. The phytogenic composition may include between about 0.01wt% and 0.4wt% of the plant polyphenols in the phytogenic composition. The amount of plant polyphenols in the phytogenic composition may be between 100 ppm and 4000 ppm. The essential oil mixture may further include herbal powders, carriers, an encapsulation matrix and combinations thereof. The amount of phytogenic composition provided to the calves may be between lOg / calf / day and lOOg / calf / day. Preferably, the amount of phytogenic composition provided to the calves may be about 30g / calf / day when the phytogenic composition is formulated as a liquid soluble powder. Preferably, the amount of phytogenic composition provided to the calves may be about 60g / calf / day when the phytogenic composition is formulated as pellets. The phytogenic composition may be provided to the calves between day 0 to day 120 and any range there between. The phytogenic composition may be formulated as liquid soluble powder, combined with milk and / or milk replacer and provided to the calves between day 3 and day 70, preferably for a period of about 15 days, preferably between day 5 and day 55. The phytogenic composition may be formulated as pellets and provided as top dressing with a basal diet to the calves between day 25 and day 120, preferably for a period of at most 30 days between day 28 and day 90. The improved growth performance may include improved average daily gain (ADG), improved gaimfeed conversion ratio (G:F), improved body weight gain (BWG), improved dry matter (DM) intake and / or improved blood and other physiological biomarker profile.

[0006] In another aspect, the present disclosure also provides a phytogenic feed. The phytogenic feed includes a basal diet and a phytogenic composition. The phytogenic compositioncomprises plant extracts, essential oil mixture and / or plant polyphenols. The plant extracts comprise valerian root extract. The phytogenic feed comprises the phytogenic composition. The phytogenic composition comprises between 0.01wt% and 0.3wt% of the valerian root extract in the phytogenic composition. The phytogenic composition may be formulated as liquid soluble powder or as pellets. The amount of valerian extract in the phytogenic composition is between 100 ppm and 3000 ppm. The essential oil mixture comprises thyme oil and anise oil, preferably the ratio of thyme oikanise oil is between 10: 1 and 1 : 1, respectively. The phytogenic composition may include between 0.5wt% and 5wt% of the essential oil mixture in the phytogenic composition. The amount of thyme oil may be between 800 ppm and 5000 ppm in the phytogenic composition. The amount of anise oil in the phytogenic composition may be between 100 ppm and 1000 ppm. The plant polyphenols may comprise grape extract. The amount of plant polyphenols in the phytogenic composition may be between about 0.01wt% and 0.4wt% of the plant polyphenols. The amount of plant polyphenols in the phytogenic composition is between 100 ppm and 4000 ppm.

[0007] In a further aspect, the present disclosure further provides a phytogenic composition comprising plant extracts, essential oil mixture and / or plant polyphenols wherein the plant extracts comprise valerian root extract. The phytogenic composition may comprise between 0.01wt% and 0.3wt% of the valerian root extract in the phytogenic composition. The phytogenic composition may comprise between 0.5wt% and 5wt% of the essential oil mixture in the phytogenic composition. The essential oil mixture may comprise thyme oil and anise oil, preferably the ratio of thyme oikanise oil is between 10: 1 and 1 : 1, respectively. The amount of thyme oil in the phytogenic composition may be between 800 ppm and 5000 ppm and the amount of anise oil in the phytogenic composition may be between 100 ppm and 1000 ppm. The essential oil mixture may further comprise herbal powders, carriers, an encapsulation matrix and combinations thereof. The phytogenic composition may comprise between about 0.01wt% and 0.4wt% of the plant polyphenols in the phytogenic composition. The plant polyphenols may comprise grape extract. The phytogenic composition may be formulated as a liquid soluble powder. The phytogenic composition may be formulated as pellets.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various aspects discussed herein.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a plot showing the average daily gain by phase for dairy heifers fed no additives or valerian root extract (VR) in the post-weaning grower period. In phase 1 only, ADG was significantly improved for VR vs. CON (P = 0.045).

[0010] FIG. 2 is a plot showing the gain:feed efficiency (G:F) by phase for dairy heifers fed no additives or valerian root extract (VR) in the post-weaning grower period. In phase 1 only, G:F was significantly improved for VR vs. CON (P = 0.025).

[0011] FIG. 3 is a plot showing the average DM intake (kg / d) by phase for dairy heifer calves subjected to transportation stress then fed a pellet prototype supplement for 15 days to reduce stress and improve health.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a plot showing the Average DM intake (% of BW) by phase for dairy heifer calves subjected to transportation stress then fed a pellet prototype supplement for 15 days to reduce stress and improve health. *P < 0.05.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a plot showing the average daily weight gain (ADG) by phase for dairy heifer calves subjected to transportation stress then fed a pellet prototype supplement for 15 days to reduce stress and improve health, f 0.10 > P > 0.05.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a plot showing the starter intake from wk 5 through 8 for dairy heifer calves fed a milk or pellet prototype supplement to reduce stress and improve health. f0.10 > P > 0.05.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a plot showing the cumulative BW gain for dairy heifer calves fed a milk or pellet prototype supplement to reduce stress and improve health. f0.10 > P > 0.05.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Reference will now be made in detail to certain aspects of the disclosed subject matter, examples of which are illustrated in part in the accompanying drawings. While the disclosed subject matter will be described in conjunction with the enumerated claims, it will be understood that the exemplified subject matter is not intended to limit the claims to the disclosed subject matter.

[0017] The present disclosure relates to a method of feeding animals, preferably ruminants, during the development phase, e.g., calves in the first 120 days of life, by providing a basal diet supplemented with a phytogenic composition described herein. The animals are provided the phytogenic composition during one or more of the calf development phases to boost immunity and improve growth performance. The phytogenic composition is provided with the basal diet at the described inclusion rates and doses for improved performance by the animals.

[0018] The present disclosure also relates to phytogenic compositions and to phytogenic feed that includes a basal diet and the phytogenic composition. The present description includes phytogenic compositions for animals, preferably ruminants, more preferably dairy and / or beef calves. The phytogenic compositions comprise one or more plant extracts, an essential oil mixture and plant polyphenols. Preferably, the plant extract includes valerian root extract. The essential oil mixture includes one or more essential oils. In one aspect, the essential oil mixture comprisesthyme and / or oregano oil. The essential oil mixture further comprises anise oil. The plant polyphenols preferably comprise grape extract. Preferably, the phytogenic composition includes the disclosed components at the percentages and / or ratios described herein.

[0019] Phytogenic feed additives are a broad class of plant-derived extracts and metabolites that have been shown to have antimicrobial and / or antiviral, and immunomodulatory modes of action. Stress can increase maintenance energy requirements, thereby reducing feed efficiency in growing animals. In one aspect, stress can be reduced by utilizing phytogenic compositions having phytogenic compounds with anxiolytic activity. Phytogenic compositions described herein can be utilized to reduce anxiety-induced stress. Providing the phytogenic composition according to the methods described herein can improve performance by the calves, e.g., average daily gain, gaimfeed ratio, body weight, the blood and other physiological biomarker profile and the like.

[0020] The term “calves” as used herein relates to an animal during the period from birth to about 120 days of age.

[0021] The term “phytogenic” as used herein relate to plant-derived herbs, spices or extracts and / or bioactive compounds found in plants. Phytogenic includes natural products directly derived from plants. Phytogenic also includes synthetic and / or nature-identical compounds / compositions that can be made artificially but are in their chemical composition identical to molecules found in plants. Phytogenic also includes synthetic and / or nature-identical compositions that are formed by combining or formulating individual components, natural and / or synthetic components, to form a composition that is found naturally. The present description will refer to plant-derived compounds, but it will be understood that synthetic / nature-identical compounds or compositions may also be used.

[0022] The term “phytogenic composition” as used herein relates to a composition comprising one or more plant extracts. The phytogenic composition may also include an essential oil mixture and plant polyphenols. The phytogenic compositions described herein are standardized, specific and science-based combinations of bioactive compounds found in plants with proven efficacy and a sustainable impact on animals, people, and / or the environment. The phytogenic compositions can be formulated as pellets for inclusion as a pelleted feed supplement to be combined or included in pellet feed and / or grain products, e.g., as top dressing. The phytogenic composition can also be formulated as a liquid soluble powder for supplementing with liquid products e.g., milk, milk replacer, powdered electrolytes, and / or water.

[0023] The term “plants” and plant derivatives” as used herein relates to any portion of a growing plant, including the roots, stems, stalks, leaves, branches, seeds, flowers, fruits, and the like.

[0024] The term “plant extract” as used herein relates to a composition obtained by extraction of biomolecules from plants and plant derivatives by using various solvents, e.g., polar aqueous compositions, and methods of extraction.

[0025] The term “essential oils” as used herein relates to one or more essential oils in an essential oil mixture, preferably at least 2 essential oils, that are included in the phytogenic compositions. “Essential oils” as used herein relates to aromatic, volatile liquids extracted from plant material. Essential oils are often concentrated hydrophobic liquids containing volatile aroma compounds. Essential oil chemical constituents can fall within a wide range of chemical classes such as terpenes, terpenoids, phenols, aldehydes, ketones and phenylpropanoids. Essential oils can be natural (i.e., derived from plants), synthetic or a combination to achieve a nature identical essential oil.

[0026] The term “essential oil mixture” as used herein relates to one or more essential oils. Essential oil mixtures may include other components including, for example, herbs, herbal powder, carriers, encapsulation materials and the like.

[0027] The term “carvacrol” as used herein relates to a monoterpenoid phenol, 2-methyl-5- (propan-2-yl)phenol, which can be derived from plants, synthetically produced or a combination to achieve a nature identical carvacrol. Carvacrol can be derived from, for example, oregano (Origanum vulgare) and / or thyme (Thymus vulgaris). Carvacrol derived from other plants can also be used and is also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0028] The term “thymol” as used herein relates to a monoterpenoid phenol, 5-methyl-2- (propan-2-yl)phenol, which can be derived from plants, synthetically produced or a combination to achieve a nature identical thymol. Thymol can be derived from, for example, thyme (Thymus vulgaris). Thymol derived from other plants can also be used and is also within the scope of this disclosure. Thymol is isomeric with carvacrol.

[0029] The term “thyme oil” as used herein relates to essential oil from thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and can include carvacrol and / or thymol.

[0030] The term “anise oil” as used herein relates to an essential oil composed of mainly (>70%) l-methoxy-4-[(E)-prop-l-enyl]benzene (trans-anethole) which can be derived from plants, for example from star anise (Illicium verum anise seed and / or fennel. “Anise oil” also can be composed of synthetically produced trans-anethole or a combination of natural and synthetic trans-anethole. “Anise oil” also includes nature-identical compositions with one or more natural or synthetic components found in anise oil combined to achieve the function of anise oil. Essential oils derived from other plants and composed of mainly trans-anethole can also be used and are also within the scope of this disclosure. “Anise oil” as used herein also includes pure transanethole.

[0031] The term “polyphenols” or “plant polyphenols” as used herein refers to naturally occurring polyphenols derived from plants and having a polyphenolic structure. Polyphenols are known to help with the regeneration of vitamin E in addition to their free radical scavenging function. Polyphenols include phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenes, lignan and the like.

[0032] The term “basal diet” as used herein relates to a diet containing ingredients and nutrients that are needed for the calves during the calf development phases. The basal diet can include starter diet, grower diet, liquids, e.g., milk and / or milk replacers. Starter diets and grower diets can include roughage sources such as hay, etc. Basal diet does not include the phytogenic compositions.

[0033] The terms “pelleted diet” or “pelleted basal diet” as used herein relates to a basal diet that includes starter diet and / or grower diet and may also optionally include roughage.

[0034] The term “phytogenic feed” as used herein relates to a basal diet combined and / or supplemented with a phytogenic composition. Phytogenic feed can include milk and / or milk replacer combined with the phytogenic composition, wherein the phytogenic composition is formulated as a liquid soluble powder. Phytogenic feed can also include a pelleted basal diet supplemented with a phytogenic composition, wherein the phytogenic composition is formulated as pellets and added, for example, as top dressing to the pelleted basal diet and / or roughage sources.Phytogenic Compositions

[0035] In one aspect, the present description includes phytogenic compositions. The phytogenic compositions described herein include plant extracts. A variety of plant extracts may be used and include, for example, passionflower (Passiflora incarnata L.), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.), ginger (Zingiber officinale), lavender (Lavandula officinalis), chamomile (Matricaria sp.), valerian root (Valeriana officinalis L.) and the like. Preferably, the plant extract is valerian root extract. Valerian root extract is derived from the plant Valeriana officinalis L. Preferably, the valerian root extract is extracted by an aqueous composition comprising alcohol and water. Valerian root extract can include a number of biomolecules including, for example, valerenic acid, iridoid glycosides, lignans and the like. Valerian root extracts can be purchased from a variety of sources including, for example, from Maypro Industries, LLC of Purchase, NY. The amount of valerenic acid in the valerian root extract can vary and all are within the scope of this description. The valerian root extract can include valerenic acid between about 0.1 wt% and lwt%. In one aspect, the valerian root extract comprises about 0.8wt% of valeric acid. It will be understood that the wt% and the ppm disclosed herein will be in the context of a valerian root extract with a concentration of 0.8% valerenic acid. Other concentrations of valerian root extractsmay be used with the amount of valerian root extracted adjusted to obtain the disclosed concentrations in the phytogenic compositions.

[0036] The amount of valerian root extract in the phytogenic composition can be between about 0.01wt% and about 0.3wt%, or preferably between about 0.02wt% and about 0.2wt%, or preferably between about 0.03wt% and about 0.18wt%, or preferably between about 0.03wt% and about 0.15wt%, or preferably between about 0.03wt% and about 0.12wt%, or preferably between about 0.03wt% and about 0.10wt% of the weight of the phytogenic composition.

[0037] In one aspect, the phytogenic composition is formulated as a liquid soluble powder. The amount of valerian root extract in the phytogenic composition formulated for a liquid soluble powder can include between about 0.01wt% and about 0.3wt%, or preferably between about 0.02wt% and about 0.2wt%, or preferably between about 0.03wt% and about 0.18wt%, or preferably between about 0.05wt% and about 0.15wt%, or preferably between about 0.05wt% and about 0.12wt%, or preferably between about 0.08wt% and about 0.10wt%, or preferably about 0.09wt% based on the weight of the phytogenic composition.

[0038] In one aspect, the phytogenic composition is formulated as a pellet. The amount of valerian root extract in the phytogenic composition formulated for a pellet can include between about 0.01wt% and about 0.3wt%, or preferably between about 0.02wt% and about 0.2wt%, or preferably between about 0.02wt% and about 0.15wt%, or preferably between about 0.02wt% and about 0.10wt%, or preferably between about 0.02wt% and about 0.08wt%, or preferably between about 0.02wt% and about 0.06wt%, or preferably about 0.045wt% based on the weight of the phytogenic composition.

[0039] The valerian root extract in the phytogenic composition can be between about 100 parts per million (ppm) and about 3000 ppm, or preferably between about 200 ppm and about 2000 ppm, or preferably between about 300 ppm and about 1800 ppm, or preferably between about 300 ppm and about 1500 ppm, or preferably between about 300 ppm and about 1200 ppm, or preferably between about 300 ppm and about 1000 ppm of the weight of the phytogenic composition.

[0040] In one aspect, the phytogenic composition is formulated as a liquid soluble powder. The amount of valerian root extract in the phytogenic composition formulated for a liquid soluble powder can include between about 100 ppm and about 3000 ppm, or preferably between about 200 ppm and about 2000 ppm, or preferably between about 300 ppm and about 1800 ppm, or preferably between about 500 ppm and about 1500 ppm, or preferably between about 500 ppm and about 1200 ppm, or preferably between about 800 ppm and about 1000 ppm, or preferably about 900 ppm based on the weight of the phytogenic composition.

[0041] In one aspect, the phytogenic composition is formulated as a pellet. The amount of valerian root extract in the phytogenic composition formulated for a pellet can include between about _100_ppm and about 3000 ppm, or preferably between about 200 ppm and about 2000 ppm, or preferably between about 200 ppm and about 1500 ppm, or preferably between about 200 ppm and about 1000 ppm, or preferably between about 200 ppm and about 800 ppm, or preferably between about 200 ppm and about 600 ppm, or preferably about 450 ppm based on the weight of the phytogenic composition.

[0042] The phytogenic compositions can also include an essential oil mixture. The essential oil mixture can include a combination of essential oils, preferably at least two essential oils. One or more of the essential oils in the essential oil mixture may be microencapsulated. A variety of combinations of essential oils can be used in the essential oil mixture. The essential oil mixtures may comprise, for example, thymol, carvacrol, eugenol, trans-anethole, terpinene-4-ol, y- terpinene, diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide, D-limonene, and combinations thereof. In one aspect, essential oils included in the essential oil mixture comprise, for example, thyme oil and anise oil. It will be understood that the essential oil mixture will be described in the context of thyme oil and that “thyme oil” comprises carvacrol and / or thymol.

[0043] The essential oil mixtures described herein may further comprise herbal powders in addition to the essential oils. In one aspect, the essential oil mixture comprises German chamomile extract, marshmallow root extract, camphor, 1,8-cineole, chamazulene, alpha-bisabolol, matricin, apigenin, coumaric acid and the like.

[0044] The essential oil mixture may comprise one or more of the essential oils that are microencapsulated and / or premixed essential oils. Essential oils may be premixed with carriers prior to combining to form the essential oil mixtures. Carriers can include sodium aluminum silicate, bentonite, sepiolite and the like. The essential oil mixture may also comprise one or more of the essential oils that are microencapsulated in an encapsulation matrix. Encapsulation matrix may include silica, proteins such as wheat and yeast protein, citric acid, natural polymers such as starch, maltodextrin, glucose-fructose syrup and the like.

[0045] The essential oil mixtures may be microencapsulated. The matrix for encapsulation may comprise modified starch and maltodextrins. The essential oils may be microencapsulated as described, for example, in EP patent 1419811 Al, incorporated herein by reference. Othermethods of encapsulation may also be used and are within the scope of this description.

[0046] The phytogenic compositions and / or the essential oil mixture may further comprise bulking agents. Bulking agents include, for example, wheat bran, limestone, corncob, wheat semolina, phylite, dextrose, aluminum silicate, wheat starch, com starch, pea starch, potato starch and the like.

[0047] The amount of essential oil mixture in the phytogenic composition can include between about 0.5wt% and about 5.0wt%, or preferably between about 1.0wt% and about 4.0wt%, or preferably between about 1.5wt% and about 3.5wt%.

[0048] In one aspect, when the phytogenic composition is formulated as a liquid soluble powder, the amount of essential oil mixture in the phytogenic composition formulated for a liquid soluble powder can include between about 0.5wt% and about 5.0wt%, or preferably between about 1.0wt% and about 4.5wt%, or preferably between about 1.5wt% and about 4.0wt%, or preferably between about 2.0wt% and about 4.0wt%, or preferably between about 3.0wt% and about 4.0wt%, or preferably between about 3.0wt% and about 3.5wt%, or preferably about 3.33wt% based on the weight of the phytogenic composition.

[0049] In one aspect, when the phytogenic composition is formulated as a pellet, the amount of essential oil mixture in the phytogenic composition formulated for a pellet can include between about 0.5wt% and about 5.0wt%, or preferably between about 0.5wt% and about 4.0wt%, or preferably between about 0.5wt% and about 3.0wt%, or preferably between about 1.0wt% and about 2.0wt%, or preferably between about 1.2wt% and about 1.8wt%, or preferably between about 1.4wt% and about 1.8wt%, or preferably between about 1.6wt% and about 1.7wt%, or preferably about 1.67wt% based on the weight of the phytogenic composition.

[0050] In one aspect, the essential oil mixture comprises thyme oil and anise oil. In one aspect, the essential oil mixture consists essentially of thyme oil and anise oil as the essential oils. By consists essentially of, it is meant that the essential oil mixture may not include any other essential oils except thyme oil and anise oil. By consists essentially of, it is meant that other components such as herbs, herbal powders, carriers, and / or materials for encapsulation may be present in additions to the thyme oil and anise oil.

[0051] The essential oil mixture may comprise microencapsulated essential oils wherein the thyme oil and anise oil are combined to form an essential oil mixture and then microencapsulated in the presence of an encapsulation matrix. Alternatively, thyme oil and anise oil may be microencapsulated prior to mixing to form a partially microencapsulated essential oil mixture.

[0052] The essential oil mixture comprises thyme oil at an amount of at least 20wt%, or at least 30wt%, or at least 40wt%, or at least 50wt%, or at least 60wt%, or at least 70wt%, or at least 80wt%. The essential oil mixture comprises thyme oil at an amount of at most 95wt%, or at most 90wt%, or at most 85wt%, or at most 80wt%, or at most 70wt%, or at most 60wt%, or at most 50wt%. The essential oil mixture comprises thyme oil at an amount between 20% by weight and 80% by weight, or between 30wt% and 70wt%, or between 40wt% and 60wt%.

[0053] The essential oil mixture comprises anise oil at an amount of at most 50wt%, or at most 40wt%, or at most 30wt%, or at most 20wt%, or at most 10wt%. The essential oil mixturecomprises anise oil at an amount of at least 2wt%, or at least 3wt%, or at least 4wt%, or at least 5wt%, or at least 8wt%, or at least 10wt%, or at least 20wt%. The essential oil mixture comprises anise oil at an amount between 2% by weight and 50% by weight, or between 5wt% and 20wt%, or between 5wt% and 15wt%.

[0054] The essential oil mixture comprises thyme oil and anise oil at an amount of at least 20wt%, or at least 30wt%, or at least 40wt%, or at least 50wt%, or at least 60wt%, or at least 70wt%, or at least 80wt%, or at least 90wt%. The essential oil mixture comprises thyme oil and anise oil at an amount of at most 95wt%, or at most 90wt%, or at most 85wt%, or at most 80wt%, or at most 70wt%, or at most 60wt%, or at most 50wt%. The essential oil mixture comprises thyme oil and anise oil at an amount between 20% by weight and 90% by weight, or between 30wt% and 80wt%, or between 40wt% and 70wt%.

[0055] The essential oil mixture can comprise thyme oil and anise oil at a variety of ratios. The ratio of thyme oil to anise oil can vary between 10: 1 and 1 : 10, respectively, preferably between 10: 1 and 1 : 1, preferably between 8: 1 and 1 : 1, preferably between 6: 1 and 1 : 1, preferably between 5: 1 and 1 : 1, preferably between 4: 1 and 1 : 1, preferably between 3: 1 and 1 : 1, preferably between 2: 1 and 1 : 1. In one aspect, the ration of thyme oil to anise oil is 5 : 1.

[0056] The amount of thyme oil in the phytogenic composition can include between about 800 ppm and about 5000 ppm, or preferably between about 1000 ppm and about 4000 ppm, or preferably between about 1400 ppm and about 3500 ppm.

[0057] In one aspect, when the phytogenic composition is formulated as a liquid soluble powder, the amount of thyme oil in the phytogenic composition formulated for a liquid soluble powder can include between about 800 ppm and about 5000 ppm, or preferably between about 1000 ppm and about 5000 ppm, or preferably between about 1800 ppm and about 5000 ppm, or preferably between about 2800 ppm and about 4000 ppm, or preferably between about 3000 ppm and about 4000 ppm, or preferably between about 3000 ppm and about 3500 ppm, or preferably about 3333 ppm.

[0058] In one aspect, when the phytogenic composition is formulated as a pellet, the amount of thyme oil in the phytogenic composition formulated for a pellet can include between about 800 ppm and about 5000 ppm, or preferably between about 800ppm and about 4000ppm, or preferably between about 800 ppm and about 3000 ppm, or preferably between about 1200 ppm and about 2500 ppm, or preferably between about 1300 ppm and about 2000 ppm, or preferably between about 1400 ppm and about 1800 ppm, or preferably about 1667 ppm.

[0059] The amount of anise oil in the phytogenic composition can include between about lOOppm and about lOOOppm, or preferably between about 200ppm and about 800 ppm, or preferably between about 300 ppm and about 700 ppm.

[0060] In one aspect, when the phytogenic composition is formulated as a liquid soluble powder, the amount of anise oil in the phytogenic composition formulated for a liquid soluble powder can include between about 100 ppm and about 1000 ppm, or preferably between about 200 ppm and about 1000 ppm, or preferably between about 300 ppm and about 1000 ppm, or preferably between about 500 ppm and about 1000 ppm, or preferably between about 500 ppm and about 800 ppm, or preferably between about 500 ppm and about 700 ppm, or preferably about 667 ppm.

[0061] In one aspect, when the phytogenic composition is formulated as a pellet, the amount of anise oil in the phytogenic composition formulated for a pellet can include between about 100 ppm and about 1000 ppm, or preferably between about 100 ppm and about 800 ppm, or preferably between about 100 ppm and about 900 ppm, or preferably between about 100 ppm and about 800 ppm, or preferably between about 200 ppm and about 700 ppm, or preferably between about 300 ppm and about 500 ppm, or preferably about 333 ppm.

[0062] The phytogenic composition can further include plant polyphenols. Plant polyphenols can include flavonoids. Flavonoids can include flavones, flavonols, flavanols, flavanones, isoflavones, proanthocyanidins, and anthocyanins. Particularly abundant flavanoids in foods are catechin (tea, fruits), hesperetin (citrusfruits), cyanidin, daidzein (soybean), proanthocyanidins (apple, grape, cocoa), and quercetin (onion, tea, apples).

[0063] Polyphenols are known to help with the regeneration of vitamin E in addition to their free radical scavenging function. Polyphenols useful in embodiments of the present disclosure are commercially available and may be obtained from a variety of sources, including, for example, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, tea extracts, herbs, spices, and tree barks. Fruits from which polyphenols may be extracted include, for example, apples (red or green), apricots, currants (black or red), blackberries, blueberries, cherries (sweet or sour), chokeberries, cranberries, dates, elderberries, gooseberries, grapes (red or purple) kiwis, lemons, lingonberries, limes, mangoes, marionberries, nectarines, olives, oranges (e.g., navel, tangelos, tangerines, blood), peaches, pears, plums, pomegranates, quinces, raspberries, rhubarb, strawberries, and tomatoes. Vegetables from which polyphenols may be extracted include, for example, artichokes, broccoli, celery, com, eggplant, fennel, garlic, greens (e.g., kale and turnip), kohlrabi, leeks, lovage, onions (red and yellow), parsnips, peppers, spinach, red cabbage, rutabagas, scallions, shallots, sweet potatoes, and watercress. Legumes, nuts, seeds from which polyphenols may be extracted include, for example, seeds of any of the fruits listed above ( e.g., grape seeds), almonds, cashews, chick peas, beans (e.g., black beans, red kidney beans, pinto beans, black-eyed peas), English peas, fava beans, flax seeds, green peas, hazelnuts, lentils, pecans, peanuts, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, snap beans, sunflower seeds, and walnuts. Teas from which polyphenols may be extracted include, forexample, green tea, black tea, oolong tea, Earl Gray tea, Ceylon tea, and Darjeeling tea. Herbs, and spices from which polyphenols may be extracted include, for example, basil chives capers (red and green), cinnamon, curry, dill weed, horseradish, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, tarragon, and thyme. In some embodiments, the polyphenol source comprises at least one of onion extract, grape seed extract, and rosemary extract. Tree barks from which polyphenols may be extracted include, for example, arjuna bark, aspen bark, birch bark, conifer bark (e.g., cedar, cypress, fir, larch, pine, spruce, yew), eucalyptus bark, and maple bark.

[0064] In some embodiments, the polyphenol source may include grape extract. The grape extract can include extract from a mixture of seed and skins. An exemplary grape extract can be purchased from Delacon Biotechnik GmbH, Engerwitzdorf, Austria.

[0065] The amount of grape extract in the phytogenic composition can include between about 0.01wt% and about 0.4wt%, or preferably between about 0.01wt% and about 0.2wt%, or preferably between about 0.01wt% and about 0.1wt%, or preferably between about 0.01wt% and about 0.05wt%.

[0066] In one aspect, when the phytogenic composition is formulated as a liquid soluble powder, the amount of grape extract in the phytogenic composition formulated for a liquid soluble powder can include between about 0.01wt% and about 0.4wt%, or preferably between about 0.02wt% and about 0.2wt%, or preferably between about 0.03wt% and about 0.1 wt%, or preferably between about 0.03wt% and about 0.08wt%, or preferably between about 0.03wt% and about 0.06wt%, or preferably between about 0.03wt% and about 0.05wt%, or preferably about 0.04wt% based on the weight of the phytogenic composition.

[0067] In one aspect, when the phytogenic composition is formulated as a pellet, the amount of grape extract in the phytogenic composition formulated for a pellet can include between about 0.01wt% and about 1.0wt%, or preferably between about 0.01wt% and about 0.5wt%, or preferably between about 0.01wt% and about 0.1wt%, or preferably between about 0.01wt% and about 0.05wt%, or preferably between about 0.01wt% and about 0.04wt%, or preferably between about 0.02wt% and 0.03wt% based on the weight of the phytogenic composition.

[0068] The amount of grape extract in the phytogenic composition can include between about 100 ppm and about 4000 ppm, or preferably between about 100 ppm and about 2000 ppm, or preferably between about 100 ppm and about 1000 ppm, or preferably about 100 ppm and about 500 ppm.

[0069] In one aspect, when the phytogenic composition is formulated as a liquid soluble powder, the amount of grape extract in the phytogenic composition formulated for a liquid soluble powder can include about 100 ppm and about 4000 ppm, or preferably about 200 ppm and about 4000 ppm, or preferably about 200 ppm and about 1000 ppm, or preferably about 300 ppm andabout 1000 ppm, or preferably about 400 ppm and about 1000 ppm, or preferably about 400 ppm and about 500 ppm, or preferably about 450 ppm.

[0070] In one aspect, when the phytogenic composition is formulated as a pellet, the amount of grape extract in the phytogenic composition formulated for a pellet can include about 100 ppm and about 4000 ppm, or preferably about 100 ppm and about 2000_ppm, or preferably about 100 ppm and about 1000 ppm, or preferably about 100 ppm and about 500 ppm, or preferably about 200 ppm and about 500 ppm, or preferably about 200 ppm and about 400 ppm, or preferably about 225 ppm.

[0071] The phytogenic composition can further include inert carriers. A variety of inert carriers are known in the art and can be included within the scope of this description. Carriers can include, for example, whey permeated bulk, sweet whey, dextrose, aluminum silicate, corn starch, calcium carbonate, sugars, sweeteners, grain and grain products such as com, wheat and wheat byproducts, soybean hulls, molasses and the like.

[0072] The amount of carriers in the phytogenic composition can be at least about 60wt%, or at least 80wt%, or at least 90wt%, or at least 95wt%, or at least 96wt%, or at least 98wt%. The amount of carriers in the phytogenic composition can be at most 99wt%, or at most 98wt%, or at most 97wt%, or at most 96 wt%, or at most 95wt%.

[0073] In one aspect, the phytogenic composition comprises valerian root extract in the amounts disclosed herein. In one aspect, the phytogenic composition consists of valerian root extract. By consists essentially of, it is meant that the phytogenic composition may not include any other plant compositions except valerian root extract.

[0074] In one aspect, the phytogenic composition comprises valerian root extract, essential oil mixture and grape extract in the amounts disclosed herein. In one aspect, the phytogenic composition consists of valerian root extract, essential oil mixture and grape extract, wherein the essential oils in the essential oil mixture are thyme oil and anise oil. By consists essentially of, it is meant that the phytogenic composition may not include any other plant compositions except valerian root extract, essential oil mixture and grape extract, wherein the essential oils in the essential oil mixture are thyme oil and anise oil.Phytogenic Feed

[0075] In one aspect, the present description includes a phytogenic feed. The phytogenic feed includes a basal diet supplemented with the phytogenic composition. The basal diet can vary depending on the growth phase of the calf and can include milk, milk replacers, starter diet, grower diet, and grains such as hay and other forage material. Basal diets supplemented with the phytogenic composition are referred to herein as a phytogenic feed. Phytogenic feed can include milk / milk replacers supplemented with the phytogenic composition. Phytogenic feed also includespelleted diets, e.g., starter diets, grower diets, and forage provided with the phytogenic composition.

[0076] In one aspect, the basal diet can include a milk replacer. An example of a milk replacer is Milk Builder 24-18 manufactured by Milk Specialties Global, New Holstein, WI. Other milk replacers appropriate for calves are within the scope of this disclosure. The milk replacer can be supplemented with the phytogenic compositions described herein at the inclusion rates and doses disclosed. Preferably, the phytogenic composition is formulated as liquid soluble powder when used in milk or a milk replacer.

[0077] In one aspect, the basal diet can include feed pellets and / or forage material such as hay. Feed pellets can include, for example, a calf starter diet, grower diet and the like. The basal diet can also include hay or other forage. The pelleted basal diets can be supplemented with the phytogenic compositions described herein at the inclusion rates and doses disclosed. Preferably, the phytogenic composition is formulated as a pellet when used with a pelleted basal diet. The phytogenic composition pellets may be provided as a top dressing to the pelleted basal diet.

[0078] In one aspect, calves can be provided a basal diet of between 0.5 and 1.5 kg milk solids per day, preferably between 0.7 and 1.3kg milk solids per day. In one aspect, calves can be provided a pelleted basal diet of between 0.1 and 4.5 kg calf starter diet per day, preferably between 0.5 and 4.0kg calf starter diet per day. Calves are always provided access to water.

[0079] In one aspect, the phytogenic compositions are combined with a basal diet at a rate that improves the growth performance of the calves. The amount of the phytogenic composition provided to the calves with the basal diet can be between about lOg / calf / day and about lOOg / calf / day, or preferably between about 20g / calf / day and about 90g / calf / day, or preferably between about 20g / calf / day and about 80g / calf / day, or more preferably between about 20g / calf / day and about 70g / calf / day.

[0080] In one aspect, when the phytogenic composition is formulated as a liquid soluble powder, the amount of the phytogenic composition provided to the calves with the basal diet, e.g., milk, milk replacer, can be between about lOg / calf / day and about 90g / calf / day, or preferably between about lOg / calf / day and about 80g / calf / day, or preferably between about lOg / calf / day and about 70g / calf / day, or preferably between about 20g / calf / day and about 70g / calf / day, or preferably between about 20g / calf / day and about 60g / calf / day, or preferably between about 20g / calf / day and about 50g / calf / day, or preferably between about 20g / calf / day and about 40g / calf / day, or preferably between about 25g / calf / day and about 35g / calf / day, or preferably about 30g / calf / day.

[0081] In one aspect, when the phytogenic composition is formulated as a pellet, the amount of the phytogenic composition provided to the calves with the pelleted basal diet is between aboutlOg / calf / day and about 90g / calf / day, or preferably between about 20g / calf / day and about 90g / calf / day, or preferably between about 30g / calf / day and about 80g / calf / day, or preferably between about 40g / calf / day and about 70g / calf / day, or preferably between about 50g / calf / day and about 70g / calf / day, or preferably between about 60g / calf / day. In one aspect, the phytogenic composition can be provided as top dressing with the pelleted basal diet.Method of Feeding Animals

[0082] In one aspect, the present description comprises a method of feeding livestock animals, preferably ruminants. The method includes feeding the animals a basal diet combined or supplemented with a phytogenic composition. Ruminant animals include, but are not limited to, bovine animals such as buffalo, bison, and all cattle, including calves, steers, heifers, cows, and bulls. While the description is primarily with reference to cattle, it is not limited as such and should be understood that the disclosure is applicable to other monogastric and ruminant animals.

[0083] The phytogenic composition may be provided to cattle, preferably beef and dairy calves. “Calves” as used herein refers to bovine calves and include dairy and beef calves. The phytogenic composition can be provided to calves anytime during the calf development phases, e.g., between birth and about 120 days or any range therebetween. The feeding method with the phytogenic composition can be initiated at birth and can continue during the milk feeding phase, weaning phase and until transition to pasture.

[0084] The method of feeding is initiated and / or provided to the calves anytime during the calf development phase. The method of feeding described herein is provided to calves between birth and about 120 days of life. Preferably, the phytogenic composition is provided for between day 3 and day 120, or between day 5 and day 120 of the calf s life.

[0085] In one aspect, the method of feeding can include combining a liquid soluble form of the phytogenic composition in a liquid, e.g., milk and / or milk replacer. The phytogenic composition formulated as liquid soluble powder is provided between about day 3 and about day 70 of the life of a calf, or preferably between day 3 and day 60, or preferably between day 5 and 55.

[0086] In one aspect, the method of feeding may also include providing a pellet form of the phytogenic composition with a pelleted basal diet, for example, as top dressing with grain products or other pelleted feed. The phytogenic composition formulated as a pellet can be provided and initiated between day 25 and about day 120 of the life of a calf, or preferably between day 28 and day 100, or preferably between day 28 and 90, or preferably between day 28 and day 90. In one aspect, the phytogenic composition formulated as a pellet is initiated on or prior to day 90 of the life of a calf.

[0087] The phytogenic composition can be provided to the calves for a period of at least 5 days, or preferably at least 8 days, or preferably at least 10 days, or preferably at least 12 days, orpreferably at least 15 days. The phytogenic composition formulated as liquid soluble powder can be provided to the calves for a period of at least 5 days, or at least 8 days, or at least 10 days, or at least 12 days, or at least 15 days. The phytogenic composition formulated as pellets may be provided to calves for a period of at least 10 days, or at least 15 days, or at least 20 days, or at least 25 days. The phytogenic composition can be provided to the calves for a period of at most 40 days, or preferably at most 30 days.

[0088] The method comprises providing a basal diet supplemented with a phytogenic composition / formulation. The basal diet can vary and all are within the scope of this description. A variety of basal diets are known in the art and appropriate for calves. The contents of some exemplary basal diets are provided in the Examples below.

[0089] In one aspect, the present description includes a method for feeding an animal, preferably bovine calves, a basal diet supplemented with the phytogenic compositions described herein. In one aspect, calves can be provided a basal diet of between 0.5 and 1.5 kg milk solids per day, preferably between 0.7 and 1.3kg milk solids per day. In one aspect, calves can be provided a basal diet of between 0.1 and 4.5 kg calf starter diet per day, preferably between 0.5 and 4.0kg calf starter diet per day. Calves are always provided access to water.

[0090] In one aspect, the method comprises combining the phytogenic composition with a basal diet at a rate that improves the growth performance of the calves. The method further comprises providing the phytogenic feed, e.g. the basal diet combined with the phytogenic composition, to the calves. The amount of the basal diet consumed by the calves can vary as described above. The amount of the phytogenic composition provided to the calves can be between about lOg / calf / day and about lOOg / calf / day, or preferably between about 20g / calf / day and about 90g / calf / day, or preferably between about 20g / calf / day and about 80g / calf / day, or more preferably between about 20g / calf / day and about 70g / calf / day.

[0091] In one aspect, when the phytogenic composition is formulated as a liquid soluble powder, the method includes dissolving and mixing the phytogenic composition in the liquid basal diet. The method comprises providing the phytogenic composition to the calves an amount between about lOg / calf / day and about 90g / calf / day, or preferably between about lOg / calf / day and about 80g / calf / day, or preferably between about lOg / calf / day and about 70g / calf / day, or preferably between about 20g / calf / day and about 70g / calf / day, or preferably between about 20g / calf / day and about 60g / calf / day, or preferably between about 20g / calf / day and about 50g / calf / day, or preferably between about 20g / calf / day and about 40g / calf / day, or preferably between about 25g / calf / day and about 35g / calf / day, or preferably about 30g / calf / day.

[0092] In one aspect, when the phytogenic composition is formulated as a pellet, the method may include providing the pelleted phytogenic composition as top dressing with the pelleted basaldiet. The method includes providing the phytogenic composition to the calves at an amount between about lOg / calf / day and about 90g / calf / day, or preferably between about 20g / calf / day and about 90g / calf / day, or preferably between about 30g / calf / day and about 80g / calf / day, or preferably between about 40g / calf / day and about 70g / calf / day, or preferably between about 50g / calf / day and about 70g / calf / day, or preferably between about 60g / calf / day.

[0093] In one aspect, the method of feeding includes providing the phytogenic composition components, e.g., the valerian root extract, the essential oil mixture and the polyphenols, that are suitable for improvement of the growth performance of the calves. The method includes providing the phytogenic compositions to the calves in a manner such that the above-described amounts / doses of the phytogenic compositions are ingested by the calves. The method includes providing the phytogenic compositions in amounts that provide the calves with the phytogenic components in the amounts described herein.

[0094] In one aspect, the valerian root extract is provided at an amount between about 0.014g / calf / day and about 0.046g / calf / day, or preferably between about 0.016g / calf / day and about 0.036g / calf / day, or preferably between about 0.018g / calf / day and about 0.032g / calf / day, or preferably between about 0.020g / calf / day and about 0.028g / calf / day, or preferably between about 0.027g / calf / day.

[0095] In one aspect, the method of feeding includes providing the essential oil mixture included at at an amount between about 0. Ig / calf / day and about 2g / calf / day, or preferably between about 0.2g / calf / day and about 1.8g / calf / day, or preferably between about 0.3g / calf / day and about 1.6g / calf / day, or preferably between about 0.4g / calf / day and about 1.4g / calf / day, or preferably between about 0.6g / calf / day and about 1.2g / calf / day, or preferably between about Ig / calf / day.

[0096] In one aspect, the method of feeding includes providing the thyme oil is included at an at an amount between about O.Olg / calf / day and about Ig / calf / day, or preferably between about 0.02g / calf / day and about 0.8g / calf / day, or preferably between about 0.03g / calf / day and about 0.6g / calf / day, or preferably between about 0.04g / calf / day and about 0.4g / calf / day, or preferably between about 0.06g / calf / day and about 0.2g / calf / day, or preferably about 0. Ig / calf / day.

[0097] In one aspect, the method of feeding includes providing the anise oil is included at an amount between about 0.002g / calf / day and about Ig / calf / day, or preferably between about 0.004g / calf / day and about 0.8g / calf / day, or preferably between about 0.006g / calf / day and about 0.4g / calf / day, or preferably between about 0.008g / calf / day and about 0.2g / calf / day, or preferably between about O.Olg / calf / day and about 0. Ig / calf / day, or preferably between about 0.02g / calf / day.

[0098] In one aspect, the method of feeding includes providing the grape extract included at an amount between about 0.00 Ig / calf / day and about 0. Ig / calf / day, or preferably between about0.002g / calf / day and about 0.08g / calf / day, or preferably between about 0.004g / calf / day and about 0.06g / calf / day, or preferably between about 0.006g / calf / day and about 0.04g / calf / day, or preferably between about O.Olg / calf / day and about 0.02g / calf / day, or preferably between about 0.0135g / calf / day.

[0099] The method of feeding the calves as described herein results in improved growth performance. The method includes providing the phytogenic feed, e.g., the basal feed supplemented with a phytogenic composition, described herein, to the calves. The calves may be provided the phytogenic feed anytime during the calf development phase. Improved growth performance can result in improved average daily gain (ADG), improved gain to feed conversion rate (G:F) rate, increased body weight (BW) compared to calves fed only the basal diet, e.g., without the inclusion of the phytogenic composition. Improved growth performance also includes reduced incidence of medical events, e.g., gastrointestinal or respiratory disease. Improved growth performance can also result from alleviation of stress-related symptoms by the inclusion of the phytogenic composition in the methods of feeding the animal. Other improved growth performance indicators may also be improved and are within the scope of this description.

[0100] The method includes providing the phytogenic feed prior to, during and / or immediately after the calves are exposed to stress, e.g., weaning and / or transportation to a new location. Preferably, the calves are provided the phytogenic feed for at least 5 days, or preferably at least 10 days, or preferably at least 15 days. Without being bound by any theory, the phytogenic compositions improve feed palatability and welfare of the animals. Sufficient feed intake early in life supports calves and increases resilience against stress factors.

[0101] Calves provided the phytogenic feed, e.g., basal diet combined with the phytogenic composition, described herein can have improved ADG relative to the calves that are not provided the phytogenic composition. The ADG is improved in calves provided the phytogenic composition by at least 3%, preferably at least 4%, more preferably by at least 6%, more preferably by at least 8%, relative to calves that have not been provided basal diet supplemented with the phytogenic composition.

[0102] Calves provided the phytogenic feed, e.g., basal diet combined with the phytogenic composition, described herein can have improved G:F ratio relative to the calves that are not provided the phytogenic composition. The G:F ratio is improved in calves provided the phytogenic composition by at least 2%, preferably by at least 3%, more preferably by at least 4.5%, relative to calves that have not been provided basal diet supplemented with the phytogenic composition.

[0103] Calves provided the phytogenic feed, e.g., basal diet combined with the phytogenic composition, described herein can have increased BW relative to the calves that are not provided the phytogenic composition. The BW is improved in calves provided the phytogenic compositionby at least 1%, preferably by at least 1.5%, more preferably by at least 2%, relative to calves that have not been provided basal diet supplemented with the phytogenic composition.

[0104] Calves provided the phytogenic feed, e.g., basal diet combined with the phytogenic composition, described herein can have reduced propensity for medical events during the calf development stage. Medical events can include need for oral or intravenous hydration with electrolytes, administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, administration of oral or injectable antibiotics and the like. The incidence of medical events in calves provided the phytogenic composition is reduced by at least 5%, or by at least 7%, or by at least 10%, or by at least 15%, or by at least 25%, or by at least 50%, or by at least 60% relative to calves that have not been supplemented with the phytogenic composition.

[0105] Calves provided the phytogenic feed, e.g. basal diet combined with the phytogenic composition, described herein can have improved blood and other physiological biomarker profiles. Blood and other physiological biomarker profiles that are improved include biomarkers related to oxidative status, oxidative stress, and antioxidant effects in the calves. Calves provided the phytogenic composition can have a change in biomarkers indicative of healthy oxidative status, reduction of oxidative stress, and improved antioxidant effects. Biomarkers that show maintenance and improvements in oxidative status, reduction in oxidative stress, and improved antioxidant effects include, for example, reduced serum malondialdehyde, reduced serum protein carbonyl, reduced serum haptoglobin, increased serum superoxide dismutase enzyme activity, increased serum vitamin E.

[0106] Representative features of the present invention are set out in the following clauses, which stand alone or may be combined, in any combination, with one or more features disclosed in the text of the Specification.

[0107] The present invention is as set out in the following clauses:

[0108] Clause 1 : A method of feeding livestock animals comprising: providing a phytogenic feed comprising a basal diet supplemented with a phytogenic composition, wherein the animals are bovine calves, preferably dairy and / or beef calves, wherein the phytogenic composition comprises a plant extract, an essential oil mixture and / or plant polyphenols, wherein the plant extract comprises valerian root extract, preferably the valerian root extract comprises valerenic acid.

[0110] Clause 2: The method of clause 1, wherein the calves have improved growth performance relative to calves provided the basal diet without the phytogenic composition.

[0111] Clause 3: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the phytogenic composition is formulated as a liquid soluble powder or as pellets.

[0112] Clause 4: The method of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the phytogenic composition comprises between 0.01wt% and 0.3wt% of the valerian root extract.

[0113] Clause 5: The method of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the amount of valerian extract in the phytogenic composition is between 100 ppm and 3000 ppm.

[0114] Clause 6: The method of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the essential oil mixture comprises thyme oil and anise oil, preferably the ratio of thyme oikanise oil is between 10: 1 and 1 : 1, respectively.

[0115] Clause 7: The method of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the phytogenic composition comprises between 0.5wt% and 5wt% of the essential oil mixture.

[0116] Clause 8 : The method of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the amount of thyme oil in the composition is between 800 ppm and 5000 ppm.

[0117] Clause 9: The method of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the amount of anise oil in the phytogenic composition is between 100 ppm and 1000 ppm.

[0118] Clause 10: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the plant polyphenols comprise grape extract.

[0119] Clause 11 : The method of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the phytogenic composition comprises between about 0.01wt% and 0.4wt% of the plant polyphenols.

[0120] Clause 12: The method of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the amount of plant polyphenols in the phytogenic composition is between 100 ppm and 4000 ppm.

[0121] Clause 13: The method of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the essential oil mixture further comprises herbal powders, carriers, an encapsulation matrix and combinations thereof.

[0122] Clause 14: The method of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the amount of phytogenic composition provided to the calves is between lOg / calf / day and lOOg / calf / day, preferably about 30g / calf / day when the phytogenic composition is formulated as a liquid soluble powder and preferably about 60g / calf / day when the phytogenic composition is formulated as pellets.

[0123] Clause 15: The method of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the phytogenic composition is provided to the calves between day 0 to day 120 and any range there between.

[0124] Clause 16: The method of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the phytogenic composition is formulated as liquid soluble powder, combined with milk and / or milk replacer and provided to the calves between day 3 and day 70, preferably for a period of about 15 days between day 5 and day 55.

[0125] Clause 17: The method of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the phytogenic composition is formulated as pellets and provided as top dressing with a basal diet to the calvesbetween day 25 and day 120, preferably for a period of at most 30 days initiating between day 28 and day 90.

[0126] Clause 18: The method of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the improved growth performance comprises improved average daily gain (ADG), improved gain Teed conversion ratio (G:F), improved body weight gain (BWG), improved dry matter (DM) intake and / or improved blood and other physiological biomarker profile.

[0127] Clause 19: A phytogenic feed comprising: a basal diet; and a phytogenic composition, wherein the phytogenic composition comprises plant extracts, essential oil mixture and / or plant polyphenols wherein the plant extracts comprise valerian root extract, wherein the phytogenic feed comprises the phytogenic composition.

[0128] Clause 20: The phytogenic feed of clause 19, wherein the phytogenic composition comprises between 0.01wt% and 0.3wt% of the valerian root extract.

[0129] Clause 21 : The phytogenic feed of any one of clauses 19-20, wherein the phytogenic composition is formulated as liquid soluble powder or as pellets.

[0130] Clause 22: The phytogenic feed of any one of clauses 19-21, wherein the valerian extract in the phytogenic composition is between 100 ppm and 3000 ppm.

[0131] Clause 23: The phytogenic feed of any one of clauses 19-22, wherein the essential oil mixture comprises thyme oil and anise oil, preferably the ratio of thyme oikanise oil is between 10: 1 and 1 : 1, respectively.

[0132] Clause 24: The phytogenic feed of any one of clauses 19-23, wherein the phytogenic composition comprises between 0.5wt% and 5wt% of the essential oil mixture.

[0133] Clause 25: The phytogenic feed of any one of clauses 19-24, wherein the phytogenic composition comprises thyme oil at an amount between 800 ppm and 5000 ppm.

[0134] Clause 26: The phytogenic feed of any one of clauses 19-25, wherein the phytogenic composition comprises anise oil at an amount between 100 ppm and 1000 ppm.

[0135] Clause 27: The phytogenic feed of any one of clauses 19-26, wherein the plant polyphenols comprise grape extract.

[0136] Clause 28: The phytogenic feed of any one of clauses 19-27, wherein the phytogenic composition comprises between about 0.01wt% and 0.4wt% of the plant polyphenols.

[0137] Clause 29: The phytogenic feed of any one of clauses 19-28, wherein the phytogenic composition comprises plant polyphenols at an amount between 100 ppm and 4000 ppm.

[0138] Clause 30: A phytogenic composition comprising plant extracts, essential oil mixture and / or plant polyphenols wherein the plant extracts comprise valerian root extract.

[0139] Clause 31 : The phytogenic composition of clause 30, wherein the phytogenic composition comprises between 0.01wt% and 0.3wt% of the valerian root extract in the phytogenic composition.

[0140] Clause 32: The phytogenic composition of any one of clauses 30-31, wherein the phytogenic composition comprises between 0.5wt% and 5wt% of the essential oil mixture.

[0141] Clause 33: The phytogenic composition of any one of clauses 30-32, wherein the essential oil mixture comprises thyme oil and anise oil, preferably the ratio of thyme oikanise oil is between 10: 1 and 1 : 1, respectively.

[0142] Clause 34: The phytogenic composition of any one of clauses 30-33, wherein the amount of thyme oil in the phytogenic composition is between 800 ppm and 5000 ppm and the amount of anise oil in the phytogenic composition is between 100 ppm and 1000 ppm.

[0143] Clause 35: The phytogenic composition of any one of clauses 30-34, wherein the essential oil mixture further comprises herbal powders, carriers, an encapsulation matrix and combinations thereof.

[0144] Clause 36: The phytogenic composition of any one of clauses 30-35, wherein the phytogenic composition comprises between about 0.01wt% and 0.4wt% of the plant polyphenols.

[0145] Clause 37: The phytogenic composition of any one of clauses 30-36, wherein the plant polyphenols comprise grape extract.

[0146] Clause 38: The phytogenic composition of any one of clauses 30-37, wherein the phytogenic composition is formulated as a liquid soluble powder.

[0147] Clause 39: The phytogenic composition of any one of clauses 30-38, wherein the phytogenic composition is formulated as pellets.

[0148] The invention is further described in detail by reference to the following experimental examples. These examples are provided for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to be limiting unless otherwise specified. Thus, the invention should in no way be construed as being limited to the following examples, but rather should be construed to encompass any and all variations which become evident as a result of the teaching provided herein.EXAMPLES

[0149] Example 1-Use of phytogenic feed additives and their effects on growth and feed efficiency in weaned dairy heifers.

[0150] Study Design and Methods: Holstein heifer calves (N=140; ~66 days of age) were received in 3 blocks. Each group was weaned at 49 d and moved from the nursery bam at 56 d. Calves began treatment diets the same day they were moved to groups.

[0151] Calves were allocated to grower pens (N = 36) by 49 d body weight into group pens (3- 5 calves per pen) with care to stratify previous nursery treatments (except Block 3). Block 3 was a carry-over trial from the nursery period where the same treatments were fed in milk and starter diets (N=12). Pens were then randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments:A. Control (CON) - pelleted grower feed with no additivesB. Passionflower (PF) - pelleted grower feed with 10 ppm passionflower extract (>5% active components)C. Melissa officinalis powder (MP) - pelleted grower feed with 10 ppm Melissa powder (>2% active components)D. Valerian root (VR) - pelleted grower feed with 10 ppm valerian root extract (0.8% active components)

[0152] Table 1 below shows the ingredient composition and nutrient analyses of feeds. Grower basal feeds were blended with chopped grass hay in a 95:5 starterhay ratio for each 49-d trial (phase 1 was 28 d and phase 2 was 21 d). Diets and water were fed free-choice. Feed offered and rejected was weighed daily. Hip widths and BW were measured, and body condition was scored initially and at the end of each phase. Hip heights were measured initially and at d 49. Body condition score was evaluated on a 5 point system (1 being thin and 5 being obese).

[0153] Statistical Analysis: Performance data (BW, average daily weight gain, intake, etc.) for the 49-d grower periods were analyzed as a completely randomized design with pre-planned contrasts of CON vs. PF, CON vs. MP, and CON vs. VR. Data from all 3 blocks were combined for analysis. Significance was declared when P < 0.05 and trends were 0.10 > P > 0.05. Pen was the experimental unit. Statistics met Cargill standards.

[0154] Results and Conclusions: The performance and health of dairy heifers fed different anxiolytic plant extracts immediately post- weaning was evaluated. Table 2 (below) shows the performance of dairy heifers fed post- weaning grower diets without additives (CON), with 10 ppm passionflower extract (PF), 10 ppm Melissa officinalis extract (MP), or 10 ppm valerian root extract (VR). Calves fed VR had significantly improved average daily gain (ADG) vs. CON in phase 1 (P = 0.045). (See Fig. 1) Daily feed intake during phase 1 was similar to CON for all plant extracts tested, resulting in a significant improvement in feed efficiency (G:F; kg ADG / kg DM intake) during phase 1 for VR vs. CON (P = 0.025). Performance was similar among treatments during phase 2, suggesting rumen adaptation to the plant extracts after supplementing more than 28 d. (See Fig. 2) Overall, there was a tendency for ADG to be improved for VR compared to CON (P = 0.069). Feed efficiency was similar overall among treatments, but numerically 5% greater for VR vs. CON (P = 0.246). No differences in frame growth or BCS were observed. Insummary, valerian root extract may be an effective additive to support ADG without increasing intake in the immediate post-weaning period for dairy heifers.Table 1Passion Melissa ValerianItem Control Flower Powder Root Grass HayWheat midds 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00Corn, ground 14.01 13.51 13.51 13.51Soybean meal 10.89 10.89 10.89 10.89DDGS 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00Soybean hulls 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00Molasses, dry 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00Calcium carbonate 1.83 1.83 1.83 1.83Soybean oil 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75Calf VTM1premix 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75Ameribond 2X (binder) 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40Salt 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30Fruit flavoring 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04Bovatec 91 (lasalocid) 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03Passionflower premix20.50Melissa powder premix20.50V al eri an root premix20.50Nutrient analysisDry matter, % as fed 89.3 88.1 89.0 basis 88.1 88.3DM basis, %OM 93.0 88.3 91.0 90.3 93.0CP 20.5 21.1 21.1 21.2 10.7ADF 10.2 10.6 11.4 10.6 32.5NDF 25.8 27.5 28.9 26.8 58.2Sugar 7.2 7.7 7.7 7.8 n.d.3Starch 23.5 26.3 26.2 26.8 n.d.NFC 36.8 37.7 35.9 38.8 22.6Fat 5.1 4.7 4.4 4.2 1.4Ash 11.7 9.0 9.7 9.0 7.0Ca 2.9 1.7 1.8 1.9 0.9P 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.2Iron, ppm 302 272 528 396 88Manganese, ppm 260 193 329 262 55Copper, ppm 40 30 37 37 7Zinc, ppm 259 190 194 198 171Vitamin and trace mineral premix.2Plant extracts were blended down from concentrated raw material using ground corn as a carrier.3Not determined.Table 2Contrast P value1CON vs. CON vs.Item CON PF MP VR SEM CON vs. PF MP VRInitial BW, kg 75.4 77.5 77.3 76.8 2.50Final BW, kg 123.7 125.8 127.1 130.4 4.30Initial hip width, cm 20.8 21.0 21.0 21.1 0.35Final hip width, cm 26.4 26.6 26.2 26.6 0.62Initial hip height, cm 92.6 93.1 93.8 92.8 1.00Final hip height, cm 104.4 105.2 105.3 105.0 1.08Initial BCS22.14 2.16 2.17 2.13 0.063Final BCS 2.45 2.49 2.62 2.55 0.073 0.0800 to 56 d (overall)DM intake, kg / d 3.20 3.23 3.35 3.36 0.155Total feed intake, %BW 3.19 3.18 3.26 3.25 0.085ADG, kg / d 0.99 0.99 1.02 1.09 0.068 0.069Feed efficiency30.309 0.307 0.303 0.325 0.0127Hip width change, cm 5.6 5.6 5.2 5.5 0.37Hip height change, cm 11.9 12.1 11.6 12.3 1.06BCS change, units 0.31 0.32 0.45 0.42 0.075 0.0550 to 28 d (phase 1)DM intake, kg / d 2.77 2.80 2.91 2.86 0.108Total feed intake, %BW 3.14 3.08 3.17 3.12 0.062ADG, kg / d 0.91 0.97 1.02 1.06 0.650 0.124 0.045Feed efficiency30.328 0.345 0.350 0.369 0.0162 0.025Hip width change, cm 3.3 3.4 3.1 3.2 0.22BCS change, units 0.12 0.18 0.15 0.19 0.04629 to 49 d (phase 2)DM intake, kg / d 3.76 3.80 3.94 4.04 0.260Total feed intake, %BW 3.32 3.29 3.37 3.41 0.157ADG, kg / d 1.09 1.01 1.01 1.14 0.111Feed efficiency30.290 0.268 0.257 0.283 0.0181 0.060Hip width change, cm 2.3 2.2 2.1 2.3 0.37BCS change, units 0.19 0.14 0.30 0.23 0.075 0.0711Empty spaces indicate non-significant P-values.21 to 5 point scale where 1 is thin and 5 is obese.3ADG divided by daily DM intake.

[0155] Example 2-Evaluation of a health pack prototype in weaned dairy heifer calves subjected to a transportation stress model

[0156] Study Design and Methods: Holstein heifer calves (N=49; ~66 days of age) were allocated to grower pens by wk 7 body weights (4-5 calves per pen) with care to stratify previous nursery treatments equally. Calves were then subjected to a transportation stress protocol. Briefly, after weights were taken at 8 wk calves were loaded onto a stock trailer and provided with at least 0.33 m2of space per calf per industry recommendations (AABP, 2019). Calves were not given fresh feed before being loaded on the trailer and may have been without feed for more than 6 hours. The loaded calves were then transported for 2 hours before returning to the research facility where they were allocated to their assigned group pens and given access to water. Pens were then randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments (6 pens per treatment):A. Control (CON) - no additional feed additivesB. Pellet supplement (PS) - 20 g per head / d from d 0 to 15 top-dressed on starter diet (post-stress period)

[0157] Table 3 shows the ingredient and calculated nutrient composition of texturized calf starters and grass hay. Supplement was applied once per day after fresh feed was delivered in the a.m. All calves received the same texturized grower feed blended with chopped grass hay in a 95:5 starterhay ratio for the 49-d trial (phase 1 was 28 d and phase 2 was 21 d). Diets and water were fed free-choice. Feed offered and rejected was weighed daily. Hip widths and BW were measured, and body condition was scored initially and at the end of each phase. Hip heights were measured initially and at d 49. Body condition score was evaluated on a 5 point system (1 being thin and 5 being obese).

[0158] Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design with pen as experimental unit. Significance was declared when P < 0.05 and a trend when 0.10 > P > 0.05. Statistics met Cargill standards.

[0159] Results: The performance and health outcomes of dairy calves fed a prototype pelleted stress-pack in the post-weaning rearing period following a transportation stress model protocol was evaluated. Table 4 shows the performance of dairy heifer calves fed pellet prototype supplement for 15 days to reduce stress and improve health from 0 to 49 days after induced transportation stress. In general, calves were extremely healthy post-weaning and no calves were treated medically nor died. Overall, feed intake (kg / d; Figure 3), ADG, and growth measurements were similar between CON and PS (Table 2). However, there was a treatment by phase response where DM intake as a % of BW decreased 6.5% in phase 2 for PS (Figure 4) and ADG tended toincrease 5.5% for PS in phase 1 (immediately after transportation stress; Figure 5). Under the conditions of this trial, in a healthy cohort of dairy heifers subjected to short-term transportation stress the pellet prototype moderately improved weight gain in the 28 days following the stress event. Additionally, the pellet prototype may improve feed efficiency longer term as supported by the reduction in feed consumed as a percent of body weight.Table 3Item Calf starter HayIngredientsWheat midds 28.42Steam-flaked corn122.00Corn DDGS 10.00Canola meal 8.00Whole oats18.00Ground wheat (Red dog) 7.80Molasses16.00SBM 5.55Calcium carbonate 1.86VTM and amino acids20.72Soybean hulls 0.50B-vitamin premix 0.50Pellet binder 0.32Salt 0.30Bovatec 91 (lasalocid) 0.03NutrientsDry matter, % as fed basis 86.6Dry matter basis, %CP 21.3ADF 9.7NDF 25.2Rumen soluble sugar 7.8Adjusted total starch 32.5NFC 41.5Fat 4.2Ash 7.8Ca 1.5P 0.9 Ingredients not included in protein pellet. Proprietary blend of organic trace minerals, vitamins, synthetic amino acids, and flavoring. Not determined.Table 4A B P value1PelletItem Control Supplement SEM A vs. BNumber of pens 6 6 —Initial BW, kg 74.9 75.9 2.68Final BW, kg 130.4 132.9 3.27Initial hip width, cm 20.7 20.5 0.35Final hip width, cm 27.1 27.4 0.35Initial hip height, cm 90.7 90.3 1.00Final hip height, cm 102.7 103.2 1.04Initial BCS22.07 2.13 0.030Final BCS 2.71 2.81 0.0500 to 49 d, overallDM intake, kg / d 3.75 3.68 0.114Total feed intake, %BW 3.65 3.53 0.041 0.051ADG, kg / d 1.13 1.16 0.022Feed efficiency30.303 0.316 0.007Hip width change, cm 6.4 6.9 0.31Hip height change, cm 12.0 12.9 0.476BCS change, units 0.64 0.68 0.0440 to 28 d, phase 1DM intake, kg / d 3.28 3.31 0.126Total feed intake, %BW 3.58 3.53 0.058ADG, kg / d 1.19 1.26 0.024 0.082Feed efficiency30.365 0.381 0.012Hip width change, cm 3.5 3.6 0.29BCS change, units 0.27 0.26 0.02529 to 49 d, phase 2DM intake, kg / d 4.38 4.19 0.121Total feed intake, %BW 3.67 3.43 0.060 0.018ADG, kg / d 1.06 1.04 0.032Feed efficiency30.242 0.250 0.008Hip width change, cm 3.0 3.3 0.31BCS change, units 0.37 0.42 0.046

[0161] 1P values greater than 0.15 are not reported.

[0162] 21 to 5 point scale where 1 is thin and 5 is obese.

[0163] 3BW gain divided by DM intake.

[0164] Example 3 -Evaluation of two health pack prototype applications in pre-weaned dairy heifer calves

[0165] Study Design and Methods: Holstein heifer calves (N=50; ~5 days of age) were received and began treatments the following day. Calves were sourced from multiple dairies in southwest and south-central Ohio and were transported for less than 6 hours. All calves were randomly assigned to pens and allocated to 1 of 3 treatments using initial serum total protein, BW, and pen location as blocking criteria. Treatments were:A. Control (CON) - no additional feed additivesB. Milk supplement (MS) - 10 g per head / d from d 1 to 15 in milk replacer (immediately after arrival)C. Pellet supplement (PS) - 20 g per head / d from d 40 to 54 top-dressed on starter diet (weaning transition period)

[0166] Treatments were applied once per day in the morning feedings. All calves received a common milk replacer throughout the trial (Nurture Professional 24-17 with NeoTec5g, AmNeo 2.0, and Complement technologies; manufactured by Milk Specialties Global, New Holstein, WI). Milk replacer was fed on the following schedule with a 130 gram per liter dilution:780 g / d for 11 d split equally in two feedings910 g / d for 35 d split equally in two feedings405 g / d for 7 d in the a.m. feeding only

[0167] All calves received the same texturized calf starter (Cargill, Inc.; Milton, WI). Formulas and nutrients of milk replacer and starter are in Table 5. Calves were weaned on d 54 and monitored until d 60. Starter and water were fed free-choice for the 60-d nursery trial. Starter and milk replacer refusals were weighed daily (starter in a.m. only). Calves were housed in individual pens in a nursery with natural ventilation and long wheat straw bedding. Feces were scored daily by two employees using a 1 to 5 scale with 1 being normal and 5 being watery. An abnormal fecal day was classified as day with a fecal score greater than 2. Medical treatments were recorded daily. Calves were weighed on d 0 and weekly thereafter. Body condition score (1 being thin and 5 being obese) and hip widths were measured on d 0 and every 2 weeks thereafter. Hip height was measured at d 0 and 60 for all treatments.

[0168] Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design with the random effect of block and calf as experimental unit. Pre-planned contrasts of CON vs. MS, CON vs. PS, CON vs. (MS + PS), MS vs. PS to evaluate efficacy of both prototypes and determine if there was a difference between application methods. Significance was declared when P < 0.05 and a trend when 0.10 > P > 0.05. Statistics met Cargill standards.

[0169] Results: The performance and health outcomes of dairy calves fed a prototype stresspack in milk or dry feed during common stress points in the pre-weaning rearing period were evaluated. Table 6 (below) shows the performance of dairy heifer calves fed a milk or pellet prototype supplement to reduce stress and improve health from 0 to 60 days. Two calves were removed from the dataset due to mortality (CON) and being an outlier for BW, starter intake, and growth rate (PS). No significant differences were observed between prototype applications for any measurement except for probability of refusing milk. Milk refusals were similar among treatments overall, but calves fed PS were less likely to refuse milk during the first week of pellet supplementation (week 5) compared to CON and MS (1.4% vs. 9.9% and 7.5%, respectively; P = 0.035). Calves fed PS also tended to have a lesser probability of scouring during the same week compared to CON but not MS (3.2% vs. 9.0%, respectively; P = 0.051). There were no differencesin probability of being medically treated and calf health was moderately good. Average number of medical treatments were 3.8 per calf and >98% of treatments were for infected ear tags in the first two weeks after arrival.

[0170] Overall, ADG, MR intake, starter intake, and total DM intake were similar among treatments but numerically improved for MS + PS vs. CON (Table 2). This numerical improvement appears to be driven by a tendency for increased starter intake in the final week of the trial (Figure 6) resulting in 2.2 kg more accumulated BW by the end of the trial (Figure 7). Feed efficiency (G:F) was not significantly different among treatments but numerically agreed with observations in weight gain and total DM intake. Change in BCS tended to increase for prototype-fed calves (P = 0.062) suggesting that numerical improvements in weight gain may be not entirely due to gut fill. However, frame growth was similar among treatments overall.

[0171] Under the conditions of this trial, in a healthy cohort of transported dairy heifer calves both prototypes appeared to increase total BW gain 6.5% via improved feed intake during the weaning transition period (after 5 wk on trial). Therefore, these prototypes appeared to show benefit in low to moderate stress situations under good to excellent management.Table 5MilkItemCalf starter Replacer1IngredientsWheat midds 28.42Steam-flaked corn222.00Corn DDGS 10.00Canola meal 8.00Whole oats28.00Ground wheat (Red dog) 7.80Molasses26.00SBM 5.55Calcium carbonate 1.86VTM and amino acids30.72Soybean hulls 0.50B-vitamin premix 0.50Pellet binder 0.32Salt 0.30Bovatec 91 (lasalocid) 0.03NutrientsDry matter, % as fed basis 86.6 93.6Dry matter basis, %CP 21.3 25.7ADF 9.7 n.d.4NDF 25.2 n.d.Sugar 7.8 n.d.Starch 32.5 n.d.NFC 41.5 n.d.Fat 4.2 18.9Ash 7.8 8.3Ca 1.5 0.9P 0.9 0.81Manufactured by Milk Specialties Global (New Holstein, WI).2Ingredients not included in protein pellet.3Proprietary blend of organic trace minerals, vitamins, synthetic amino acids, and flavoring.4Not determined.Table 6A B C Contrast P value1Milk Pellet A vs. A vs. A vs.Item Control Supplement Supplement SEM B C B+CNumber of calves 16 16 16 — .. .. ..Initial STP, g / dL 5.85 5.73 5.81 0.162Initial BW, kg 41.2 40.2 40.4 1.06Final BW, kg 74.6 75.9 75.7 1.59Initial hip width, cm 16.6 16.6 16.9 0.25Final hip width, cm 20.7 20.4 20.7 0.26Initial hip height, cm 80.6 78.8 79.0 0.87Final hip height, cm 91.1 89.7 90.3 0.84Initial BCS21.88 1.89 1.91 0.025Final BCS 2.05 2.11 2.16 0.026 0.097 0.005 0.0110 to 60 d, overallStarter intake, kg / d 0.48 0.50 0.54 0.040 0.114Milk replacer intake, kg / d 0.71 0.71 0.71 0.003Total feed intake, kg / d 1.19 1.22 1.25 0.041 0.110Total feed intake, % BW 2.04 2.10 2.15 0.053 0.039 0.072ADG, kg / d 0.60 0.64 0.63 0.021 0.138 0.116Cumulative BW gain, kg 33.4 35.7 35.4 1.15 0.138 0.116Feed efficiency30.506 0.527 0.510 0.0130Hip width change, cm 4.0 3.8 3.8 0.26Hip height change, cm 10.5 10.9 11.3 0.87BCS change, units 0.17 0.22 0.24 0.027 0.056 0.062Fecal score42.27 2.29 2.27 0.020Abnormal fecal days5, n 15.1 14.2 13.9 0.73Medical days, n 4.0 3.7 3.7 0.871P values greater than 0.15 are not reported.21 to 5 point scale where 1 is thin and 5 is obese.3BW gain divided by milk replacer plus starter intake.41 to 5 point system with l=thick, 2=less thick, 3=abnormal like batter, 4=abnormal, watery with color, 5=abnormal, watery with little color.5Abnormal fecal day defined as a day with fecal score >2.

[0173] In this document, the terms “a,” “an,” or “the” are used to include one or more than one unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive “or” unless otherwise indicated. All publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in this document are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as though individuallyincorporated by reference. In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and those documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference should be considered supplementary to that of this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.

[0174] Values expressed in a range format should be interpreted in a flexible manner to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range were explicitly recited. For example, a range of “about 0.1% to about 5%” or “about 0.1% to 5%” should be interpreted to include not just about 0.1% to about 5%, but also the individual values (e.g., 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) and the sub-ranges (e.g., 0.1% to 0.5%, 1.1% to 2.2%, 3.3% to 4.4%) within the indicated range. The statement “about X to Y” has the same meaning as “about X to about Y,” unless indicated otherwise. Likewise, the statement “about X, Y, or about Z” has the same meaning as “about X, about Y, or about Z,” unless indicated otherwise.

[0175] Unless expressly stated, ppm (parts per million), percentage, and ratios are on a by weight basis. Percentage on a by weight basis is also referred to as wt% or % (wt) below.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method of feeding livestock animals comprising: providing a phytogenic feed comprising a basal diet supplemented with a phytogenic composition, wherein the animals are bovine calves, preferably dairy and / or beef calves, wherein the phytogenic composition comprises a plant extract, an essential oil mixture and / or plant polyphenols, wherein the plant extract comprises valerian root extract, preferably the valerian root extract comprises valerenic acid.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the calves have improved growth performance relative to calves provided the basal diet without the phytogenic composition.

3. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the phytogenic composition is formulated as a liquid soluble powder or as pellets.

4. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the phytogenic composition comprises between 0.01wt% and 0.3wt% of the valerian root extract.

5. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of valerian extract in the phytogenic composition is between 100 ppm and 3000 ppm.

6. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the essential oil mixture comprises thyme oil and anise oil, preferably the ratio of thyme oikanise oil is between 10:1 and 1 : 1, respectively.

7. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the phytogenic composition comprises between 0.5wt% and 5wt% of the essential oil mixture.

8. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of thyme oil in the composition is between 800 ppm and 5000 ppm.

9. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of anise oil in the phytogenic composition is between 100 ppm and 1000 ppm.

10. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the plant polyphenols comprise grape extract.

11. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the phytogenic composition comprises between about 0.01wt% and 0.4wt% of the plant polyphenols.

12. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of plant polyphenols in the phytogenic composition is between 100 ppm and 4000 ppm.

13. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the essential oil mixture further comprises herbal powders, carriers, an encapsulation matrix and combinations thereof.

14. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of phytogenic composition provided to the calves is between lOg / calf / day and lOOg / calf / day, preferably about 30g / calf / day when the phytogenic composition is formulated as a liquid soluble powder and preferably about 60g / calf / day when the phytogenic composition is formulated as pellets.

15. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the phytogenic composition is provided to the calves between day 0 to day 120 and any range there between.

16. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the phytogenic composition is formulated as liquid soluble powder, combined with milk and / or milk replacer and provided to the calves between day 3 and day 70, preferably for a period of about 15 days between day 5 and day 55.

17. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the phytogenic composition is formulated as pellets and provided as top dressing with a basal diet to the calves between day 25 and day 120, preferably for a period of at most 30 days initiating between day 28 and day 90.

18. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the improved growth performance comprises improved average daily gain (ADG), improved gaimfeed conversion ratio (G:F), improved body weight gain (BWG), improved dry matter (DM) intake and / or improved blood and other physiological biomarker profile.

19. A phytogenic feed comprising: a basal diet; and a phytogenic composition, wherein the phytogenic composition comprises plant extracts, essential oil mixture and / or plant polyphenols wherein the plant extracts comprise valerian root extract, wherein the phytogenic feed comprises the phytogenic composition.

20. The phytogenic feed of claim 19, wherein the phytogenic composition comprises between 0.01wt% and 0.3wt% of the valerian root extract.

21. The phytogenic feed of any one of claims 19-20, wherein the phytogenic composition is formulated as liquid soluble powder or as pellets.

22. The phytogenic feed of any one of claims 19-21, wherein the valerian extract in the phytogenic composition is between 100 ppm and 3000 ppm.

23. The phytogenic feed of any one of claims 19-22, wherein the essential oil mixture comprises thyme oil and anise oil, preferably the ratio of thyme oikanise oil is between 10:1 and 1 : 1, respectively.

24. The phytogenic feed of any one of claims 19-23, wherein the phytogenic composition comprises between 0.5wt% and 5wt% of the essential oil mixture.

25. The phytogenic feed of any one of claims 19-24, wherein the phytogenic composition comprises thyme oil at an amount between 800 ppm and 5000 ppm.

26. The phytogenic feed of any one of claims 19-25, wherein the phytogenic composition comprises anise oil at an amount between 100 ppm and 1000 ppm.

27. The phytogenic feed of any one of claims 19-26, wherein the plant polyphenols comprise grape extract.

28. The phytogenic feed of any one of claims 19-27, wherein the phytogenic composition comprises between about 0.01wt% and 0.4wt% of the plant polyphenols.

29. The phytogenic feed of any one of claims 19-28, wherein the phytogenic composition comprises plant polyphenols at an amount between 100 ppm and 4000 ppm.

30. A phytogenic composition comprising plant extracts, essential oil mixture and / or plant polyphenols wherein the plant extracts comprise valerian root extract.

31. The phytogenic composition of claim 30, wherein the phytogenic composition comprises between 0.01wt% and 0.3wt% of the valerian root extract in the phytogenic composition.

32. The phytogenic composition of any one of claims 30-31, wherein the phytogenic composition comprises between 0.5wt% and 5wt% of the essential oil mixture.

33. The phytogenic composition of any one of claims 30-32, wherein the essential oil mixture comprises thyme oil and anise oil, preferably the ratio of thyme oikanise oil is between 10:1 and 1 : 1, respectively.

34. The phytogenic composition of any one of claims 30-33, wherein the amount of thyme oil in the phytogenic composition is between 800 ppm and 5000 ppm and the amount of anise oil in the phytogenic composition is between 100 ppm and 1000 ppm.

35. The phytogenic composition of any one of claims 30-34, wherein the essential oil mixture further comprises herbal powders, carriers, an encapsulation matrix and combinations thereof.

36. The phytogenic composition of any one of claims 30-35, wherein the phytogenic composition comprises between about 0.01wt% and 0.4wt% of the plant polyphenols.

37. The phytogenic composition of any one of claims 30-36, wherein the plant polyphenols comprise grape extract.

38. The phytogenic composition of any one of claims 30-37, wherein the phytogenic composition is formulated as a liquid soluble powder.

39. The phytogenic composition of any one of claims 30-38, wherein the phytogenic composition is formulated as pellets.

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