Compositions and methods of using a novel animal feed

Abstract

The present invention provides an animal feed additive comprising pulse grain solubles, in particular pulse grain solubles added to a high protein meal or grain. The present invention further provides methods of reducing the percentage of methane in the gas produced in an animal, in particular a ruminant animal. In addition, methods are provided for improving crude protein and dry matter digestibility in an animal, in particular a ruminant animal.

Description

[0001] COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF USING A NOVEL ANIMAL FEED

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority benefit to the filing date of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 18 / 614,150, filed on March 22, 2024, the disclosure of which application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are called greenhouse gases. Carbon dioxide and methane are the principal greenhouse gases contributing to our increasingly warm planet, and the impact of these gases are increasingly appreciated. Among these, methane is the worst of the lot, because although it persists in the atmosphere for a much shorter period of time, the warming impact of methane is much more powerful and long lasting. In fact, as a greenhouse gas, methane is 28-times more powerful than CO2 on a 100-year timescale and 80-times more powerful over 20 years. A major source of methane in the atmosphere is animals, particularly, ruminant animals. When the ruminating animal digests its food, it gets processed in their systems by fermentation that produces methane as a byproduct expelled into the atmosphere by the animal by natural biological processes. For instance, a single cow produces from 154 to 264 pounds of methane gas per year. Not counting the emissions of any other livestock, 1.5 billion cattle, raised specifically for meat production worldwide, emit at least 231 billion pounds of methane into the atmosphere each year (Our World in Data). Therefore, to keep our planet from further global warming, there is an urgent need for curbing the production of methane from these ruminating animals. Although there are chemical additives and lab grown chemical additives that are available to reduce methane emissions from animals, there is a growing need for a natural, more effective additive to reduce cost and provide a natural solution to this growing problem.

[0006] Pulse grains, including peas, have been reported to improve growth and production performance when added to the diets of sheep and dairy and beef cattle. Pea protein is a popular plant protein source for the food industry. The processing of peas for protein production results in a byproduct of solubles after precipitation of protein in the protein isolation process. When concentrated (often referred to as pea molasses), this soluble byproduct has found industrial applications as a binder. However, utilization in the animal feed industry has not been tested.

[0007] Canola meal is a major product in the processing of canola for oil. Canola meal has been utilized as a feed component for livestock and, as an additive to feed preparations, has been reported to improve the nutrient utilization and growth performance of beef cattle. However, canola meal has been shown to have a lower energy value than cereal grain such as barley. Thus, there is a need to improve the nutritional utilization of canola meal, an abundant and relatively cheap food source, particularly in livestock feed.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention provides an animal feed additive comprising pulse grain solubles. The pulse grain solubles have reduced starch and fiber content and increased sugar concentration relative to the pulse grain that the solubles are derived from. In some embodiments, the feed additive comprises a high protein meal or grain. In some embodiments, the high protein meal or grain is canola meal. In some embodiments, the high protein meal or grain is soybean meal. In some embodiments, the pulse grain solubles are pea solubles added to canola meal. The inventors have shown that the addition of pea solubles improves digestibility, resulting in greater nutritional utilization of the canola meal. In addition, the inventors have shown that, surprising, the addition of pea solubles to canola meal also decreases the ratio of methane to other gases produced during digestion of the canola meal. In some embodiments, an animal feed comprising the animal feed additive is provided.

[0010] In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods of reducing the percentage of methane in the gas produced in an animal, in particular a ruminant animal, more particularly cattle, the method comprising providing to the animal’s digestive tract an effective amount of pulse grain solubles. In some embodiments, the pulse grain solubles are pea solubles. The pea solubles may be in the form of an animal feed additive or an animal feed comprising such an animal feed additive. Methods of reducing methane emissions from a ruminating animal by administering to the ruminating animal an animal feed mixed with an effective amount of an animal feed additive are also disclosed. Further methods are provided for improving dry matter digestibility in an animal, in particular a ruminant animal, more particularly cattle, the method comprising providing to the animal’s digestive tract an effective amount of pea solubles.

[0011] Yet further methods are provided for improving crude protein digestibility in an animal, in particular a ruminant animal, more particularly cattle, the method comprising providing to the animal’s digestive tract an effective amount of pulse grain solubles. Methods for increasing the pH in the digestive tract of an animal, in particular a ruminant animal, more particularly cattle, are also provided, the methods comprising providing to the animal’s digestive tract an effective amount of pulse grain solubles. In some embodiments, the pulse grain solubles are pea solubles. In each case of these methods, the pea solubles may be in the form of an animal feed additive or an animal feed comprising such an animal feed additive. The pea solubles may be in the form of an animal feed additive or an animal feed comprising such an animal feed additive.

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Compositions are provided for use as an animal feed additive, along with methods of using the compositions for reducing methane emissions. The inventors surprisingly found that the animal feed additive, as disclosed herein, has a great potential for use as an animal feed additive in order to essentially reduce the percentage of methane in the gas produced by an animal without affecting microbial fermentation in a way that would be detrimental to the host animal. Other advantages that come with using the composition as claimed, include increased rumen pH, improving an anaerobic environment for more effective digestibility of the feed, in particular the high protein meal or grain component of animal feed, specifically enhancing crude protein digestibility and dry matter digestibility of the animal. The composition of the feed additive is a nature-derived composition that comprises pulse grain solubles, a byproduct of pulse grain protein processing. Proportions of each of these components for reducing the percentage of methane in gases produced by a ruminating animal is also disclosed. Further uses of this novel composition comprising a portion of high protein meal or grain and a portion of pulse grain solubles for increasing digestibility of a feed for ruminants and increasing the rumen pH are also provided. In some embodiments, the pulse grain solubles are pea solubles. In some embodiments, the pulse grain solubles are faba bean solubles. In some embodiments, the high protein meal or grain is canola meal. In some embodiments, the high protein meal or grain is soybean meal. In some embodiments, the high protein meal or grain is distillers grain or distillers grain with soluble.

[0014] Before the present composition and methods of its uses are described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methods or compositions described, which may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims.

[0015] Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limits of that range is also specifically disclosed. Each smaller range between any stated value or intervening value in a stated range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently he included or excluded in the range, and each range where either, neither or both limits are included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the invention.

[0016] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, some potential and preferred methods and materials are now described. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and / or materials in connection with which the publications are cited. It is understood that the present disclosure supersedes any disclosure of an incorporated publication to the extent there is a contradiction.

[0017] As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any of the other several embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. Any recited method can be carried out in the order of events recited or in any other order which is logically possible.

[0018] It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation.

[0019] It is appreciated that certain features of the methods and compositions, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the methods and compositions, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. All combinations of the embodiments are specifically embraced by the present disclosure and are disclosed herein just as if each and every combination was individually and explicitly disclosed, to the extent that such combinations embrace operable processes and / or compositions. In addition, all sub-combinations listed in the embodiments describing such variables are also specifically embraced by the present methods and compositions and are disclosed herein just as if each such sub-combination was individually and explicitly disclosed herein. Unless otherwise indicated, descriptions of composition component content, such as protein content, shall be considered as being on a dry basis (“db”). Animal feed component compositions, such as canola meal content or peas solubles content, shall be considered as being on a dry matter basis (“DM basis”), to be used interchangeably with dry basis (“db”). As is known in the art, moisture content varies considerably between feeds contributing to the as fed weight, therefore it is important to convert values to a dry matter basis, which is the feed contents remaining once the moisture has been taken out.

[0020] As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any of the other several embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the present methods. Any recited method can be carried out in the order of events recited or in any other order that is logically possible.

[0021] Definitions

[0022] The term "about", particularly in reference to a given quantity, is meant to encompass deviations of plus or minus five percent.

[0023] “Extracting” or “extraction” means the removal or separation of one or more component(s) of a multicomponent composition. The concept of extracting a protein isolate from a seed protein flour is well known in the present art.

[0024] “Effective amount” means a dosage sufficient to produce a desired result, e.g., an amount sufficient to effect beneficial or desired results, such as the reduction in methane production as compared to a control.

[0025] The term “sugar” as used herein encompasses monosaccharides, disaccharides, and oligosaccharides. Exemplary monosaccharides include, without limitation, glyceraldehyde, erythrose, threose, ribose, arabinose, xylose, lyxose, allose, altrose, glucose, mannose, gluose, idose, galactose, talose, glycerone, erythulose, ribulose, xylulose, psicose, fructose, sorbose, tagatose, etc. Exemplary disaccharides include, without limitation, sucrose, lactose, maltose, trehalose, cellobiose, chitobiose, kojibiose, nigerose, isomaltose, sophorose, laminaribose, gentiobiose, trehalulose, turanose, maltulose, leucrose, isomaltulose gentiobiulose, mannobiose, melibiose, lactulose, rutinose, rutinulose, xylobiose, etc. Production of Canola Meal from Canola Seed and Production of Other meals

[0026] The animal feed additives of the present disclosure include a high protein meal or grain and a pulse grain soluble component having reduced fiber content, reduced starch content, and increased sugar concentrations. By reduced fiber content it is meant that the pulse grain soluble has reduced fiber content relative to the pulse grain that the soluble is derived from. By reduced starch content it is meant that the pulse grain soluble has reduced starch content relative to the pulse grain that it is derived from. By increased sugar concentration it is meant that the pulse grain soluble has an increased concentration of sugars relative to the pulse grain that it is derived from. High-protein meals or grains are known in the art. High protein meals or grains include, without limitation, canola meal, soybean meal, com gluten meal, distillers grain, distillers grain with solubles, carinata meal, rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, etc. In some embodiments, the high protein meal or grain is canola meal. In some embodiments, the high protein meal or grain is soybean meal. In some embodiments, the high protein meal or grain is corn gluten meal. In some embodiments, the high protein meal or grain is distillers grain. In some embodiment, the high protein meal or grain is distillers grain with solubles. In some embodiments, the high protein meal or grain is carinata meal. In some embodiments, the high protein meal or grain is rapeseed meal. In some embodiments, the high protein meal or grain is cottonseed meal.

[0027] The high protein meal or grain of the present disclosure contains a high content of protein. For instance, the high protein meal or grain may have at least about 25% by dry mass, at least about 30% by dry mass, at least about 35% by dry mass, at least about 40% by dry mass, at least about 45% by dry mass, at least about 50% by dry mass protein. The high protein meal or grain may have a range of protein content. For instance, the high protein meal or grain may have at least about 25% to at least about 50% protein by dry mass, at least about 25% to at least about 45% protein by dry mass, at least about 25% to at least about 40% protein by dry mass, at least about 25% to at least about 35% protein by dry mass, at least about 30% to at least about 50% protein by dry mass, at least about 35% to at least about 50% protein by dry mass, or at least about 40% to at least about 50% protein by dry mass.

[0028] Production of canola meal is well known in the art. For the examples provided herein, the canola oil seed was processed using solvent extraction to separate the oil from the meal. The cleaned oil seed, after seed preconditioning and flaking, was pressed at high temperature to mechanically remove a portion of the oil, then the cake was further extracted with hexane to remove the remainder of the oil. The deoiled cake was desolventized, toasted, dried, and cooled to produce the canola meal. Production of other meals such as oilseed meals are well known in the art have been described by, for example, Dunford, N. T, 2012. Food and industrial bioproducts and bioprocessing: advancements in oil and oilseed processing. Dpt Biosyst. Agric. Eng., Oklahoma State Univ., John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (doi: 10.1002 / 9781119946083) which is specifically incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0029] Extracting Pea Solubles and other Pulse Grain Solubles

[0030] The solubles of the present disclosure are used to enhance sugar content of high protein feed additives or sources for livestock. Increasing sugar content of high protein feed additives or sources, e.g., high protein meals or grains, increases the energy content of said feed source. Solubles may be derived from a variety of different sources. Of particular interest are solubles derived from pulse grains. Pulse grains that are useful for producing solubles include, without limitation, dry beans, dry broad beans, peas, chickpeas, dry cow peas, pigeon peas, lentils, Bambara beans, vetches, lupins, and pulses not elsewhere specified (nes). Dry beans include Phaseolus spp. including kidney, haricot bean (Ph. vulgaris); lima, butter bean (Ph. lunatus); adzuki bean (Ph. angularis); mungo bean, golden, green gram (Ph. aureus); black gram, urd (Ph. mungo); scarlet runner bean (Ph. coccineus); rice bean (Ph. calcar atus); moth bean (Ph. aconitifolius); tepary bean (Ph. acutifolius). Dry broad beans include viciafaba: horse-bean (var. equina); broad bean (var. major); field bean (var. minor). Peas include garden pea (Pisum sativum); field pea (P. arvense). Chickpeas include chickpea, Bengal gram, garbanzos (Cicer arietinum). Dry cow peas include cowpea, blackeye pea / bean (Vigna sinensis; Dolichos sinensis). Pigeon peas include pigeon pea, cajan pea, Congo bean (Cajanus cajan). Lentils include (Lens esculenta; Ervum lens). Bambara beans include bambara groundnut, earth pea (Voandzeia subterranea). Vetches include spring / common vetch (Vicia saliva). Lupins include (Lupinus spp.). Pulse nes include inter alia: lablab or hyacinth bean (Dolichos spp.); jack or sword bean (Canavalia spp.); winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus); guar bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) ; velvet bean (Stizolobium spp.); yam bean (Pachyrrhizus erosus).

[0031] In some embodiments, the solubles are produced from pea. In some embodiments, the solubles are produced from dry bean. In some embodiments, the solubles are produced from dry broad bean. In some embodiments, the solubles are produced from chickpea. In some embodiments, the solubles are produced from dry cow pea. In some embodiments, the solubles are produced from pigeon pea. In some embodiments, the solubles are produced from lentils. In some embodiments, the solubles are produced from Bambra bean. In some embodiments, the solubles are produced from vetches. In some embodiments, the solubles are produced from lupins. In some embodiments, the solubles are produced from pulses nes. In some embodiments, the pea is garden pea or field pea. In some embodiments, the garden pea is yellow pea. In some embodiments, the dry broad bean is faba bean. Solubles derived from pulses grains contain reduced starch content relative to the pulse grains that the solubles are derived from. For instance, the starch content of the solubles may be less than about 10%, less than about 9%, less than about 8%, less than about 7%, less than about 6%, less than about 5%, less than about 4%, less than about 3%, less than about 2%, or less than about 1% of dry weight. The starch content of solubles may be a range of different starch contents. For instance, the starch content may be from less than about 10% to less than about 1% dry weight, from less than about 9% to less than about 1% dry weight, from less than about 8% to less than about 1% dry weight, from less than about 7% to less than about 1% dry weight, from less than about 6% to less than about 1% dry weight, from less than about 5% to less than about 1% dry weight, from less than about 4% to less than about 1% dry weight, from less than about 3% to less than about 1% dry weight, from less than about 2% to less than about 1% dry weight, less than about 10% to less than about 2% dry weight, from less than about 9% to less than about 2% dry weight, from less than about 8% to less than about 2% dry weight, from less than about 7% to less than about 2% dry weight, from less than about 6% to less than about 2% dry weight, from less than about 5% to less than about 2% dry weight, from less than about 4% to less than about 2% dry weight, from less than about 3% to less than about 2% dry weight, less than about 10% to less than about 3% dry weight, from less than about 9% to less than about 3% dry weight, from less than about 8% to less than about 3% dry weight, from less than about 7% to less than about 3% dry weight, from less than about 6% to less than about 3% dry weight, from less than about 5% to less than about 3% dry weight, from less than about 4% to less than about 3% dry weight, less than about 10% to less than about 4% dry weight, from less than about 9% to less than about 4% dry weight, from less than about 8% to less than about 4% dry weight, from less than about 7% to less than about 4% dry weight, from less than about 6% to less than about 4% dry weight, from less than about 5% to less than about 4% dry weight, less than about 10% to less than about 5% dry weight, from less than about 9% to less than about 5% dry weight, from less than about 8% to less than about 5% dry weight, from less than about 7% to less than about 5% dry weight, or from less than about 6% to less than about 5% dry weight. In some embodiments, the starch content is less than about 2% to less than about 10% dry weight.

[0032] Solubles derived from pulses grains contain reduced fiber content relative to the pulse grains that the solubles are derived from. For instance, the fiber content of the solubles may be less than about 10%, less than about 9%, less than about 8%, less than about 7%, less than about 6%, less than about 5%, less than about 4%, less than about 3%, less than about 2%, or less than about 1 % of dry weight. The fiber content of solubles may be a range of different fiber contents. For instance, the fiber content may be from less than about 10% to less than about 1% dry weight, from less than about 9% to less than about 1% dry weight, from less than about 8% to less than about 1% dry weight, from less than about 7% to less than about 1% dry weight, from less than about 6% to less than about 1% dry weight, from less than about 5% to less than about 1% dry weight, from less than about 4% to less than about 1% dry weight, from less than about 3% to less than about 1% dry weight, from less than about 2% to less than about 1% dry weight, less than about 10% to less than about 2% dry weight, from less than about 9% to less than about 2% dry weight, from less than about 8% to less than about 2% dry weight, from less than about 7% to less than about 2% dry weight, from less than about 6% to less than about 2% dry weight, from less than about 5% to less than about 2% dry weight, from less than about 4% to less than about 2% dry weight, from less than about 3% to less than about 2% dry weight, less than about 10% to less than about 3% dry weight, from less than about 9% to less than about 3% dry weight, from less than about 8% to less than about 3% dry weight, from less than about 7% to less than about 3% dry weight, from less than about 6% to less than about 3% dry weight, from less than about 5% to less than about 3% dry weight, from less than about 4% to less than about 3% dry weight, less than about 10% to less than about 4% dry weight, from less than about 9% to less than about 4% dry weight, from less than about 8% to less than about 4% dry weight, from less than about 7% to less than about 4% dry weight, from less than about 6% to less than about 4% dry weight, from less than about 5% to less than about 4% dry weight, less than about 10% to less than about 5% dry weight, from less than about 9% to less than about 5% dry weight, from less than about 8% to less than about 5% dry weight, from less than about 7% to less than about 5% dry weight, or from less than about 6% to less than about 5% dry weight. In some embodiments, the fiber content is from less than about 5% to less than about 1% dry weight. In some embodiments, the fiber content is from less than about 1 % dry weight.

[0033] Solubles derived from pulse grains contain crude protein. The amount of crude protein in the solubles of pulse grains may vary. For instance, the solubles from pulse grains may contain at least about 5% dry weight, at least about 6% dry weight, at least about 7% dry weight, at least about 8% dry weight, at least about 9% dry weight, at least about 10% dry weight, at least about 11% dry weight, at least about 12% dry weight, at least about 13% dry weight, at least about 14% dry weight, at least about 15% dry weight, at least about 16% dry weight, at least about 17% dry weight, at least about 18% dry weight, at least about 19% dry weight, 20% dry weight, at least about 21% dry weight, at least about 22% dry weight, at least about 23% dry weight, at least about 24% dry weight, at least about 25% dry weight, at least about 26% dry weight, at least about 27% dry weight, at least about 28% dry weight, at least about 29% dry weight, 30% dry weight, at least about 31% dry weight, at least about 32% dry weight, at least about 33% dry weight, at least about 34% dry weight, at least about 35% dry weight, at least about 36% dry weight, at least about 37% dry weight, at least about 38% dry weight, at least about 39% dry weight, 40% dry weight, at least about 41% dry weight, at least about 42% dry weight, at least about 43% dry weight, at least about 44% dry weight, at least about 45% dry weight, at least about 46% dry weight, at least about 47% dry weight, at least about 48% dry weight, at least about 49% dry weight, or greater than 49% crude protein dry weight.

[0034] There may be a range of different crude protein amounts in solubles derived from pulse grains. For instance, the crude protein may be between may be about 5% to about 45% dry weight, about 5% to about 40% dry weight, about 5% to about 35% dry weight, about 5% to about 30% dry weight, about 5% to about 25% dry weight, about 5% to about 20% dry weight, about 5% to about 15% dry weight, about 5% to about 10% dry weight, about 10% to about 45% dry weight, about 10% to about 40% dry weight, about 10% to about 35% dry weight, about 10% to about 30% dry weight, about 10% to about 25% dry weight, about 10% to about 20% dry weight, about 10% to about 15% dry weight, 15% to about 45% dry weight, about 15% to about 40% dry weight, about 15% to about 35% dry weight, about 15% to about 30% dry weight, about 15% to about 25% dry weight, about 15% to about 20% dry weight, about 20% to about 45% dry weight, about 20% to about 40% dry weight, about 20% to about 35% dry weight, about 20% to about 30% dry weight, about 20% to about 25% dry weight, about 25% to about 45% dry weight, about 25% to about 40% dry weight, about 25% to about 35% dry weight, about 25% to about 30% dry weight, about 30% to about 45% dry weight, about 30% to about 40% dry weight, or about 30% to about 35% crude protein dry weight. In some embodiments, the amount of crude protein in pulse grain solubles is about 15% to about 35% crude protein dry weight.

[0035] The solubles of the present disclosure are used to enhance sugar content of high protein feed additive or source for livestock. The enhanced sugar content improves energy availability in the animal. Solubles derived from pulses grains contain increased sugar concentration relative to the pulse grains that the solubles are derived from. For instance, the sugar concentration in the solubles may be at least about 5%, at least about 6%, at least about 7%, at least about 8%, at least about 9%, at least about 10%, at least about 11%, at least about 12%, at least about 13%, at least about 14%, at least about 15%, at least about 16%, at least about 17%, at least about 18%, at least about 19%, or at least about 20% dry weight.

[0036] The sugar content of solubles may be a range of different sugar contents. For instance, the sugar content may be from at least about 5% to at least about 20% dry weight, from at least about 5% to at least about 19% dry weight, from at least about 5% to at least about 18% dry weight, from at least about 5% to at least about 17% dry weight, from at least about 5% to at least about 16% dry weight, from at least about 5% to at least about 15% dry weight, from at least about 5% to at least about 14% dry weight, from at least about 5% to at least about 13% dry weight, from at least about 5% to at least about 12% dry weight, from at least about 5% to at least about 11% dry weight, from at least about 5% to at least about 10% dry weight, from at least about 6% to at least about 20% dry weight, from at least about 6% to at least about 19% dry weight, from at least about 6% to at least about 18% dry weight, from at least about 6% to at least about 17% dry weight, from at least about 6% to at least about 16% dry weight, from at least about 6% to at least about 15% dry weight, from at least about 6% to at least about 14% dry weight, from at least about 6% to at least about 13% dry weight, from at least about 6% to at least about 12% dry weight, from at least about 6% to at least about 11% dry weight, from at least about 6% to at least about 10% dry weight, from at least about 7% to at least about 20% dry weight, from at least about 7% to at least about 19% dry weight, from at least about 7% to at least about 18% dry weight, from at least about 7% to at least about 17% dry weight, from at least about 7% to at least about 16% dry weight, from at least about 7% to at least about 15% dry weight, from at least about 7% to at least about 14% dry weight, from at least about 7% to at least about 13% dry weight, from at least about 7% to at least about 12% dry weight, from at least about 7% to at least about 11% dry weight, from at least about 7% to at least about 10% dry weight, from at least about 8% to at least about 20% dry weight, from at least about 8% to at least about 19% dry weight, from at least about 8% to at least about 18% dry weight, from at least about 8% to at least about 17% dry weight, from at least about 8% to at least about 16% dry weight, from at least about 8% to at least about 18% dry weight, from at least about 8% to at least about 14% dry weight, from at least about 8% to at least about 13% dry weight, from at least about 8% to at least about 12% dry weight, from at least about 8% to at least about 11% dry weight, from at least about 8% to at least about 10% dry weight, from at least about 9% to at least about 20% dry weight, from at least about 9% to at least about 19% dry weight, from at least about 9% to at least about 18% dry weight, from at least about 9% to at least about 17% dry weight, from at least about 9% to at least about 16% dry weight, from at least about 9% to at least about 19% dry weight, from at least about 9% to at least about 14% dry weight, from at least about 9% to at least about 13% dry weight, from at least about 9% to at least about 12% dry weight, from at least about 9% to at least about 11% dry weight, from at least about 9% to at least about 10% dry weight, from at least about 10% to at least about 20% dry weight, from at least about 10% to at least about 19% dry weight, from at least about 10% to at least about 18% dry weight, from at least about 10% to at least about 17% dry weight, from at least about 10% to at least about 16% dry weight, from at least about 10% to at least about 1 10% dry weight, from at least about 10% to at least about 14% dry weight, from at least about 10% to at least about 13% dry weight, from at least about 10% to at least about 12% dry weight, or from at least about 10% to at least about 11% dry weight. In some embodiments, the sugar content is from about 5% to about 15% dry weight.

[0037] Solubles derived from pulses grains contain increased sugar concentration relative to the pulse grains that the solubles are derived from. In some embodiments, the increased sugar content is an increased glucose content. For instance, the glucose concentration in the solubles may be at least about 5%, at least about 6%, at least about 7%, at least about 8%, at least about 9%, at least about 10%, at least about 11%, at least about 12%, at least about 13%, at least about 14%, at least about 15%, at least about 16%, at least about 17%, at least about 18%, at least about 19%, or at least about 20% dry weight.

[0038] The glucose content of solubles may be a range of different glucose contents. For instance, the glucose content may be from at least about 5% to at least about 20% dry weight, from at least about 5% to at least about 19% dry weight, from at least about 5% to at least about 18% dry weight, from at least about 5% to at least about 17% dry weight, from at least about 5% to at least about 16% dry weight, from at least about 5% to at least about 15% dry weight, from at least about 5% to at least about 14% dry weight, from at least about 5% to at least about 13% dry weight, from at least about 5% to at least about 12% dry weight, from at least about 5% to at least about 11% dry weight, from at least about 5% to at least about 10% dry weight, from at least about 6% to at least about 20% dry weight, from at least about 6% to at least about 19% dry weight, from at least about 6% to at least about 18% dry weight, from at least about 6% to at least about 17% dry weight, from at least about 6% to at least about 16% dry weight, from at least about 6% to at least about 15% dry weight, from at least about 6% to at least about 14% dry weight, from at least about 6% to at least about 13% dry weight, from at least about 6% to at least about 12% dry weight, from at least about 6% to at least about 11% dry weight, from at least about 6% to at least about 10% dry weight, from at least about 7% to at least about 20% dry weight, from at least about 7% to at least about 19% dry weight, from at least about 7% to at least about 18% dry weight, from at least about 7% to at least about 17% dry weight, from at least about 7% to at least about 16% dry weight, from at least about 7% to at least about 15% dry weight, from at least about 7% to at least about 14% dry weight, from at least about 7% to at least about 13% dry weight, from at least about 7% to at least about 12% dry weight, from at least about 7% to at least about 11% dry weight, from at least about 7% to at least about 10% dry weight, from at least about 8% to at least about 20% dry weight, from at least about 8% to at least about 19% dry weight, from at least about 8% to at least about 18% dry weight, from at least about 8% to at least about 17% dry weight, from at least about 8% to at least about 16% dry weight, from at least about 8% to at least about 18% dry weight, from at least about 8% to at least about 14% dry weight, from at least about 8% to at least about 13% dry weight, from at least about 8% to at least about 12% dry weight, from at least about 8% to at least about 11% dry weight, from at least about 8% to at least about 10% dry weight, from at least about 9% to at least about 20% dry weight, from at least about 9% to at least about 19% dry weight, from at least about 9% to at least about 18% dry weight, from at least about 9% to at least about 17% dry weight, from at least about 9% to at least about 16% dry weight, from at least about 9% to at least about 19% dry weight, from at least about 9% to at least about 14% dry weight, from at least about 9% to at least about 13% dry weight, from at least about 9% to at least about 12% dry weight, from at least about 9% to at least about 11% dry weight, from at least about 9% to at least about 10% dry weight, from at least about 10% to at least about 20% dry weight, from at least about 10% to at least about 19% dry weight, from at least about 10% to at least about 18% dry weight, from at least about 10% to at least about 17% dry weight, from at least about 10% to at least about 16% dry weight, from at least about 10% to at least about 110% dry weight, from at least about 10% to at least about 14% dry weight, from at least about 10% to at least about 13% dry weight, from at least about 10% to at least about 12% dry weight, or from at least about 10% to at least about 11% dry weight. In some embodiments, the glucose content is from about 5% to about 15% dry weight.

[0039] Pulse grain solubles are generated by milling flour from the pulse grains and subjecting the flour to alkaline conditions to generate a protein fraction which is further separated into a protein rich supernatant and a starch rich pellet via solid-liquid separation methods. The protein rich supernatant is further purified by isoelectric precipitation and separated via solid-liquid separation method to yield a protein rich pellet (PPI) and protein light supernatant. The protein light is concentrated using filtration and / or evaporation to achieve a minimum solid content of 45% thereby generating the solubles.

[0040] The flour produced from pulse grains, i.e., pulse grain flour, may be subjected to a range of different alkaline conditions. For instance, the flour suspended in a solution having an alkaline pH. Alkaline pH includes, without limitation, pH 8, pH 8.5, pH 9, pH 9.5, pH 10, pH 10.5, pH 11, pH 11.5, pH 12, etc. The alkaline pH may be a range of alkaline pH. For instance, the alkaline pH may be from at least about pH 8 to at least about pH 12, from at least about pH 8 to at least about pH 11, from at least about pH 8 to at least about pH 10, from at least about pH 8 to at least about pH 9, from at least about pH 8.5 to at least about pH 12, from at least about pH 8.5 to at least about pH 11, from at least about pH 8.5 to at least about pH 10, from at least about pH 8.5 to at least about pH 9, from at least about pH 9 to at least about pH 12, from at least about pH 9 to at least about pH 11, from at least about pH 9 to at least about pH 10, etc. In some embodiments, the solution is water that has been adjusted to an alkaline pH.

[0041] The protein fraction produced from subjecting the flour, e.g., pulse grain flour, to alkaline conditions may be separated into a protein rich supernatant and a starch rich pellet via solid-liquid separation methods. Various methods of solid- liquid separation are known in the art. For instance, the solid-liquid separation method includes, without limitation, centrifugation, decanter centrifugation, filtration, pressure filtration, sedimentation, screw press separation, etc. In some embodiments, the solid- liquid separation is centrifugation. In some embodiments, the solid-liquid separation is decanter centrifugation. In some embodiments, the solid-liquid separation is filtration. In some embodiments, the solid-liquid separation is pressure filtration. In some embodiments, the solid-liquid separation is sedimentation. In some embodiments, the solid-liquid separation is screw press separation.

[0042] The protein rich supernatant may be further purified using isoelectric precipitation. Isoelectric precipitation involves the adjusting of the pH of the solution such that the net primary charge of a protein becomes zero. The pH of the solution for the isoelectric precipitation may be a range of different pH. For instance, the pH may be at least about pH 2, at least about pH 2.5, at least about pH 3, at least about pH 3.5, at least about pH 4, at least about pH 4.5, at least about pH 5, at least about pH 5.5, at least about pH 6, at least about pH 6.5, or at least about pH 7. The pH of the solution may be from at least about pH 2 to at least about pH 7, from at least about pH 2 to at least about pH 6, from at least about pH 2 to at least about pH 5, from at least about pH 2 to at least about pH 4, from at least about pH 2 to at least about pH 3, from at least about pH 3 to at least about pH 7, from at least about pH 3 to at least about pH 6, from at least about pH 3 to at least about pH 5, from at least about pH 3 to at least about pH 4 from at least about pH 4 to at least about pH 7, from at least about pH 4 to at least about pH 6, from at least about pH 4 to at least about pH 5, from at least about pH 5 to at least about pH 7, or from at least about pH 5 to at least about pH 6. In some embodiments, the pH used for the isoelectric precipitation is from at least about pH 4 to at least about pH 6.

[0043] In some embodiments, the pulse grain is peas. When the pulse grain is peas the solubles may be referred to as pea solubles. In an exemplary embodiment, pea solubles are produced by the following method. Milled pea flour was treated at alkaline conditions to solubilize the protein fraction, which was further separated into protein rich supernatant and starch rich pellet via solidliquid separation method. The protein rich supernatant (obtained in the previous step) was further purified by isoelectric precipitation and separated via solid-liquid separation method to yield a protein rich pellet (PPI) and protein light supernatant (“pea solubles”). The pea solubles (<5% solids) was concentrated by filtration and / or evaporation to achieve a minimum solid content of 45%. This concentrated pea soluble is used to blend with canola meal. The concentrated pea solubles may also be referred to as pea molasses.

[0044] Animal Feed Additive and Modified Animal Feed

[0045] Presented herein are, in one aspect, is an animal feed additive. Animal feed additive is understood to be a composition that is co-fed or admixed with animal feed. In some embodiments, the animal feed additive comprises pulse grain solubles having reduced starch content, reduced fiber content, and increased sugar concentration in combination with a high protein meal or grain. The pulse grain soluble may be selected from the group consisting of: dry bean solubles, dry broad bean solubles, pea solubles, chickpea solubles, dry cow pea solubles, pigeon pea solubles, lentil solubles, Bambara bean solubles, vetches solubles, lupin solubles, and pulses nes solubles. The high protein meal or grain may be selected from the group consisting of: canola meal, soybean meal, corn gluten meal, distillers grain, distillers grain with solubles, carinata meal, rapeseed meal, and cottonseed meal.

[0046] The animal feed additive comprises as little as 0.1% pulse grain solubles on a dry basis, but may comprise at least about 1% pulse grain solubles, 0.15% pulse grain solubles, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4% or 0.5% pulse grain solubles. In other embodiments the animal feed additive comprises at least about 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9% or 1% pulse grain solubles. In other embodiments, the animal feed additive comprises at least about 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, 5%, 5.5%, 6%, 6.5%, 7%, 7.5%, 8%, 8.5%, 9% or 9.5 % pulse grain solubles. In yet other embodiments, the animal feed additive comprises at least about 10% pulse grain solubles. In yet other embodiments, the animal feed additive comprises at least about 1.5% pulse grain solubles.

[0047] In certain aspects of the invention, the animal feed additive comprises pulse grain solubles and a high protein meal or grain. The animal feed additive comprises as much as 98% high protein meal or grain. In other embodiments, the animal feed additive comprises at least about 97%, 96%, 95%, 94%, 93%, 92%, 91% or 90% high protein meal or grain. In other embodiments, the animal feed additive comprises at least about 89%, 88%, 87%, 86%, 85%, 84% 83%, 82% 81% or 80% high protein meal or grain. In yet other embodiments, the animal feed additive comprises at least about 79%, 78%, 77%, 76%, 75%, 74%, 73%, 72% 71% or 70% high protein meal or grain.

[0048] In some embodiments, the animal feed additive comprises pea solubles, in particular in combination with canola meal. The animal feed additive comprises as little as 0.1% pea solubles on a dry basis, but may comprise at least about 1% pea solubles, 0.15% pea solubles, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4% or 0.5% pea solubles. In other embodiments the animal feed additive comprises at least 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9% or 1% pea solubles, In other embodiments, the animal feed additive comprises at least about 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, 5%, 5.5%, 6%, 6.5%, 7%, 7.5%, 8%, 8.5%, 9% or 9.5 % pea solubles. In yet other embodiments, the animal feed additive comprises at least about 10% pea solubles. In some embodiments, the animal feed additive comprises at least about 1.5% pea solubles.

[0049] In certain aspects of the invention, an animal feed additive comprises pea solubles and canola meal. The animal feed additive comprises as much as 98% canola meal. In other embodiments, the animal feed additive comprises at least about 97%, 96%, 95%, 94%, 93%, 92%, 91% or 90% canola meal. In other embodiments, the animal feed additive comprises at least about 89%, 88%, 87%, 86%, 85%, 84% 83%, 82% 81% or 80% canola meal. In yet other embodiments, the animal feed additive comprises at least about 79%, 78%, 77%, 76%, 75%, 74%, 73%, 72% 71% or 70% canola meal.

[0050] In certain embodiments, the composition of the animal feed additive further comprises a mineral premix, a vitamin premix including vitamins and minerals. In some embodiments, the composition of the animal feed additive, further comprises at least one fat-soluble vitamin, a water-soluble vitamin, a trace mineral, and / or a micro mineral.

[0051] The following are non-exclusive lists of examples of these further components of the feed of the animal:

[0052] Examples of fat-soluble vitamins are vitamin A, vitamin D3, vitamin E, and vitamin K, e.g. vitamin K3.

[0053] Examples of water-soluble vitamins are vitamin B 12, biotin and choline, vitamin Bl, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, niacin, folic acid and panthothenate, e.g., Ca — D-panthothenate.

[0054] Examples of trace minerals are manganese, zinc, iron, copper, iodine, selenium, and cobalt.

[0055] Examples of micro minerals are calcium, phosphorus and sodium.

[0056] In some embodiments, the composition of the animal feed additive is included in a bolus that is placed in the rumen.

[0057] In some embodiments, the animal is a ruminating animal. Ruminating mammals according to the present invention include cattle, goats, sheep, giraffes, American Bison, European bison, yaks, water buffalo, deer, camels, alpacas, llamas, wildebeest, antelope, pronghorn, donkeys, elephants and nilgai. For all embodiments of the present invention, domestic cattle, sheep and goat are the more preferred species of particular interest, due to their prevalence and value in the livestock business. In some preferred embodiments, steers and heifers are the most preferred ruminating animals. Animal Feed

[0058] Feed composition for ruminating animals, such as cows, is usually composed of an easily degradable fraction (named concentrate) and a fiber-rich less readily degradable fraction (named hay, forage, or roughage).

[0059] Hay is made of dried grass, legumes, or other herbaceous plants that have been cut and dried for ruminant feed. Grasses include, among others, orchard grass, bluegrass, bermudagrass, timothy, ryegrass, and fescues. Legumes include, among others, alfalfa (lucerne), clover, peas, beans and vetches. Other forage crops include sugarcane, kales, rapes, and cabbages. Also root crops such as turnips, swedes, mangles, fodder beet, and sugar beet (including sugar beet pulp and beet molasses) are used to feed ruminants. Still further crops are tubers such as potatoes, cassava and sweet potato. Silage is an ensiled version of the fiber-rich fraction (e.g. from grasses, legumes or whole cereals) whereby material with a high water content is treated with a controlled anaerobic fermentation process (naturally-fermented or additive treated).

[0060] Concentrate is largely made up of cereals (such as barley including brewers grain and distillers grain, maize, wheat, sorghum), but also often contain protein-rich feed ingredients such as soybean, rapeseed, palm kernel, cotton seed and sunflower.

[0061] In some embodiments, the animal feed additive comprises pulse grain solubles having reduced starch content, reduced fiber content, and increased sugar concentration in combination with a high protein meal or grain. The pulse grain soluble may be selected from the consisting of: dry bean solubles, dry broad bean solubles, pea solubles, chickpea solubles, dry cow pea solubles, pigeon pea solubles, lentil solubles, Bambara bean solubles, vetches solubles, lupin solubles, and pulses nes solubles. The high protein meal or grain may be selected from the group consisting of: canola meal, soybean meal, com gluten meal, distillers grain, distillers grain with solubles, carinata meal, rapeseed meal, and cottonseed meal. In certain embodiments, the animal feed additive is 10% of the animal feed comprising animal feed additive. In other embodiments, the animal feed additive is at least about 1%, 20%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8% or 9% of the animal feed comprising animal feed additive. In other embodiments, the animal feed additive is at least about 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19% or 20% of the animal feed comprising animal feed additive.

[0062] In addition to the animal feed additive, the animal feed may contain a range of different components, such as those described above. For instance, the animal feed may contain grass hay, com grain, alfalfa hay, dry rolled com, soybean, soybean meal, distillers grain with soluble, sunflower sprout, wheat germ meal, flax seed meal, rapeseed meal, grape seed meal, buckthorn meal, pumpkin meal, pumpkin, pumpkin seed, ground canola seed, intact rapeseed, rolled canola seed, oats, barley, fish meal, buckwheat hulls, sorghum, cotton seed meal, bahiagrass hay, bermudagrass hay, clover hay, fescue hay, johnsongrass hay, orchardgrass hay, peanut hay, ryegrass hay, sorghum-sudan hay, soybean hay, sundangrass hay, alfalfa silage, bermudagrass silage, com silage, corn stalks, fescue silage, ryegrass silage, sorghum silage, sorghum Sudan silage, soybean silage, wheat silage, cottonseed, grain sorghum stubble, peanut hulls, peanut stubble, rice stubble, wheat straw, etc.

[0063] Methods of reducing percentage methane production

[0064] Aspects, including embodiments, of the present disclosure include methods of reducing percentage methane production by animals, the methods comprising providing the animal’s digestive tract an effective amount of pulse grain solubles in combination with a high protein meal or grain. The pulse grain solubles have reduced starch content, reduced fiber content, and increased sugar concentration. The pulse grain soluble may be selected from the consisting of: dry bean solubles, dry broad bean solubles, pea solubles, chickpea solubles, dry cow pea solubles, pigeon pea solubles, lentil solubles, Bambara bean solubles, vetches solubles, lupin solubles, and pulses nes solubles. In some embodiments, the pulse grain solubles are produced from dry bean. In some embodiments, the pulse grain solubles are produced from dry broad bean. In some embodiments, the pulse grain solubles are produced from chickpea. In some embodiments, the pulse grain solubles are produced from dry cow pea. In some embodiments, the pulse grain solubles are produced from pigeon pea. In some embodiments, the pulse grain solubles are produced from lentils. In some embodiments, the pulse grain solubles are produced from Bambra bean. In some embodiments, the pulse grain solubles are produced from vetches. In some embodiments, the pulse grain solubles are produced from lupins. In some embodiments, the pulse grain solubles are produced from pulses nes.

[0065] The high protein meal or grain may be selected from the group consisting of: canola meal, soybean meal, corn gluten meal, distillers grain, distillers grain with solubles, carinata meal, rapeseed meal, and cottonseed meal. In some embodiments, the high protein meal or grain is canola meal. In some embodiments, the high protein meal or grain is soybean meal. In some embodiments, the high protein meal or grain is corn gluten meal. In some embodiments, the high protein meal or grain is distillers grain or distillers grain with solubles. In some embodiments, the high protein meal or grain is carinata meal. In some embodiments, the high protein meal or grain is rapeseed meal. In some embodiments, the high protein meal or grain is cottonseed meal.

[0066] The providing comprises adding pulse grain solubles to the feed of the animal, typically in combination with a high protein meal. In certain embodiments, the pulse grain solubles, in particular in combination with a high protein meal or grain, is in the form of an animal feed additive. In some embodiments, the animal feed additives are those described above. In some embodiments, the percentage of methane in gasses produced by an animal is partially or substantially reduced.

[0067] Aspects, including embodiments, of the present disclosure include methods of reducing percentage methane production by animals, the methods comprising providing the animal’s digestive tract an effective amount of pea solubles, in particular a composition comprising pea solubles and canola meal. Such providing comprises adding pea solubles to the feed of the animal, typically in combination with canola meal. In certain embodiments, the pea solubles, in particular in combination with canola meal, is in the form of an animal feed additive. In some embodiments, the animal feed additives are those described above. In some embodiments, the percentage of methane in gasses produced by an animal is partially or substantially reduced.

[0068] In some embodiments, the percent of methane as a percent of total gas produced by the animal is reduced by at least about 1%, at least about 2%, at least about 3%, at least about 4%, at least about 5%, at least about 6%, at least about 7%, at least about 8%, at least about 9%, at least about 10%, at least about 11%, at least about 12%, at least about 13%, at least about 14%, at least about 15%, at least about 16%, at least about 17%, at least about 18%, at least about 19%, at least about 20%. In some preferred embodiments, the percentage of methane production by the animal is reduced by at least about 10% when the animal is fed the animal feed additive composition mixed with the animal feed provided to the animal ad libitum.

[0069] Methods of improving dry matter and crude protein digestibility

[0070] The present disclosure provides methods of improving dry matter digestibility. Improvement of dry matter digestibility increases the amount of nutritional value extracted from the feed consumed by an animal, e.g., a ruminant animal. The present disclosure also provides methods for crude protein digestibility. Improvement of crude protein digestibility increases the percentage of total protein in a food source that is absorbed and utilized by the animal. The methods comprise providing the animal’s digestive tract an effective amount of pulse grain solubles in combination with a high protein meal or grain. The pulse grain solubles have reduced starch content, reduced fiber content, and increased sugar concentration. The pulse grain soluble may be selected from the consisting of: dry bean solubles, dry broad bean solubles, pea solubles, chickpea solubles, dry cow pea solubles, pigeon pea solubles, lentil solubles, Bambara bean solubles, vetches solubles, lupin solubles, and pulses nes solubles. In some embodiments, the pulse grain solubles are produced from dry bean. In some embodiments, the pulse grain solubles are produced from dry broad bean. In some embodiments, the pulse grain solubles are produced from chickpea. In some embodiments, the pulse grain solubles are produced from dry cow pea. In some embodiments, the pulse grain solubles are produced from pigeon pea. In some embodiments, the pulse grain solubles are produced from lentils. In some embodiments, the pulse grain solubles are produced from Bambara bean. In some embodiments, the pulse grain solubles are produced from vetches. In some embodiments, the pulse grain solubles are produced from lupins. In some embodiments, the pulse grain solubles are produced from pulses nes.

[0071] The high protein meal or grain may be selected from the group consisting of: canola meal, soybean meal, corn gluten meal, distillers grain, distillers grain, with solubles, carinata meal, rapeseed meal, and cottonseed meal. In some embodiments, the high protein meal or grain is canola meal. In some embodiments, the high protein meal or grain is soybean meal. In some embodiments, the high protein meal or grain is corn gluten meal. In some embodiments, the high protein meal or grain is distillers grain. In some embodiments, the high protein meal or grain is carinata meal. In some embodiments, the high protein meal or grain is rapeseed meal. In some embodiments, the high protein meal or grain is cottonseed meal.

[0072] The providing comprises adding pulse grain solubles to the feed of the animal, typically in combination with a high protein meal. In certain embodiments, the pulse grain solubles, in particular in combination with a high protein meal or grain, is in the form of an animal feed additive. In some embodiments, the animal feed additives are those described above. In some embodiments, the percentage of dry matter digested by an animal is partially or substantially increased. In some embodiments, the percentage of crude protein digested by an animal is partially or substantially increased.

[0073] Aspects, including embodiments, of the present disclosure include methods of increasing dry matter digestibility by animals, the methods comprising providing the animal’s digestive tract an effective amount of pea solubles, in particular a composition comprising pea solubles and canola meal. Aspects, including embodiments, of the present disclosure include methods of increasing crude protein digestibility by animals, the methods comprising providing the animal’s digestive tract an effective amount of pea solubles, in particular a composition comprising pea solubles and canola meal. Such providing comprises adding pea solubles to the feed of the animal, typically in combination with canola meal. In certain embodiments, the pea solubles, in particular in combination with canola meal, is in the form of an animal feed additive. In some embodiments, the animal feed additives are those described above. In some embodiments, the percentage of dry matter digested by an animal is partially or substantially increased. In some embodiments, the percentage of crude protein digested by an animal is partially or substantially increased.

[0074] In some embodiments, the percent of dry matter digestibility by the animal is increased by at least about 1%, at least about 2%, at least about 3%, at least about 4%, at least about 5%, at least about 6%, at least about 7%, at least about 8%, at least about 9%, at least about 10%, at least about 11%, at least about 12%, at least about 13%, at least about 14%, at least about 15%, at least about 16%, at least about 17%, at least about 18%, at least about 19%, at least about 20%. In some preferred embodiments, the percentage of dry matter digestibility by the animal is increased by at least 10% when the animal is fed the animal feed additive composition mixed with the animal feed provided to the animal ad libitum.

[0075] In some embodiments, the percent of crude protein digestibility by the animal is increased by at least about 1%, at least about 2%, at least about 3%, at least about 4%, at least about 5%, at least about 6%, at least about 7%, at least about 8%, at least about 9%, at least about 10%, at least about 11%, at least about 12%, at least about 13%, at least about 14%, at least about 15%, at least about 16%, at least about 17%, at least about 18%, at least about 19%, at least about 20%. In some preferred embodiments, the percentage of crude protein digestibility by the animal is increased by at least 10% when the animal is fed the animal feed additive composition mixed with the animal feed provided to the animal ad libitum.

[0076] Exemplary Non-limiting Aspects of the Disclosure

[0077] Aspects, including embodiments, of the present subject matter described above may be beneficial alone or in combination, with one or more other aspects or embodiments. Without limiting the foregoing description, certain non-limiting aspects of the disclosure numbered 1-60 are provided below. As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the individually numbered aspects may be used or combined with any of the preceding or following individually numbered aspects. This is intended to provide support for all such combinations of aspects and is not limited to combinations of aspects explicitly provided below:

[0078] 1. An animal feed additive comprising pea solubles.

[0079] 2. The animal feed additive of aspect 1, comprising at least 0.1% (db) pea solubles.

[0080] 3. The animal feed additive of aspect 1, comprising at least 0.15% (db) pea solubles.

[0081] 4. The animal feed additive of aspect 1, comprising at least 0.5% (db) pea solubles.

[0082] 5. The animal feed additive of aspect 1, comprising at least 1% (db) pea solubles.

[0083] 6. The animal feed additive of aspect 1, comprising at least 5% (db) pea solubles. 7. The animal feed additive of aspect 1, comprising at least 10% (db) pea solubles.

[0084] 8. The animal feed additive of aspect 1, comprising at least 80%, on a dry basis (db) of canola meal.

[0085] 9. The animal feed additive of aspect 1 , comprising at least 90% (db) canola meal and at least 1% (db) pea solubles.

[0086] 10. The animal feed additive of aspect 1, comprising at least 95% canola meal (db) and about 1.5% pea solubles (db).

[0087] 11. The animal feed additive of aspect 1, comprising at least 98.5% canola meal (db) and about 1.5% pea solubles (db).

[0088] 12. An animal feed comprising the animal feed additive of any one of aspects 1-11.

[0089] 13. The animal feed of aspect 12, wherein the feed is 10% additive on a dry matter basis.

[0090] 14. A method of reducing percentage of methane in the gas produced by an animal’s digestive tract comprising providing said animal with an effective amount of animal feed comprising pea solubles.

[0091] 15. The method of aspect 14, wherein said providing comprises adding pea solubles to the feed of said animal.

[0092] 16. The method of aspect 15, wherein the pea solubles is in the form of an animal feed additive comprising pea solubles.

[0093] 17. The method of aspect 16, wherein the animal feed additive is any one of the animal feed additives of aspects 1-11.

[0094] 18. A method of improving dry matter digestibility in an animal’s digestive tract comprising providing said animal with an effective amount of animal feed comprising pea solubles. 19. The method of aspect 18, wherein said providing comprises adding pea solubles to the feed of said animal.

[0095] 20. The method of aspect 19, wherein the pea solubles is in the form of an animal feed additive.

[0096] 21. The method of aspect 20, wherein the animal feed additive is any one of the animal feed additives of aspects 1-11.

[0097] 22. A method of improving crude protein digestibility in an animal comprising providing the animal’s digestive tract with an effective amount of pea solubles.

[0098] 23. The method of aspect 22, wherein said providing comprises adding pea solubles to the feed of said animal.

[0099] 24. The method of aspect 23, wherein the pea solubles is in the form of an animal feed additive.

[0100] 25. The method of aspect 24, wherein the animal feed additive is any one of the animal feed additives of aspects 1-11.

[0101] 26. A method of increasing the rumen pH in a ruminant animal comprising providing said animal tract with an effective amount of animal feed comprising pea solubles.

[0102] 27. The method of aspect 26, wherein said providing comprises adding pea solubles to the feed of said animal.

[0103] 28. The method of aspect 27, wherein the pea solubles is in the form of an animal feed additive.

[0104] 29. The method of aspect 28, wherein the animal feed additive is any one of the animal feed additives of aspects 1-11.

[0105] 30. A method of reducing the percentage of methane in the gas produced by an animal comprising feeding an animal the animal feed of aspect 12 or 13. 31. A method of improving dry matter digestibility in an animal comprising feeding an animal the animal feed of aspect 12 or 13.

[0106] 32. A method of improving crude protein digestibility in an animal comprising feeding an animal the animal feed of Aspect 12 or 13.

[0107] 33. A method of increasing the rumen pH in a ruminant animal comprising feeding an animal the animal feed of Aspect 12 or 13.

[0108] 34. The method of any one of aspects 14-33, wherein the animal is a ruminating animal.

[0109] 35 The method of aspect 34, wherein the ruminating animal is chosen from the group consisting of cattle, goats, sheep, lamb, giraffes, American Bison, European bison, yaks, water buffalo, deer, camels, alpacas, llamas, wildebeest, antelope, pronghorn, donkeys, elephants and nilgai.

[0110] 36. The method of aspect 34, wherein the ruminating animal is a cattle chosen from cows, bulls, heifers and steers.

[0111] 37. A method of increasing the usable nutrients for an animal fed canola meal comprising, adding an effective amount of pea solubles to said canola meal.

[0112] 38. The method of aspect 37, wherein at least 0.1% (db) pea solubles is added to said canola meal.

[0113] 39. The method of aspect 37, wherein at least 0.15% (db) pea solubles is added to said canola meal.

[0114] 40. The method of aspect 37, wherein at least 0.5% (db) pea solubles is added to said canola meal.

[0115] 41. The method of aspect 37, wherein at least 1% (db) pea solubles is added to said canola meal. 42. The method of aspect 37, wherein at least 5% (db) pea solubles is added to said canola meal.

[0116] 43. The method of aspect 37, wherein at least 10% (db) pea solubles is added to said canola meal.

[0117] 44. The method of any one of aspects 37-43, said canola meal is added to the feed of said animal.

[0118] 45. The method of aspect 44, wherein the canola meal is in the form of an animal feed additive.

[0119] 46. The method of aspect 45, wherein the animal feed additive is any one of the animal feed additives of aspects 8-11.

[0120] 47. A method of reducing percentage of methane in the gas produced by an animal fed canola meal comprising, adding an effective amount of pea solubles to said canola meal.

[0121] 48. A method of improving dry matter digestibility in an animal fed canola meal comprising, adding an effective amount of pea solubles to said canola meal.

[0122] 49. A method of improving crude protein digestibility in an animal fed canola meal comprising, adding an effective amount of pea solubles to said canola meal.

[0123] 50. A method of increasing the pH in the digestive tract of an animal fed canola meal comprising, adding an effective amount of pea solubles to said canola meal.

[0124] 51. The method of any one of aspects 47-50, wherein at least 0.1% (db) pea solubles is added to said canola meal.

[0125] 52. The method of any one of aspects 47-50, wherein at least 0.15% (db) pea solubles is added to said canola meal.

[0126] 53. The method of any one of aspects 47-50, wherein at least 0.5% (db) pea solubles is added to said canola meal. 54. The method of any one of aspects 47-53, said canola meal is added to the feed of said animal.

[0127] 55. The method of aspect 54, wherein the canola meal is in the form of an animal feed additive.

[0128] 56. The method of aspect 55, wherein the animal feed additive is any one of the animal feed additives of aspects 8-10.

[0129] 57. The method of any one of aspects 47-50 comprising feeding an animal the animal feed of Aspect 12 or 13.

[0130] 58. The method of any one of aspects 37-57, wherein the animal is a ruminating animal.

[0131] 59 The method of aspect 58, wherein the ruminating animal is chosen from the group consisting of cattle, goats, sheep, lamb, giraffes, American Bison, European bison, yaks, water buffalo, deer, camels, alpacas, llamas, wildebeest, antelope, pronghorn, and nilgai.

[0132] 60. The method of aspect 59, wherein the ruminating animal is a cattle chosen from cows, bulls, heifers and steers.

[0133] EXAMPLES

[0134] The following examples are put forth to provide those of ordinary skill in the art with a complete disclosure and description of how to make and use the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of what the inventors regard as their invention nor are they intended to represent that the experiments below are all or the only experiments performed. Efforts have been made to ensure accuracy with respect to numbers used (e.g., amounts, temperature, etc.) but some experimental errors and deviations should be accounted for. Unless indicated otherwise, parts are parts by weight, temperature is in degrees Centigrade, and times are in minutes.

[0135] All publications and patent applications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0136] The present invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments found or proposed by the present inventor to comprise preferred modes for the practice of the invention. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that, in light of the present disclosure, numerous modifications and changes can be made in the particular embodiments exemplified without departing from the intended scope of the invention. All such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

[0137] Example 1A: In vitro test to measure methane production and pH effects

[0138] Materials and Methods'. Canola meal and canola meal with 1.5% db pea solubles were ground to pass through a 1 mm screen. Three grams of each sample, ground and passed through the screen were put in replicate filter bags and put in 125 ml Ankom RF System glass jars.

[0139] Rumen fluid was collected from the ventral, anterior and posterior sacs of the rumen from two ruminally cannulated heifers. The collected rumen fluid was strained and flushed continuously with CO2. pH was measured using a pH meter and recorded.

[0140] 15 ml of the rumen fluid was mixed with 45 ml of anaerobic buffer (buffer media prepared as per Goering and van Soest (1970)) and added to each glass jar containing the samples. The jars were incubated in a water bath at 39C for 24h. 5 treatments with 3 replicates per treatment were performed. Empty filter bags were used as blanks and dried distillers grains served as a standard.

[0141] Total gas production was measured at the end of 2, 4, 8, 16 and 24h of incubation using the Ankom RF system. Methane was analyzed periodically as produced. Tedlar gas collection bags were used to collect methane and analyze methane content after 20 hours.

[0142] Samples of fermentation media were also collected at the end of 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 h of incubation. At the end of 24 hours, fermentation was stopped by immersing the jars in ice. Upon opening the jars, the filter bags were removed and pH of the fermentation liquid was measured. Samples were taken and preserved from the filter bags and stored at -20° C for the evaluation of volatile fatty acids (VFA), and ammonia-N (NH3-N). Samples were analysed for VFA and methane using gas chromatography and for ammonia as per methods described in Cotta and Russell, J. Dairy Sci. (1982) 65, pp. 226-34.

[0143] Results:

[0144] Table 1. Gas and methane production parameters of regular canola meal (CM) and CM+PMS after 24 hours of in vitro incubation

[0145] Treatments

[0146] Item CM CM+PMs SEM2P-value

[0147] Total gas, mmol 143.4 165.9 12.22 0.28

[0148] Methane, % of total gas 19.74 17.67 0.30 < 0.001

[0149] ’Treatments included regular canola meal (CM) and CM+PMS.

[0150] 2SEM, pooled standard error of mean ( / ; = 3). Mean pH of the fermentation liquid in the CM jars was 5.8, while the pH from the CM+pea soubles was 6.21.

[0151] Discussion

[0152] It is likely that blending PMS with CM at 1.5% inclusion (DM basis) resulted in an increased microbial fermentation, as indicated by the numerically greater total gas production. Further, the proportion (%) of CH4 in the fermentation gas was lower for CM+PMS than for CM. The lower CH4 % and pH are likely due to improved ruminal microbial fermentation.

[0153] Example IB: In vitro test to analyze crude protein (CP) and dry matter (DM) degradability

[0154] At the end of 24h of incubations described in Example 1 A, the bags containing the samples were removed from the glass jars and rinsed in cold water for at least five times until the rinsed water was clear. The retrieved bags were then dried in an oven at 55C for 48h. The dried bags were weighed and the contents were analyzed for crude protein and dry matter degradability by the Leco method (method 990.03; AOAC 2000).

[0155] Results:

[0156] Table 2. Digestibility parameters of regular canola meal (CM) and CM+ PMS after 24 h of in vitro incubation

[0157] Treatments'

[0158] Item CM CM+PMS SEM2P-value

[0159] DM digestibility 72.0% 75.6% 0.80 < 0.01

[0160] CP digestibility 70.5% 74.5% 0.90 < 0.01

[0161] 'Treatments included regular canola meal (CM), CM blended with pea molasses (CM4-PMS) 2SEM, pooled standard error of mean (n = 3).

[0162] Discussion

[0163] Blending PMS at a 1.5% (DM basis) level with CM resulted in improved DMD and CPD after 24 hours of in vitro incubation. Results indicate that improved protein-energy synchrony due to the sugars provided by PMS likely maximized active ammonia assimilation, improving the ruminal microbial fermentation.

[0164] Example 2: In situ test for analyzing crude protein degradability.

[0165] Materials and Methods'. The rate and extent of DM and CP disappearance of CM treatments was determined by in situ incubation of samples using three ruminally cannulated Angus heifers. All heifers were fed a diet containing 40% grass hay, 20% alfalfa hay, 25% dry rolled corn, 10% soybean meal, and 5% vitamin-mineral supplement (DM basis). Heifers were adapted to their diet for two weeks before the in-situ rumen incubation. All cattle were cared for as per the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee protocol.

[0166] Canola meal and canola meal with 1.5% db pea solubles were ground to pass through a 1 mm screen. 5g each of the ground CM samples were weighed into triplicate 5 cm x 10 cm nylon bags (Ankom Technology, Macedon, NY) with a pore size of 50 ± 10 pm. Bags were heat sealed and placed into a laundry bag and placed in the ventral sac of the rumen of each heifer for 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 h following a sequential all-out approach. The incubation started at 0800 on the day of sampling. After removal from the rumen, bags were immediately rinsed in cold water for five rinses or until the rinsed water was clear. Bags were dried in a forced air oven at 55°C for 72 h. Residues remaining in triplicate bags at each time point were combined and used to measure CP.

[0167] Results:

[0168] Table 3. Digestibility parameters of regular canola meal (CM) and CM+ PMS after 24 h of in situ incubation

[0169] Treatments’

[0170] Item CM CM+PMS

[0171] DM digestibility 70.8% 72.1%

[0172] CP digestibility 68.3% 70.6%

[0173] ’Treatments included regular canola meal (CM), CM blended with 1.5% (DM basis) pea molasses (CM+PMS)

[0174] Example 3: Feedlot Trial

[0175] Materials and Methods'.

[0176] The study was designed as a 4 x 4 Latin square. Four ruminally cannulated beef heifers were fed prescribed diets described in Table 4 for four periods of 25 d each. For each period, the first 7 d were the adaptation period, and days 8-12 were the voluntary intake period. Days 13-16 were used for the measurement of rumen pH using indwelling pH probes. On day 16, rumen fluid was collected every 3 hours over 24 hours. From day 17 until the end of each period, cattle were feed-restricted to 95% of the voluntary intake to ensure the consumption of all feed. On day 20, urinary catheters were inserted, and the total collection of urine and feces was carried out from day 20-25. Heifers were fed twice daily for the entire experiment, and orts were collected daily before feeding. Heifers were fed for ad libitum intake during the study except for the total collection period, when they were fed 95% of the voluntary intake to ensure the complete consumption of the feed. Diets were sampled daily during total collection and composited for chemical analysis.

[0177] Table 4. Ingredient and chemical composition of the experimental diets used for the evaluation of the inclusion of PMS for growing beef cattle during backgrounding

[0178] Treatments1

[0179] Item CM CM+PMS

[0180] Diet composition (% DM basis)

[0181] Grass hay 61.7 61.3

[0182] Com grain 24.6 24.7

[0183] CM 9.8 9.8

[0184] PMS - 0.14

[0185] Supplement 3.9 4.1

[0186] Backgrounding diets nutrient composition (n = 4; % DM basis)

[0187] OM 92.2 92.4

[0188] CP 11.9 11.9

[0189] EE 3.09 2.96

[0190] ADF 24.8 26.0

[0191] NDF 42.5 44.3

[0192] Starch 20.6 20.5

[0193] Ash 7.83 7.56

[0194] ‘Treatments included CM, diets containing regular CM, CM+PMS, diets containing 1.5% (DM basis) inclusion of pea molasses in CM

[0195] Table 5. Ingredient and chemical composition of the experimental diets used for the evaluation of the inclusion of PMS in the diets of beef steers during finishing and cannulated beef heifers during the metabolism study

[0196] Treatments1

[0197] Item CM CM+PMS

[0198] Diet composition (% DM basis)

[0199] Grass hay 8.8 8.7

[0200] Com grain 77.2 77.3

[0201] CM 10.0 9.9

[0202] PMS - 0.14

[0203] Supplement 4.0 4.0

[0204] Backgrounding diets nutrient composition (n = 4; % DM basis)

[0205] OM 94.6 94.7

[0206] CP 14.1 14.2

[0207] EE 4.18 4.31

[0208] ADF 14.5 13.2

[0209] NDF 26.6 24.0

[0210] Starch 38.1 40.1

[0211] Ash 5.40 5.28

[0212] 'Treatments included CM, diets containing regular CM, CM+PMS, diets containing 1.5% (DM basis) inclusion of pea molasses in CM

[0213] Diets were formulated to meet or exceed the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM 2016) requirements for CP, energy, minerals, and fat-soluble vitamins for growing and finishing beef heifers. Monensin sodium was provided to achieve 20-30 mg kg-1 (DM) in the final diet and was included in the vitamin-mineral pellet. The calcium:phosphorus ratio (Ca:P) was formulated to range from 1.5:1 to 2:1.

[0214] Rumen pH was measured using an in-dwelling rumen pH system (Dascor, Escondido, CA, USA) as described by Penner et al. (2006). Probes were standardized using buffers (pH 4 and 7). The system measured rumen pH every minute for 72 h starting at 0800 on d 13 of each period. After 72 h, the probes were removed from the rumen, washed, and data downloaded. The mV data was converted to pH data using the calculated slope and y-intercept values determined during calibration. The pH data was averaged by min, and the mean, maximum, and minimum values were determined for each heifer. The duration (min d-1) and area (min d-1 x pH) under pH 5.8, 5.5, and 5.2 were also determined. The rumen environment was categorized based on pH as mildly acidotic (pH 5.8-5.5), moderately acidotic (pH 5.5-5.2), or severely acidotic (pH < 5.2). Rumen fluid samples were collected every three hours over a 24-hour period on day 16 of each period from 3 locations within the rumen by straining the rumen contents through 4 layers of cheesecloth.

[0215] The pH of rumen fluid was determined immediately after rumen fluid collection using a portable pH meter.

[0216] Rumen fluid was collected from all five heifers at 3-h intervals for 24 h starting at 0800 on d 16 of each period. About 250 mL of rumen fluid from four different regions of the rumen (ventral, anterior, posterior sacs, and rumen mat) was collected and strained through two layers of cheesecloth.

[0217] Results:

[0218] Table 6. Effect of inclusion of food industry by-products in the finishing diets on ruminal pH of beef heifers

[0219] Treatments1

[0220] Item CM CM+PMS SEM2P-value

[0221] Spot rumen pH 6.02 6.21 0.189 0.70

[0222] Rumen pH parameters using indwelling pH probes

[0223] Mean daily rumen pH 5.89 6.02 0.418 0.95

[0224] Minimum rumen pH 4.94 4.92 0.160 0.07

[0225] Maximum rumen pH 6.49 6.93 0.223 0.33

[0226] Rumen pH parameters 5.8 or lower (mild acidosis)

[0227] Total duration (min 932.7 843.3 257.34 0.73 d-1) pH area (pH x min) 464.1 488 204.00 0.92

[0228] Rumen pH parameters 5.5 or lower (moderate acidosis)

[0229] Total duration (min 672.4 689.9 275.4 0.88 d-1) pH area (pH x min) 220.4 255.8 128.7 0.95

[0230] Rumen pH parameters 5.2 or lower (severe acidosis)

[0231] Total duration (min 328.7 472.9 248.14 0.95 d-1) pH area (pH x min) 74.2 79.8 51.90 0.961Treatments included CM, diets containing regular CM, CM+PMS, diets containing 1.5% (DM basis) inclusion of pea molasses in CM

[0232] 2SEM, pooled standard error of mean, n = 4 heifers.

[0233] Spot and indwelling mean rumen pH values were numerically greater for heifers fed CM+PMS than those fed CM. Rumen pH values greater than 6 typically indicate a healthy rumen environment, as prolonged periods of rumen pH < 5.8 may lead to the development of subacute ruminal acidosis. Moreover, the maximum rumen pH recorded was also relatively greater for heifers fed CM+PMS than those fed CM.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An animal feed additive comprising pulse grain solubles and a high protein meal or grain, wherein the pulse grain solubles have reduced starch content, reduced fiber content, and increased sugar concentration relative to the pulse grain the pulse grain solubles were derived from.

2. The animal feed of claim 1, wherein the pulse grain solubles is selected from the group consisting of: dry bean solubles, dry broad bean solubles, pea solubles, chickpea solubles, dry cow pea solubles, pigeon pea solubles, lentil solubles, Bambara bean solubles, vetches solubles, lupin solubles, and pulses nes solubles.

3. The animal feed of claims 1 or 2, wherein the pulse grain solubles are pea solubles.

4. The animal feed of claims 1 or 2, wherein the pulse grain solubles are dry broad bean solubles.

5. The animal feed additive of claim 3, wherein the pea solubles are at least 0.1% dry basis weight to weight (db, w / w), at least 0.15% (db, w / w), at least 0.5% (db, w / w), at least 1% (db, w / w), at least 5% (db, w / w), or at least 10% (db, w / w).

6. The animal feed additive of any of claims 1-5, wherein the high protein meal or grain is selected from the group consisting of: canola meal, soybean meal, corn gluten meal, distillers grain, distillers grain with solubles, carinata meal, rapeseed meal, and cottonseed meal.

7. The animal feed additivity of any of claims 1-6, wherein the high protein meal or grain is canola meal.

8. The animal feed additivity of any of claims 1-6, wherein the high protein meal or grain is distillers grain with solubles.

9. The animal feed additivity of any of claims 1-6, wherein the high protein meal or grain is soybean meal.

10. The animal feed additive of claim 7, comprising at least 80% (db, w / w) canola meal.

11. The animal feed additive of any of claims 1-10, wherein the pulse grain solubles is pea solubles and the high protein meal or grain is canola meal.

12. The animal feed additive of claim 11, comprising at least 90% (db, w / w) canola meal and at least 1% (db, w / w) pea solubles, at least 95% canola meal (db, w / w) and about 1.5% pea solubles (db, w / w), or at least 98.5% canola meal (db, w / w) and about 1.5% pea solubles (db, w / w).

13. The animal feed additive of any of claims 1-12, wherein the reduced starch content is less than 2% to less than 10% dry weight of the pulse grain solubles.

14. The animal feed additive of any of claims 1-13, wherein the reduced fiber content is less than less than 5% to less than 1% dry weight of the pulse grain solubles.

15. The animal feed additive of any of claims 1-14, wherein the increased sugar concentration is a sugar content from 5% to 20% dry weight of the pulse grain solubles.

16. The animal feed additive of any of claims 1-15, wherein the increased sugar concentration is a glucose content from 5% to 15% dry weight of the pulse grain solubles.

17. The animal feed additive of any one of claims 1-16, wherein the pulse grains solubles have a crude protein content of 15% to 35% dry weight.

18. An animal feed comprising the animal feed additive of any one of claims 1-17.

19. The animal feed of claim 18, wherein the feed is 10% additive on a dry matter basis.

20. The animal feed of claim 18 or 19, further comprising one or more of: grass hay, com grain, alfalfa hay, dry rolled com, soybean, soybean meal, distillers grain with soluble, sunflower sprout, wheat germ meal, flax seed meal, rapeseed meal, grape seed meal, buckthorn meal, pumpkin meal, pumpkin, pumpkin seed, ground canola seed, intact rapeseed, rolled canola seed, oats, barley, fish meal, buckwheat hulls, sorghum, cotton seed meal, bahiagrass hay, bermudagrass hay, clover hay, fescue hay, johnsongrass hay, orchardgrass hay, peanut hay, ryegrass hay, Sorghum-Sudan hay, soybean hay, sundangrass hay, alfalfa silage, bermudagrass silage, com silage, corn stalks, fescue silage, ryegrass silage, sorghum silage, sorghum Sudan silage, soybean silage, wheat silage, cottonseed, grain sorghum stubble, peanut hulls, peanut stubble, rice stubble, and wheat straw.

21. A method of reducing percentage of methane in the gas produced by an animal’s digestive tract comprising providing the animal with an effective amount of animal feed comprising pulse grain solubles, wherein the pulse grain solubles have reduced starch content, reduced fiber content, and increased sugar concentration relative to the pulse grain the pulse grain solubles were derived from.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the pulse grain soluble is selected from the group consisting of: dry bean solubles, dry broad bean solubles, pea solubles, chickpea solubles, dry cow pea solubles, pigeon pea solubles, lentil solubles, Bambara bean solubles, vetches solubles, lupin solubles, and pulses nes solubles.

23. The method of claims 21 or 22, wherein the pulse grain solubles are pea solubles.

24. The method of claims 21 or 22, wherein the pulse grain solubles are dry broad bean solubles.

25. The method of any of claims 21-23, wherein the pulse grain solubles are present in a feed additive comprising a high protein meal or grain.

26. The method of any of claims 25, wherein the high protein meal or grain is selected from the group consisting of: canola meal, soybean meal, corn gluten meal, distillers grain, distillers grain with solubles, carinata meal, rapeseed meal, and cottonseed meal27. The method of claims 25 or 26, wherein the high protein meal or grain is canola meal.

28. The method of claims 25 or 26, wherein the high protein meal or grain is distillers grains with solubles.

29. The method of claims 25 or 26, wherein the high protein meal or grain is soybean meal.

30. The method of claim 27, wherein the feed additive comprises at least 90% (db, w / w) canola meal and at least 1% (db, w / w) pea solubles, at least 95% canola meal (db, w / w) and about 1.5% pea solubles (db, w / w), or at least 98.5% canola meal (db, w / w) and about 1.5% pea solubles (db, w / w).

31. The method of any of claims 21-30, wherein the reduced starch content is less than 2% to less than 10% dry weight of the pulse grain solubles.

32. The method of any of claims 21-31, wherein the reduced fiber content is less than less than 5% to less than 1% dry weight of the pulse grain solubles.

33. The method of any of claims 21-32, wherein the increased sugar concentration is a sugar content from 5% to 20% dry weight of the pulse grain solubles.

34. The method of any of claims 21-33, wherein the increased sugar concentration is a glucose content from 5% to 15% dry weight of the pulse grain solubles.

35. The method of any one of claims 21-34, wherein the pulse grains solubles have a crude protein content of 15% to 35% dry weight.

36. The method of any of claims 25-35, wherein the feed additive is 5-20% of the animal’s total diet.

37. The method of any of claims 21-36, wherein the animal is provided the animal feed ad libitum.

38. The method of any of claims 21-33, wherein the animal is a ruminating animal selected from the group consisting of: cattle, goats, sheep, lamb, giraffes, American Bison, European bison, yaks, water buffalo, deer, camels, alpacas, llamas, wildebeest, antelope, pronghorn, and nilgai.

39. The method of claim 38, where the ruminating animal is a cattle chosen from cows, bulls, heifers, and steers.

40. A method of improving dry matter digestibility in an animal’s digestive tract comprising providing said animal with an effective amount of animal feed comprising pulse grain solubles, wherein the pulse grain solubles have reduced starch content, reduced fiber content, and increased sugar concentration relative to the pulse grain the pulse grain solubles were derived from.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein the pulse grain solubles is selected from the group consisting of: dry bean solubles, dry broad bean solubles, pea solubles, chickpea solubles, dry cow pea solubles, pigeon pea solubles, lentil solubles, Bambara bean solubles, vetches solubles, lupin solubles, and pulses nes solubles.

42. The method of claims 40 or 41, wherein the pulse grain solubles are pea solubles.

43. The method of claims 40 or 41 , wherein the pulse grain solubles are dry broad bean solubles.

44. The method of any of claims 40-43, wherein the pulse grain solubles are present in a feed additive comprising a high protein meal or grain.

45. The method of any of claims 44, wherein the high protein meal or grain is selected from the group consisting of: canola meal, soybean meal, corn gluten meal, distillers grain, distillers grain with solubles, carinata meal, rapeseed meal, and cottonseed meal.

46. The method of claims 44 or 45, wherein the high protein meal or grain is canola meal.

47. The method of claims 44 or 45, wherein the high protein meal or grain is distillers grain with solubles.

48. The method of claims 44 or 45, wherein the high protein meal or grain is soybean meal.

49. The method of claim 46, wherein the feed additive comprises at least 90% (db, w / w) canola meal and at least 1% (db, w / w) pea solubles, at least 95% canola meal (db, w / w) and about 1.5% pea solubles (db, w / w), or at least 98.5% canola meal (db, w / w) and about 1.5% pea solubles (db, w / w).

50. The method of any of claims 40-49, wherein the reduced starch content is less than 2% to less than 10% dry weight of the pulse grain solubles.

51. The method of any of claims 40-50, wherein the reduced fiber content is less than less than 5% to less than 1% dry weight of the pulse grain solubles.

52. The method of any of claims 40-51, wherein the increased sugar concentration is a sugar content from 5% to 20% dry weight of the pulse grain solubles.

53. The method of any of claims 40-52, wherein the increased sugar concentration is a glucose content from 5% to 15% dry weight of the pulse grain solubles.

54. The method of any one of claims 40-52, wherein the pulse grains solubles have a crude protein content of 15% to 35% dry weight.

55. The method of any of claims 44-54, wherein the feed additive is 5-20% of the animal’s total diet.

56. The method of any of claims 40-55, wherein the animal is provided the animal feed ad libitum.

57. The method of any of claims 40-56, animal is a ruminating animal selected from the group consisting of: cattle, goats, sheep, lamb, giraffes, American Bison, European bison, yaks, water buffalo, deer, camels, alpacas, llamas, wildebeest, antelope, pronghorn, and nilgai.

58. The method of claim 57, where the ruminating animal is a cattle chosen from cows, bulls, heifers, and steers.

59. A method of improving crude protein digestibility in an animal comprising providing said animal with an effective amount of animal feed comprising pulse grain solubles, wherein the pulse grain solubles have reduced starch content, reduced fiber content, and increased sugar concentration relative to the pulse grain the pulse grain solubles were derived from.

60. The method of claim 59, wherein the pulse grain solubles is selected from the group consisting of: dry bean solubles, dry broad bean solubles, pea solubles, chickpea solubles, dry cow pea solubles, pigeon pea solubles, lentil solubles, Bambara bean solubles, vetches solubles, lupin solubles, and pulses nes solubles.

61. The method of claims 59 or 60, wherein the pulse grain solubles are pea solubles.

62. The method of claims 59 or 60, wherein the pulse grain solubles are dry broad bean solubles.

63. The method of any of claims 59-62, wherein the pulse grain solubles are present in a feed additive comprising a high protein meal or grain.

64. The method of any of claims 63, wherein the high protein meal or grain is selected from the group consisting of: canola meal, soybean meal, corn gluten meal, distillers grain, distillers grain with solubles, carinata meal, rapeseed meal, and cottonseed meal.

65. The method of claims 63 or 64, wherein the high protein meal or grain is canola meal.

66. The method of claims 63 or 64, wherein the high protein meal or grain is distillers grain with solubles.

67. The method of claims 63 or 64, wherein the high protein meal or grain is soybean meal.

68. The method of claim 65, wherein the feed additive comprises at least 90% (db, w / w) canola meal and at least 1% (db, w / w) pea solubles, at least 95% canola meal (db, w / w) and about 1.5% pea solubles (db, w / w), or at least 98.5% canola meal (db, w / w) and about 1.5% pea solubles (db, w / w).

69. The method of any of claims 59-68, wherein the reduced starch content is less than 2% to less than 10% dry weight of the pulse grain solubles.

70. The method of any of claims 59-69, wherein the reduced fiber content is less than less than 5% to less than 1% dry weight of the pulse grain solubles.

71. The method of any of claims 59-70, wherein the increased sugar concentration is a sugar content from 5% to 15% dry weight of the pulse grain solubles.

72. The method of any of claims 59-70, wherein the increased sugar concentration is a glucose content from 5% to 15% dry weight of the pulse grain solubles.

73. The method of any one of claims 59-72, wherein the pulse grains solubles have a crude protein content of 15% to 35% dry weight.

74. The method of any of claims 63-73, wherein the feed additive is 5-20% of the animal’s total diet.

75. The method of any of claims 59-74, wherein the animal is provided the animal feed ad libitum.

76. The method of any of claims 59-75, animal is a ruminating animal selected from the group consisting of: cattle, goats, sheep, lamb, giraffes, American Bison, European bison, yaks, water buffalo, deer, camels, alpacas, llamas, wildebeest, antelope, pronghorn, and nilgai.

77. The method of claim 76, where the ruminating animal is a cattle chosen from cows, bulls, heifers, and steers.