Taurine compositions and methods thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure provides compositions comprising taurine and related methods that can provide advantages to animals. For instance, administering taurine to animals provided numerous observed improvements in the animals. Importantly, administering taurine to animals after observation of disease symptoms was shown to be effective in preventing the secondary consequences that can be associated with disease state in animals.

Description

78045-426209 -1- TAURINE AND METHODS THEREOF CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No.63 / 659,127, filed on June 12, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

[0002] Disease can cause myriad challenges to the well-being of animals. For instance, bacterial and viral infections of animals can directly affect the site at which the infectious agent manifests in the animal. In addition to the direct effects on the animal, disease can also result in other secondary consequences. For instance, during health challenges, animals often enter a catabolic state in which animal muscles break down. This state can include such undesirable effects as protein degradation and muscle breakdown. In addition, animals often undergo a reduction in protein synthesis during the catabolic state as well as reduced regenerative capacity. These harmful secondary effects can cause undesirable long-term effects in the animals.

[0003] New compositions and methods that can be beneficial to the long-term health and growth performance of animals are needed. In particular, such new compositions and methods can be administered to animals upon observation of disease in the animals in order to avoid the undesirable effects.

[0004] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides compositions comprising taurine and related methods that can provide advantages to animals. For instance, administering taurine to animals provided numerous observed improvements in the animals. Importantly, administering taurine to animals after observation of disease symptoms was shown to be effective in preventing the secondary consequences that can be associated with disease state in animals.

[0005] The use of taurine according to the present disclosure was surprising and unexpected in view of the state of the art. For instance, a scientific opinion published by the European Food Safety Authority in 2012 evaluated the safety and efficacy of taurine as a food additive in various animals. The opinion concluded that for poultry, pigs, and ruminants, no studies were identified that demonstrated beneficial effects of taurine supplementation on performance, health, or product quality. In fact, the opinion stated that taurine was actually shown to have an adverse effect (reduced egg weight) in laying hens receiving dietary78045-426209 -2- supplementation with taurine. However, in to the state of the art, the present disclosure provides compositions comprising taurine and related methods that can provide advantages to animals including poultry, pigs, and ruminants.

[0006] Other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:

[0008] FIGURE 1 shows the barn temperatures and humidity during Example 1, where feeding taurine during the entire grow to finish lifespan or taurine and tannin (Silva) to late finishing pigs on growth performance, health status, and carcass characteristics was evaluated.

[0009] FIGURE 2 shows the barn temperatures and humidity during Example 2, where the effect of feeding taurine at lower inclusion rates to grow-finish pigs on growth performance, health status, and carcass characteristics was measured.

[0010] FIGURE 3 shows the correlation between serum Vitamin A and serum IGF-1 from studies 1 and 2 in Example 2 where the effect of feeding taurine at lower inclusion rates to grow-finish pigs on growth performance, health status, and carcass characteristics was measured.

[0011] FIGURE 4 shows the room temperatures and humidity changes in Room 3 during Example 3, where feeding low and high doses of taurine compared to a basal diet to late nursery pigs recovering from a flu challenge growth performance and health status were evaluated.

[0012] FIGURE 5 shows the room temperatures and humidity changes in Room 3 during Example 3, where the growth performance and health status of late nursery pigs recovering from a flu challenge following feeding low and high doses of taurine compared to a basal diet to was evaluated.

[0013] FIGURE 6 shows the barn temperature and humidity changes during Example 4, where the growth performance, health status, and carcass characteristics of feeding increasing concentrations of taurine to grow-finish pigs was evaluated.78045-426209 -3-

[0014] FIGURE 7 shows the water changes during Example 4, where the growth performance, health status, and carcass characteristics of feeding increasing concentrations of taurine to grow-finish pigs was evaluated.

[0015] FIGURE 8 shows the barn temperature and humidity changes during Example 5, where the growth performance, health status, and carcass characteristics of feeding taurine either continuously or pulsing as died phase changes to grow-finish pigs was evaluated.

[0016] FIGURE 9 shows the daily water meter changes during Example 5, where the growth performance, health status, and carcass characteristics of feeding taurine either continuously or pulsing as died phase changes to grow-finish pigs was evaluated.

[0017] FIGURE 10 shows the barn temperature and humidity changes during Example 6, where the growth performance and clinical signs of weaning pigs artificially challenged with Escherichia coli F18 fed taurine at multiple durations was evaluated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Various embodiments of the invention are described herein as follows. In an illustrative aspect, a method of improving performance of a subject is provided. The method comprises a step of administering a composition comprising taurine to the subject.

[0019] In an embodiment, the improved performance comprises an increase in hepatic uptake of amino acids in the subject. In an embodiment, the amino acids are essential amino acids. In an embodiment, the amino acids are branched chain amino acids. In an embodiment, the amino acids are aromatic amino acids. In an embodiment, the amino acids are selected from the group consisting of leucine, isoleucine, valine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and any combination thereof.

[0020] In an embodiment, the improved performance comprises prevention of muscle wasting in the subject. In an embodiment, the improved performance comprises prevention of muscle breakdown in the subject. In an embodiment, the improved performance comprises prevention of muscle damage in the subject. In an embodiment, the improved performance comprises reduction in serum creatine kinase concentration in the subject. In an embodiment, the improved performance comprises an increase in serum vitamin A concentration in the subject.

[0021] In an embodiment, the improved performance comprises an increase in growth performance of the subject. In an embodiment, the increase in growth performance comprises an increase in average daily feed intake (ADFI). In an embodiment, the increase in growth performance comprises an increase in average daily weight gain (ADWG) of the subject. In an78045-426209 -4- embodiment, the increase in growth comprises an increase in average daily gain (ADG) of the subject. In an embodiment, the increase in growth performance comprises an improvement in feed conversion ratio of the subject. In an embodiment, the increase in growth performance comprises an increase in hot carcass weight of the subject. In an embodiment, the increase in growth performance comprises an improvement in loin depth of the subject.

[0022] In an embodiment, the subject is administered the composition comprising taurine upon observation of one or more clinical signs of an infectious disease in the subject. In an embodiment, the infectious disease is a bacterial infection. In an embodiment, the infectious disease is a viral infection.

[0023] In an embodiment, the subject is an animal. In an embodiment, the animal is a non-human animal. In an embodiment, the animal is a farm animal. In an embodiment, the animal is livestock.

[0024] In an embodiment, the animal is a poultry. In an embodiment, the poultry is a chicken. In an embodiment, the chicken is chick. In an embodiment, the chicken is a layer. In an embodiment, the chicken is a layer hen. In an embodiment, the chicken is a broiler. In an embodiment, the poultry is a turkey. In an embodiment, the poultry is a duck. In an embodiment, the poultry is a goose.

[0025] In an embodiment, the subject is porcine. In an embodiment, the porcine is a piglet. In an embodiment, the porcine is a nursery pig. In an embodiment, the porcine is a finish pig. In an embodiment, the porcine is a sow. In an embodiment, the porcine is a swine.

[0026] In an embodiment, the animal is a ruminant. In an embodiment, the ruminant is a cattle. In an embodiment, the ruminant is a beef cattle. In an embodiment, the ruminant is a dairy cattle.

[0027] In an embodiment, the composition is administered via a liquid. In an embodiment, the liquid is water. In an embodiment, the composition comprises a liquid additive.

[0028] In an embodiment, the composition comprises a feed. In an embodiment, the feed comprises one or more feed additives. In an embodiment, the feed comprises one or more vitamins. In an embodiment, the feed comprises one or more amino acids. In an embodiment, the feed comprises one or more coloring agents. In an embodiment, the feed comprises one or more stabilizers. In an embodiment, the feed comprises one or more growth improving additives. In an embodiment, the feed comprises one or more polyunsaturated fatty acids. In an embodiment, the feed comprises one or more saturated fatty acids. In an embodiment, the feed comprises one or more unsaturated fatty acids. In an embodiment, the feed comprises one or78045-426209 -5- more minerals. In an embodiment, the feed one or more direct fed microbials (DFM). In an embodiment, the feed comprises one or more enzymes. In an embodiment, the feed comprises one or more preservatives.

[0029] In an embodiment, the taurine is administered at a concentration between 0.5 lb / ton and 6 lb / ton of complete feed. In an embodiment, the taurine is administered at a concentration of 0.5 lb / ton of complete feed. In an embodiment, the taurine is administered at a concentration of 1 lb / ton of complete feed. In an embodiment, the taurine is administered at a concentration of 1.5 lb / ton of complete feed. In an embodiment, the taurine is administered at a concentration of 2 lb / ton of complete feed. In an embodiment, the taurine is administered at a concentration of 2.5 lb / ton of complete feed. In an embodiment, the taurine is administered at a concentration of 3 lb / ton of complete feed. In an embodiment, the taurine is administered at a concentration of 3.5 lb / ton of complete feed. In an embodiment, the taurine is administered at a concentration of 4 lb / ton of complete feed. In an embodiment, the taurine is administered at a concentration of 4.5 lb / ton of complete feed. In an embodiment, the taurine is administered at a concentration of 5 lb / ton of complete feed. In an embodiment, the taurine is administered at a concentration of 5.5 lb / ton of complete feed. In an embodiment, the taurine is administered at a concentration of 6 lb / ton of complete feed.

[0030] In an embodiment, the taurine is administered in water at a concentration between 0.00625% and 0.10%. In an embodiment, the taurine is administered in water at a concentration of 0.00625%. In an embodiment, the taurine is administered in water at a concentration of 0.00725%. In an embodiment, the taurine is administered in water at a concentration of 0.00825%. In an embodiment, the taurine is administered in water at a concentration of 0.00925%. In an embodiment, the taurine is administered in water at a concentration of 0.1%. In an embodiment, the taurine is administered in water at a concentration of 0.2%. In an embodiment, the taurine is administered in water at a concentration of 0.3%. In an embodiment, the taurine is administered in water at a concentration of 0.4%. In an embodiment, the taurine is administered in water at a concentration of 0.5%. In an embodiment, the taurine is administered in water at a concentration of 0.6%. In an embodiment, the taurine is administered in water at a concentration of 0.7%. In an embodiment, the taurine is administered in water at a concentration of 0.8%. In an embodiment, the taurine is administered in water at a concentration of 0.9%. In an embodiment, the taurine is administered in water at a concentration of 0.1%.78045-426209 -6-

[0031] In an embodiment, the administered at an amount of 25 mg / d / kg of body weight. In an embodiment, the taurine is administered at an amount of 130 mg / d / kg metabolic body weight.

[0032] In an illustrative aspect, a kit comprising a composition comprising taurine, and an antibiotic composition is provided.

[0033] In an embodiment, the composition comprising taurine and the antibiotic composition are provided as separate components.

[0034] In an embodiment, the composition comprising taurine and the antibiotic composition are formulated for administration to a subject.

[0035] In an embodiment, the antibiotic is an antibacterial. In an embodiment, the antibiotic is an antiviral.

[0036] In an embodiment, the composition further comprises one or more amino acids. In an embodiment, the one or more amino acids are essential amino acids. In an embodiment, the one or more amino acids are branched chain amino acids. In an embodiment, the one or more amino acids are aromatic amino acids. In an embodiment, the one or more amino acids are sulfur amino acids. In an embodiment, the one or more sulfur amino acids are selected from the group consisting of methionine, cystine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, and any combination thereof. In an embodiment, the one or more sulfur amino acids comprise methionine. In an embodiment, the one or more sulfur amino acids comprise cysteine. In an embodiment, the one or more sulfur amino acids comprise valine. In an embodiment, the one or more sulfur amino acids comprise isoleucine. In an embodiment, the one or more sulfur amino acids comprise leucine.

[0037] In an embodiment, the kit further comprises one or more diagnostic biomarkers. In an embodiment, the one or more diagnostic biomarkers are selected from the group consisting of BUN, NEFA, creatine kinase, serum vitamin A, and any combination thereof. In an embodiment, the one or more diagnostic biomarkers comprise BUN. In an embodiment, the one or more diagnostic biomarkers comprise NEFA. In an embodiment, the one or more diagnostic biomarkers comprise creatine kinase. In an embodiment, the one or more diagnostic biomarkers comprise serum vitamin A.

[0038] The following numbered embodiments are contemplated and are non-limiting: 1. A method of improving performance of a subject, the method comprising a step of administering a composition comprising taurine to the subject.78045-426209 -7- 2. The method of clause 1, any suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the improved performance comprises an increase in hepatic uptake of amino acids in the subject. 3. The method of clause 2, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the amino acids are essential amino acids. 4. The method of clause 2, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the amino acids are branched chain amino acids. 5. The method of clause 2, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the amino acids are aromatic amino acids. 6. The method of clause 2, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the amino acids are selected from the group consisting of leucine, isoleucine, valine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and any combination thereof. 7. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the improved performance comprises prevention of muscle wasting in the subject. 8. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the improved performance comprises prevention of muscle breakdown in the subject. 9. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the improved performance comprises prevention of muscle damage in the subject. 10. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the improved performance comprises reduction in serum creatine kinase concentration in the subject. 11. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the improved performance comprises an increase in serum vitamin A concentration in the subject. 12. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the improved performance comprises an increase in growth performance of the subject. 13. The method of clause 12, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the increase in growth performance comprises an increase in average daily feed intake (ADFI).78045-426209 -8- 14. The method of clause 12, any suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the increase in growth performance comprises an increase in average daily weight gain (ADWG) of the subject. 15. The method of clause 12, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the increase in growth performance comprises an increase in average daily gain (ADG) of the subject. 16. The method of clause 12, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the increase in growth performance comprises an improvement in feed conversion ratio of the subject. 17. The method of clause 12, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the increase in growth performance comprises an increase in hot carcass weight of the subject. 18. The method of clause 12, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the increase in growth performance comprises an improvement in loin depth of the subject. 19. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the subject is administered the composition comprising taurine upon observation of one or more clinical signs of an infectious disease in the subject. 20. The method of clause 19, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the infectious disease is a bacterial infection. 21. The method of clause 19, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the infectious disease is a viral infection. 22. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the subject is an animal. 23. The method of clause 22, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the animal is a non-human animal. 24. The method of clause 22, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the animal is a farm animal. 25. The method of clause 22, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the animal is livestock. 26. The method of clause 22, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the animal is a poultry. 27. The method of clause 26, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the poultry is a chicken.78045-426209 -9- 28. The method of clause 27, any suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the chicken is chick. 29. The method of clause 27, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the chicken is a layer. 30. The method of clause 27, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the chicken is a layer hen. 31. The method of clause 27, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the chicken is a broiler. 32. The method of clause 26, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the poultry is a turkey. 33. The method of clause 26, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the poultry is a duck. 34. The method of clause 26, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the poultry is a goose. 35. The method of clause 22, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the subject is porcine. 36. The method of clause 35, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the porcine is a piglet. 37. The method of clause 35, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the porcine is a nursery pig. 38. The method of clause 35, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the porcine is a finish pig. 39. The method of clause 35, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the porcine is a sow. 40. The method of clause 35, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the porcine is a swine. 41. The method of clause 22, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the animal is a ruminant. 42. The method of clause 41, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the ruminant is a cattle. 43. The method of clause 41, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the ruminant is a beef cattle. 44. The method of clause 41, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the ruminant is a dairy cattle.78045-426209 -10- 45. The method of clause 1, any suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the composition is administered via a liquid. 46. The method of clause 45, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the liquid is water. 47. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the composition comprises a liquid additive. 48. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the composition comprises a feed. 49. The method of clause 48, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the feed comprises one or more feed additives. 50. The method of clause 48, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the feed comprises one or more vitamins. 51. The method of clause 48, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the feed comprises one or more amino acids. 52. The method of clause 48, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the feed comprises one or more coloring agents. 53. The method of clause 48, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the feed comprises one or more stabilizers. 54. The method of clause 48, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the feed comprises one or more growth improving additives. 55. The method of clause 48, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the feed comprises one or more polyunsaturated fatty acids. 56. The method of clause 48, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the feed comprises one or more saturated fatty acids. 57. The method of clause 48, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the feed comprises one or more unsaturated fatty acids. 58. The method of clause 48, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the feed comprises one or more minerals. 59. The method of clause 48, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the feed comprises one or more direct fed microbials (DFM). 60. The method of clause 48, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the feed comprises one or more enzymes. 61. The method of clause 48, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the feed comprises one or more preservatives.78045-426209 -11- 62. The method of clause 1, any suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the taurine is administered at a concentration between 0.5 lb / ton and 6 lb / ton of complete feed. 63. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the taurine is administered at a concentration of 0.5 lb / ton of complete feed. 64. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the taurine is administered at a concentration of 1 lb / ton of complete feed. 65. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the taurine is administered at a concentration of 1.5 lb / ton of complete feed. 66. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the taurine is administered at a concentration of 2 lb / ton of complete feed. 67. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the taurine is administered at a concentration of 2.5 lb / ton of complete feed. 68. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the taurine is administered at a concentration of 3 lb / ton of complete feed. 69. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the taurine is administered at a concentration of 3.5 lb / ton of complete feed. 70. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the taurine is administered at a concentration of 4 lb / ton of complete feed. 71. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the taurine is administered at a concentration of 4.5 lb / ton of complete feed. 72. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the taurine is administered at a concentration of 5 lb / ton of complete feed. 73. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the taurine is administered at a concentration of 5.5 lb / ton of complete feed. 74. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the taurine is administered at a concentration of 6 lb / ton of complete feed. 75. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the taurine is administered in water at a concentration between 0.00625% and 0.10%. 76. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the taurine is administered in water at a concentration of 0.00625%. 77. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the taurine is administered in water at a concentration of 0.00725%.78045-426209 -12- 78. The method of clause 1, any suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the taurine is administered in water at a concentration of 0.00825%. 79. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the taurine is administered in water at a concentration of 0.00925%. 80. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the taurine is administered in water at a concentration of 0.1%. 81. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the taurine is administered in water at a concentration of 0.2%. 82. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the taurine is administered in water at a concentration of 0.3%. 83. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the taurine is administered in water at a concentration of 0.4%. 84. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the taurine is administered in water at a concentration of 0.5%. 85. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the taurine is administered in water at a concentration of 0.6%. 86. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the taurine is administered in water at a concentration of 0.7%. 87. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the taurine is administered in water at a concentration of 0.8%. 88. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the taurine is administered in water at a concentration of 0.9%. 89. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the taurine is administered in water at a concentration of 0.1%. 90. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the taurine is administered at an amount of 25 mg / d / kg of body weight. 91. The method of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the taurine is administered at an amount of 130 mg / d / kg metabolic body weight. 92. A kit comprising: (a) a composition comprising taurine, and (b) an antibiotic composition. 93. The kit of clause 92, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the compositions of (a) and (b) are provided as separate components.78045-426209 -13- 94. The kit of clause 92, any suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the compositions of (a) and (b) are formulated for administration to a subject. 95. The kit of clause 92, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the antibiotic is an antibacterial. 96. The kit of clause 92, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the antibiotic is an antiviral. 97. The kit of clause 92, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the composition further comprises one or more amino acids. 98. The kit of clause 97, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the one or more amino acids are essential amino acids. 99. The kit of clause 97, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the one or more amino acids are branched chain amino acids. 100. The kit of clause 97, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the one or more amino acids are aromatic amino acids. 101. The kit of clause 97, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the one or more amino acids are sulfur amino acids. 102. The kit of clause 101, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the one or more sulfur amino acids are selected from the group consisting of methionine, cystine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, and any combination thereof. 103. The kit of clause 101, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the one or more sulfur amino acids comprise methionine. 104. The kit of clause 101, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the one or more sulfur amino acids comprise cysteine. 105. The kit of clause 101, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the one or more sulfur amino acids comprise valine. 106. The kit of clause 101, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the one or more sulfur amino acids comprise isoleucine. 107. The kit of clause 101, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the one or more sulfur amino acids comprise leucine. 108. The kit of clause 92, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the kit further comprises one or more diagnostic biomarkers. 109. The kit of clause 108, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the one or more diagnostic biomarkers are selected from the group consisting of BUN, NEFA, creatine kinase, serum vitamin A, and any combination thereof.78045-426209 -14- 110. The kit of clause 108, any other clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the one or more diagnostic biomarkers comprise BUN. 111. The kit of clause 108, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the one or more diagnostic biomarkers comprise NEFA. 112. The kit of clause 108, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the one or more diagnostic biomarkers comprise creatine kinase. 113. The kit of clause 108, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the one or more diagnostic biomarkers comprise serum vitamin A. EXAMPLES Example 1 Evaluation of growth performance, health status, and carcass characteristics of pigs fed taurine or taurine and tannin Materials and Methods

[0039] For the instant example, 1,173 mixed sex grow-finish pigs (PIC Sire 800 × PIC Maternal 1050) with a start weight 55.4 ± 4.4 lb from NHF Kas Nursery (OPG) were evaluated.

[0040] At arrival, pigs were sorted into 25-27 pigs per pen, balancing as best as possible on gender and fed a common diet without TBCC. At the start of the trial, feeders were measured out around 25 inches or greater, and pens were weighed, blocked by body weight, and pens within block were randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments (Table 1). This resulted in 33 pens for Treatment 1 (Control) and 11 pens for Treatment 2 for the evaluation of growth performance and health status. Micro-tracers added to each diet at 20 g / ton. Table 1. Early G-F treatment layout until 184.2 lb barn average

[0041] At average barn weight of 184.2 lb, Control pens were weighed, blocked by and bodyweight. Pens within block were randomly assigned to one of 3 dietary treatments (Table78045-426209 -15- 2). This resulted in 11 pens per treatment evaluation of growth performance, health status, and carcass characteristics. Treatment 2 pens remained on the same diet.

[0042] Pen data were captured via electronic data capture from Allflex Destron Fearing. The weights were electronically captured from the scale indicator. Pigs were weighed by pen basis every 14-18 days. There were 38 days in between Phase 7 and 8 weigh days. Feed leftover was measured at the time each pen was weighed. This allowed for the calculation of ADG, ADFI, and F / G by pen. Blood samples were collected prior to barn run out at an average BW of 238.4 lb. Serum samples were not analyzed at this time.

[0043] The high and low barn temperatures and humidity over the course of the instant example are shown in FIG.1. Table 2. Late G-F treatment layout until 184.2 lb barn average ined aunique treatment color micro-tracer at 20 g / ton for feed manufacturing and delivery monitoring. All treatments were made at the NHF feed mill. Feed samples were collected and tested for micro-tracers from each feed delivery. Feed was provided through the FeedLogic system allowing collection of feed intake data by pen. Flavomycin included in all diets beginning at 160 lb through barn run out at 0.5 lb / ton.78045-426209 -16- Table 3. Basal diets 50 to 285 lb BW 50-90 90-125 125-160 160-200 200-240 240-285 i 84 00 90 00 71 00 02 49 00 00 00 30 20 04 50 00 05 93 00 79 65 00 70 66 19 66 81 45 43 13 43 27 53 15 32 78 86 94 2978045-426209 -17- Fat, % 3.47 3.58 3.63 3.11 3.11 IV, meq / kg f 112.76 114.86 115.78 120.53 120.64 l 70 16 42 28 27 13 00 26 50 58 49 24 42

[0045] The first objective of the instant example was to evaluate the growth performance, health status, and carcass characteristics of pigs fed taurine at 2.0 lb / ton during the entire grow-finish period or during finishing period alone. There were no major health concerns during this trial. A taurine response was observed on feed conversion when pigs were, on average, 55 to 78 lb and again when pigs were on average 157 to 184 lb.

[0046] During weeks 1-2, pigs fed diets containing taurine had a lower F / G (P < 0.05) compared to control pigs. During weeks 9-10, Pigs fed diets containing taurine tended to have a greater ADG (0.05 < P < 0.10) compared to control and had a lower F / G (P < 0.05) compared to control (Table 4).78045-426209 -18- Table 4. Summary taurine duration study Treatment P-value78045-426209 -19- BW end of Wk 12, lb 222.4 221.1 1.4 0.73 – 14

[0047] The second objective of the instant example evaluated the growth performance, health status, and carcass characteristics of pigs fed tannin at 0.3 lb / ton during the late finishing period (Table 5). Table 5. Summary of tannin study in late finishing pigs ue78045-426209 -20- – 12 1 2 7 9 6Example 2 Evaluation of feeding taurine at lower inclusion rates to grow-finish pigs on growth performance, health status, and carcass characteristics Materials and Methods78045-426209 -21-

[0048] For the instant example, sex grow-finish pigs (PIC Sire 800 × PIC Maternal 1050) with a start weight 67.9 ± 5.5 lb from NHF Murray Nursery (OPG) were evaluated.

[0049] At arrival, pigs were sorted into 27-28 pigs per pen, balancing as best as possible on gender and fed a common diet (Table 6). At the start of the trial, feeders were measured out around 25 inches or greater, and pens were weighed, blocked by body weight, and pens within block were randomly assigned to one of 4 dietary treatments (Table 7). This resulted in 11 pens for each treatment for the evaluation of growth performance, health status, and carcass characteristics. The high and low barn temperatures and humidity over the course of the instant example are shown in FIG.2. Table 6. Basal diet composition in Example 2 50-90 90-125 125-160 160-200 200-240 240-285 84 00 90 00 71 00 02 49 00 00 00 30 20 04 50 00 05 93 00 79 65 00 70 66 19 66 8178045-426209 -22- SID m+c, % 0.63 0.55 0.52 0.45 0.45 SID Thr, % 0.70 0.55 0.50 0.46 0.43 13 43 27 53 15 32 78 86 94 29 11 64 70 16 42 28 27 13 00 26 50 58 49 24 42Table 7. Treatment layout in Example 2 Inclusion Rate # of # # of Micro-

[0050] Pen data were captured via electronic data capture from Allflex Destron Fearing. The weights were electronically captured from the scale indicator. Pigs were weighed by pen basis every 13-20 days. There was 20 days in between Day 0 and Phase 1 weigh days. Feed leftover was measured at the time each pen was weighed. This allowed for the calculation of78045-426209 -23- ADG, ADFI, and F / G by pen. Blood collected prior to barn run out at an average BW of 236.2 lb. Serum samples were analyzed for total amino acid profile, and IGF-1. Conclusions

[0051] The objective of the instant example was to evaluate the growth performance, health status, and carcass characteristics of pigs fed taurine at lower inclusion rates through the grow-finish period. There were no major health concerns in this barn until the final week of the instant example, prior to barn run out, in which influenza was observed. Positive responses in feed conversion were observed from all taurine-fed treatments compared to the Control group without a significant difference in final live bodyweight.78045-426209 -24- Table 8. Summary of taurine concentration effect Treatment ll 3 1 5 3 2 4 4 9 7 2 7 8 2 5 2 4 6 8 9 6 6 3 5 1 0 4 4 5 6 078045-426209 -25- ADG, lb / day 2.34 2.30 2.26 0.03 0.24 ADFI, lb / day 6.79 6.73 6.73 0.08 0.90 F G 290 296 293 298 003 035 2 8 8 3 4 8 7 1 2 7 8 4 6 4 4 0 0 9 5 6 1 4

[0052] There were three key findings from the instant example. The first was during weeks 8-9, pigs fed diets containing taurine at 0.5 lb / ton had a lower F / G (P < 0.05) compared to control (10-point reduction in feed conversion) and in weeks 16-17 when there was an influenza outbreak (Table 8). The second was that pigs fed diets containing taurine had numerically lower F / G compared to control (ranged from 21 to 82-points reduction in feed conversion), and the third finding was that pigs fed diets containing taurine at 1 lb / ton had a greater fat depth (P < 0.05) compared to pigs fed taurine at 0.5 lb / ton.

[0053] Biomarkers for the pigs during the instant example are shown in Table 9. Correlation between serum taurine concentration and other parameters are shown in Tables 10 and 11. The correlation between serum vitamin A and serum IGF-1 is shown in FIG.3.78045-426209 -26- Table 9. Biomarkers of pigs in Example 2 Treatment P- P- at 9 6 8 1 3 3 8 04 8 8 8 8 8 0 2 2 6 2 2 9 5 5 0 578045-426209 -27- Taurine 2.29a2.70a3.16b0.19 0.02 0.01 0.41 Alanine 12.0 12.6 13.1 0.6 0.55 0.20 0.91 0 7 9 6 1 0 9 8 5 9 2 1 7 2 2 0 6 9 9Tabe 10. Correaton anayss between serum taurne concentraton (μM) and ot er parameters.78045-426209 -28- Glutamic_acid_uM r = r = 0.55 r = 0.32 P = P = 0.001 P = 0.009Table 11. Correlation between serum taurine concentration (% of total amino acids) and other parameters78045-426209 -29- P = P = 0.06 P = 0.008 Asparagine, % r = r = -0.31 r = -0.30Example 3 Evaluation of post-weaning growth performance and health status when feeding low and high doses of taurine to late nursery pigs recovering from a flu challenge78045-426209 -30- Methods

[0054] A total of 1,844 pigs with an average body weight of 27.4 ± 4.7 lb from NHF North and West (PIC Sire 337 × PIC Maternal 1050) were utilized for the instant example. The facility for evaluation included with 84 pens, 12 hospital pens, and 2 pens per treatment per room. Experimental Methods

[0055] The first room (Room 3) was weighed off from a previous trial and re-allotted to this 3-treatment design (1 control and 2 experimental; Table 12). Table 12. Summary of dietary treatment scheme in Example 3 Inclusion # of # Total # of Micro-tracer

[0056] The second room (Room 4) was weighed off from the previous trial and re- allotted to this 3-treatment design. Temperatures and humidity for both Room 3 and Room 4 are shown in FIG.4 and 5, respectively. The hospital pens were also weighed on their respective days with head counts and feeder measurements collected. Trial pens were blocked by sow source, previous treatment, and bodyweight. Pens within block were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design (Table 12). This resulted in 28 pens per treatments for the evaluation of growth performance and health status. Electronic data capture was utilized throughout the trial.

[0057] When the pen arrived at the scale head count, feeder measurement, removals, and pen weights electronically were recorded prior to the next pen of pigs arriving. The ADG, ADFI, and F / G was calculated for each phase. Health observations and daily room temperatures were recorded for this trial (FIG.4, FIG.5). For all hospital pens, removals were recorded from the trial pens to the hospital pens as well as movements out of hospital pens (i.e. euthanasia or death). Total mortality by treatment was calculated at the end of the instant example. Blood samples were collected in Phase 3 and processed for serum.

[0058] The instant example was conducted for a total of 28 days in a 2-phase feeding program immediately after Example 2. The composition of the negative control diet, by phase,78045-426209 -31- is shown in Table 13. All dietary treatments made at NHF feed mill. Feed grade medications were used during the trial according to the current NHF SOP. Feed was provided through the FeedLogic system allowing collection of feed intake data by pen. Table 13. Diet table for treatment 1 (Control) Ingredient Name Ph322-37 lb Ph437-52 lb78045-426209 -32- SID Thr, % 0.81 0.79 SID Tryp, % 0.26 0.25

[0059] uding initial body weights upon starting the trial, body weights near the end of each ration, feeding activity, health observations, and trial removals or mortality. Table 14. Summary of effect of fed taurine in late nursery pigs e78045-426209 -33- # of Pens 28 28 28 # of Pigs start 608 624 612 St t BW lb 274 274 275 095 099 20 12 01 11 89 97 87 23 45 53 10 51 07 00 86 76 96 06 13 49 06 81 75 85 00 34

[0060] Pigs in hospital pens fed diets containing Taurine at 1 lb / ton tended to have (0.05 < P < 0.1) a greater closeout ADG and BW at the end of Phase 4 compared to Control pens (Table 14). Conclusion

[0061] The objective of the instant example was to evaluate the growth performance and health status of pigs recovering from an influenza break by feeding taurine at 1 or 2 lb / ton78045-426209 -34- compared to the basal diet. The trial began end of Example 2. By the time pens were allotted to new treatments, most of the pigs have recovered from influenza. The pigs that were experiencing symptoms were moved to hospital pens. The hospital pens fed diets containing taurine at 1 lb / ton tended to be heavier at the end of Phase 4 compared to the Control pens. From this trial, there were no other significant benefits from feeding taurine at 1 or 2 lb / ton to late nursery pigs. Example 4 Evaluation of growth performance, health status, and carcass characteristics on grow-finish pigs when fed taurine at 0, 1, 1.5, or 2 lb / ton. Materials and Methods

[0062] For the instant example, 1,233 mixed sex grow-finish pigs (PIC Sire 800 × PIC Maternal 1050) with a start weight 36.8 ± 7.5 lb from NHF East Nursery (OPG) were evaluated.

[0063] At arrival, pens were sorted with 26-27 pigs per pen, balancing best as possible on gender. On the first day of the instant example, back-up bins were reset in FeedLogic, feeders measured out around 25 inches, and pens were weighed, blocked by body weight, and pens within block were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments (Table 15) in a randomized complete block design. This resulted in 11 or 12 pens for the treatments for evaluation of growth performance, health status, and carcass characteristics. Table 15. Taurine treatment study layout in Example 4 Research Inclusion Rate # of # # of Micro-

[0064] The composition of the basal diets is shown in Table 16. Each diet contained a unique treatment color micro-tracer at 20 g / ton for feed manufacturing and delivery monitoring. All treatments were made at the NHF feed mill. Feed samples were collected and tested for78045-426209 -35- micro-tracers from each feed delivery. Feed provided through the FeedLogic system allowing collection of feed intake data by pen.

[0065] The barn temperatures and humidity are shown in FIG.6. The change in the water meter was recorded and is shown in FIG.7. Table 16. Control diet formulation 85 at G 3 0 0 0 8 0 8 8 9 0 0 0 0 4 0 8 0 0 8 5 0 0 6 9 678045-426209 -36- SID Val:Lys 0.67 0.72 0.75 0.77 0.76 0.82 SID m+c, % 0.74 0.62 0.55 0.52 0.45 0.45 3 3 3 7 3 5 2 2 4 6 4 9 6 5 4 4 2 8 8 7 0 6 0 4 8 9 4 6 7 0

[0066] The composition of the feed formulation for treatment group 1 (taurine at a concentration of 1 lb / ton) is shown in Table 17. The composition of the feed formulation for treatment group 2 (taurine at a concentration of 1.5 lb / ton) is shown in Table 18, and the composition of the feed formulation for treatment group 3 (taurine at a concentration of 2 lb / ton) is shown in Table 19. Table 17. Diet formulation for treatment group 178045-426209 -37- 30-50 125-160 160-200 200-240 240-285 lb 50-90 lb lb lb lb lb NursP 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% t S 3 0 0 0 8 0 8 8 9 0 0 0 0 4 0 0Table 18. Diet formulation for treatment group 2 5 t S 3 0 0 0 8 0 8 878045-426209 -38- LIMESTONE 19.01 24.56 24.38 24.03 18.96 18.99 21% MONOCAL 5.70 0.00 1.30 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 4 0 05 t S 3 0 0 0 8 0 8 8 9 0 0 0 0 4 0 0

[0067] During Phase 1, respiratory symptoms were observed and the entire barn was administered pulmotil via water. During Phase 5, respiratory symptoms were observed. Oral fluid samples were collected and submitted for diagnostic testing. Pooled samples were positive for influenza A (Ct 26.0) and PRRSV (Ct 32.5). Individual medical treatments consisted of a combination IM injection of Baytril / Dexamethasone (5cc).78045-426209 -39-

[0068] For each pen, various were taken. At intake, and on each weigh day, BW. By phase, ADG, ADFI, F / G, any treatments, hospital pen placement, and all removals. For each carcass, the HCW, Fat, loin depth, and lean carcass were measured.

[0069] The main findings from the instant example included that during phase 1 (Days 0-15) Control pigs had a greater ADG and were heavier on D15 (P < 0.05) compared to pigs fed taurine at 0.5 and 1 lb / ton. Control pigs had a lower F:G (P < 0.05) compared to all other treatments. Additionally, during phases 1 and 2 (D0-29) Control pigs had a lower F:G (P < 0.05) compared to pigs fed taurine at 1 and 2 lb / ton. During phases 5 and 6 (D72-99), Pigs fed taurine at 0.5 lb / ton had a lower F:G (P < 0.05) compared to Control pigs and pigs fed taurine at 2 lb / ton, and during phase 7, (D99-113) pigs fed taurine at 2 lb / ton had a greater ADG and lower F:G (P < 0.05) compared to Control pigs. Pigs fed taurine at 1 lb / ton had a greater ADG and ADFI (P < 0.05) compared to Control pigs. Conclusion

[0070] The objective of the instant example was to evaluate the growth performance, health status, and carcass characteristics when feeding taurine at 0, 0.5, 1, or 2 lb / ton to grow- finish pigs. During Phase 1, there was a respiratory challenge, and taurine did not provide any growth performance benefit. During Phase 5, there was a health challenge with influenza and PRRS. There were positive responses from taurine during Phase 7 with pigs being fed taurine at 1 or 2 lb / ton had a 12 to 28 point reduction in F:G (Table 20). Table 20. Impact of dietary inclusion of added taurine on grow-finish performance e c 34 01 72 03 01 05 3978045-426209 -40- F:G 2.07 2.04 2.05 0.01 8 0.39 0.99 0.09 D 2 i ht lb 7 7 7 7 2 98 87 99 49 4 41 98 27 66 05 67 78 10 03 66 51 47 24 29 91 53 71 60 5378045-426209 -41- F:G 2.32 2.31 2.33 0.01 3 0.72 0.37 0.64 Non-adjusted 002 96 66 41 26 78 62 10 81 06 94 29 28 68 01 13 51 75 78 56 10 3 94 7678045-426209 -42- DFI, lb 5.38 5.44aAa b0.08 b 5.63 6 0.09 0.03 0.85 361a363a007 67 97 14 85 54 45 66 99 84 77 79 68 59 73 7 56 22 38 66 58 77 41 9678045-426209 -43- Backfat, mm 16.1 15.9 15.2 0.29 0.15 0.11 0.52 Loin depth, mm 64.4 66.1 64.4 65.3 0.62 0.13 0.47 0.27Example 5 Study evaluating the feeding of taurine to growing-finishing pigs at 0 or 2 lbs / ton continuously or as a diet pulse on growth performance, health status, and carcass characteristics. Materials and Methods

[0071] In the instant example.1,233 mixed sex grow-finish pigs (PIC Sire 800 × PIC Maternal 1050) with a start weight 48.4 ± 6.2 lb from NHF East Nursery (OPG) were evaluated.

[0072] At arrival, pens were sorted with 27-28 pigs per pen according to standard operating procedure, balancing best as possible on gender. On the first day of the instant example, back-up bins were reset in FeedLogic, feeders measured out around 25 inches, and pens were weighed, blocked by body weight, and pens within block were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments (Table 21) in a randomized complete block design. This resulted in 15 pens for the treatments for evaluation of growth performance, health status, and carcass characteristics. Table 21. Dietary treatment scheme in Example 5 -

[0073] Pen data were captured via electronic data capture from Allflex Destron Fearing. The weights were electronically captured from the scale indicator. Pigs were weighed by pen basis every 8-21 days. Feed leftover was measured at the time each pen was weighed. This allowed for the calculation of ADG, ADFI, and F / G by pen.

[0074] The composition of the basal diets is shown in Table 22. Each diet contained a unique treatment color micro-tracer at 20 g / ton for feed manufacturing and delivery monitoring. All treatments were made at the NHF feed mill. Feed samples were collected and tested for micro-tracers from each feed delivery. Feed was provided through the FeedLogic system allowing collection of feed intake data by pen.78045-426209 -44-

[0075] Taurine treatment groups into two diet formulations. One treatment group was fed taurine in a continuous manner (treatment group 1, Table 23) and the other treatment group was fed taurine as a pulse diet (treatment group 2, Table 24). Table 22. Diet formulation for control treatment 3550 90125 125160 160200 200240 240285 at G 3 0 0 0 8 0 8 8 9 0 0 0 0 4 0 8 0 0 8 5 0 0 6 9 6 2 578045-426209 -45- SID Thr, % 0.81 0.70 0.55 0.50 0.46 0.43 SID Tryp, % 0.26 0.19 0.16 0.15 0.13 0.13 3 7 3 5 2 2 4 6 4 9 6 5 4 4 2 8 8 7 0 6 0 4 8 9 4 6 7 0Table 23. Diet formulation for treatment group 1 5 t S 3 0 0 0 878045-426209 -46- METHIONINE 99% DL 2.03 0.10 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 THREONINE 8 8 9 0 0 0 0 4 0 0. 5 t S 3 0 0 0 8 0 8 8 9 0 0 0 0 4 0 0

[0076] During Phase 2, stiffness was observed in some pigs. During Phase 6, there was mild coughing, and the barn was administered aspirin via water. Oral fluid samples were78045-426209 -47- collected, pooled, and submitted for Samples tested positive for influenza A (Ct 29.8) and PRRS (Ct 29.3).

[0077] Throughout the instant example, the temperature highs and lows, the humidity of the barn, and the water meter level were monitored. The parameters for the barn climate are shown in FIG.8, and the changes in the water meter throughout duration of the instant example are represented in FIG.9.

[0078] For each carcass, the HCW, fat, loin depth, and lean mass were quantified, as shown in Table 25. Conclusions

[0079] The objective of the instant example was to evaluate the growth performance, health status, and carcass characteristics of feeding taurine at 2 lb / ton constantly or pulsing in every other ration at 2 lb / ton to grow-finish pigs. During Phase 1, there was a partial pulse for the taurine pulse treatment with how the feed budgets were, and the partial pulse pigs performed well. Interestingly, the pulse treatment performed better than the Control, but Control performed better than the constant taurine treatment. During Phase 2, some lethargy and stiffness were observed in pigs, but the taurine did not benefit the pigs during this health challenge. There were some feed conversion responses observed in Phase 3. There were major gain and feed conversion response in Phase 7 with the constant taurine treatment compared to Control. Overall, the taurine pulse treatment did have a greater feed conversion (lower F:G) and more pigs to the primary market by reducing mortality compared to the Control. Pulsing taurine may provide feed conversion benefits or reduce the mortality in grow-finish pigs (Table 25). Table 25. Impact of dietary added taurine on grow-finish performance e78045-426209 -48- Period 4 (D 43 to 51)End Ph 3 Ph 32 01 01 3 01 8 0 8 3 09 2 05 0 0 3 9 7 1 4 7 7 3 5 578045-426209 -49- Closeout ADG, lb 2.18 2.17 0.03 0.86 0.69 0.71 ADFI, lb 5.27 5.18 0.052 0.28 0.43 0.16 4 2 2 3 0 3 5 5 5 8 3 5 9 0 0 1 1 7 5 6 2 7 7 8 6 6 8 1 1 4 6 4 378045-426209 -50- ADG, lb 1.98 2.01 0.043 0.78 0.61 0.64 ADFI, lb 6.04 6.10 0.082 0.84 0.63 0.75 6 7 7 4 6 7 7 4 9 6 6 6 7 2 9 5 3 4 01 9 1 2 3 2 2 4 5 5 4 578045-426209 -51- Example 6 Evaluation of feeding taurine at 2 lb / ton at multiple durations on growth performance and clinical signs of weaning pigs artificially challenged with Escherichia coli F18 Material

[0080] For the instant example, a total of 90 weanling barrows with a wean age 24-26 days old were evaluated. The pigs were barrows from maternal FAST Genetics multiplier unit. The average initial weight of the barn was 12.9 ± 0.6 lb. Experimental Methods

[0081] During allotment, weanling barrows were individually weighed and blocked by weight. Pigs were administered gentamycin via water for 4 days post-weaning. Pigs within block were randomly allotted to one of 5 treatments (Table 26) resulting in 3 pigs per pen and 6 pens per treatment. The non-challenged pens were in Pens 1-6 with all sides covered to prevent cross-contamination from the challenged pens. Table 26. Experimental treatment scheme al s78045-426209 -52-

[0082] The basic diet (Table 27) during this trial. Diets (mash) were made by mixing the testing articles into basal diet on site. Approximately 0.5 lb of the feed sample was collected from all diets. Table 27. Composition of basal diet i 178045-426209 -53- Non Phytase TTD % 0.07 Phytase TTD Ca, 0.00

[0083] The inoculation procedure followed for the instant example was for an entire experimental period of 21 days. Pigs were fed experimental diets from -7 to 14-dpi. On day 0- dpi and 1-dpi, each pig was orally inoculated with 5 ml (approximately 2.0 x 109 / mL with a total challenge of 1010CFU) of the freshly grown E. coli F18 inoculants (derived from a strain believed to be from 2015) via a polyethylene tube attached to a syringe placed in the back of the oral cavity. Challenge material counts were confirmed at 2.0 x 109 / mL.

[0084] Growth performance was measured whereby pigs were individually weighed on days -7, 0, 4-dpi, and 14-dpi. Feed leftover was weighed by pen on days -7, 0, 4-dpi, and 14-dpi when pigs were weighed. Experimental feed offered to each pen was recorded from days -7 to 14-dpi. This data were used to calculate ADG, ADFI and G / F. Any removed pigs were recorded, along with BW, and date of removal.

[0085] The fecal score was collected during the instant example. Each pig was monitored and assessed for occurrence and severity of post-weaning diarrhea using a fecal consistency scoring system (0 = normal; 1 = soft feces; 2 = mild diarrhea; 3 = severe diarrhea)78045-426209 -54- on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7-dpi by the trained personnel. Similarly, fecal samples were collected from sampling pigs on 0-dpi and 4-dpi and immediately stored on ice. Fecal samples were stored a -80 °C until shipping.

[0086] Blood was collected at three time points: 0-dpi , 4-dpi, and 8-dpi from sampling pigs (greater numbers of the last 4 digits of the ear tag).For the necroscopy collections, on 4- dpi, the non-sampling pig was selected for liver and ileal tissue collection (one of the sampling pigs were used as substitute if the non-sampling pig died). A 6-inch section of ileum was tied off and added to a bag with a small amount of PBS and snap frozen on dry ice.

[0087] Some pigs did arrive with some underlying health challenges. Excede was not provided at arrival; only gentamycin. Prior to challenge, about 10% of the pigs had significant scouring. Five pigs died before challenge.

[0088] The temperature and humidity of the barn were also monitored, and are shown in FIG.10. Conclusion

[0089] The objective of the instant example was to evaluate feeding taurine at 2 lb / ton for different durations to weaned pigs artificially challenged with E. coli F18. During the adaptation period, a portion of the pigs developed severe diarrhea, some pasturella, and some strep problems. The starting BW significant between treatments but a few pens receiving the same basal diet were re-allotted to help equalize the BW prior to challenge. It appears the potential challenge cross-contamination to the non-challenged pens affected them from days 5- 7-dpi. (Table 28).

[0090] Acute challenge phase (0 to 4-dpi) were observed to have greater ADG and feed efficiency (P < 0.05) compared to pigs fed taurine from 7-dpi. Non-challenge and challenge control groups had lower diarrhea frequency (P < 0.05) compared to all the taurine-fed treatments (Table 28).

[0091] During the recovery challenge phase (4 to 14-dpi), the instant example demonstrated that all taurine-fed treatments had a greater ADG (P < 0.05) compared to the non- challenge control group. Additionally, non-challenge and challenge control groups had lower diarrhea frequency from 1-7-dpi (P < 0.05) compared to the taurine from 4-dpi treatment.78045-426209 -55- Table 28. Summary of taurine study with the controls analyzed a 42 86 65 74 45 15 34 26 11 5878045-426209 -56- 0.36 ADFI, lb / day 1.57 2.41 1.97 2.10 0.559 2 54 96 07 29 00 10 27 03 46 20 03 01 07 0678045-426209 -57- 0.34 5-dpi 1.33 2.00 1.17 2.00 0.10 8 24 32 29 01 30 20Table 29. Summary of the taurine duration challenge study with controls combined. l 65 26 98 34 81 07 14 10 7678045-426209 -58- 14-dpi ADG, lb / day 0.72a0.97ab1.11b1.11b0.144 0.098 06 52 42 38 77 08 68 98 77 90 84 36172804 55240406 62011710

Claims

78045-426209 -59- WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method of improving performance of a subject, the method comprising a step of administering a composition comprising taurine to the subject.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the improved performance comprises an increase in hepatic uptake of amino acids in the subject.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the amino acids are selected from the group consisting of leucine, isoleucine, valine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and any combination thereof.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the improved performance comprises an increase in growth performance of the subject.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the subject is administered the composition comprising taurine upon observation of one or more clinical signs of an infectious disease in the subject.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the infectious disease is a bacterial infection.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the infectious disease is a viral infection.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the taurine is administered at a concentration between 0.5 lb / ton and 6 lb / ton of complete feed.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the taurine is administered at an amount of 25 mg / d / kg of body weight.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the taurine is administered at an amount of 130 mg / d / kg metabolic body weight.

11. A kit comprising: (a) a composition comprising taurine, and (b) an antibiotic composition.

12. The kit of claim 11, wherein the antibiotic is an antibacterial.

13. The kit of claim 11, wherein the antibiotic is an antiviral.

14. The kit of claim 11, wherein the kit further comprises one or more diagnostic biomarkers.

15. The kit of claim 14, wherein the one or more diagnostic biomarkers are selected from the group consisting of BUN, NEFA, creatine kinase, serum vitamin A, and any combination thereof.

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