Method for producing feed additive composition for ruminants

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide: a method for producing a feed additive composition for ruminants which has excellent storage stability; and others.　The present invention relates to: a method for producing a feed additive composition for ruminants, the method including a step for immersing a solidified product in an aqueous solution (hereinafter, referred to as "a second immersion solution) having a temperature higher than that of an aqueous solution (hereinafter, referred to as "a first immersion solution"), wherein the solidified product is produced by immersing and solidifying a molten mixture comprising (A) a hydrogenated oil having a melting point of 50-90°C exclusive, (B) lecithin, and (C) a basic amino acid or a salt thereof in the first immersion solution, and (i) the temperature of the second immersion solution is 20-45°C and the time for the immersion of the solidified product in the second immersion solution is 20-65 minutes or (ii) the temperature of the second immersion solution is 13°C or higher and lower than 20°C and the time for the immersion of the solidified product in the second immersion solution is 40-65 minutes; and others.

Description

Method for producing feed additive composition for ruminants

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing a feed additive composition for ruminants. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for producing a feed additive composition for ruminants that has excellent storage stability. The present invention also relates to a method for improving the storage stability of a feed additive composition for ruminants.

[0002] When ruminants ingest feed, microorganisms living in the rumen break down some of the nutrients in the feed and use them as a nutrient source. This function allows ruminants to absorb substances that they cannot directly digest as nutrients. For example, microorganisms break down cellulose and produce sugars, which are then fermented to produce volatile organic compounds. Ruminants then absorb these products as nutrients. On the other hand, even if there is a nutrient source that ruminants want to directly absorb, the microorganisms will break it down, so ruminants can only absorb the substances produced by fermentation by the microorganisms.

[0003] In order to improve the health of ruminants and increase the productivity of their products (e.g., milk, meat, etc.), it is sometimes desirable to provide nutrients that supplement the normal feed. In such cases, feed additive formulations for ruminants are used that protect the nutrients in the rumen so that biologically active substances (nutrients) are not decomposed by microorganisms and are effectively absorbed, and then the nutrients are absorbed in the digestive tract after the abomasum.

[0004] For example, International Publication No. 2008 / 041371 (Patent Document 1) discloses a method for producing a feed additive composition for ruminants that has high protective properties in the rumen (rumen juice resistance), which includes steps of melt-mixing raw materials (protective agents such as hydrogenated vegetable oils and hydrogenated animal oils, biologically active substances, etc.) using an extruder (extrusion granulator), immersing the resulting molten mixture in water to solidify it, and obtaining a solidified mixture.

[0005] Furthermore, Patent Document 1 discloses that a method for producing a feed additive composition for ruminants may include a step of heat-treating the solidified mixture at a temperature near the melting point of the protective agent contained in the solidified mixture, and also discloses that when a feed additive composition for ruminants produced by such heat treatment and a feed additive composition for ruminants produced without heat treatment were stored at 40°C for one month and their protection rates were measured, the former (the feed additive composition for ruminants produced by heat treatment) had a higher protection rate after storage and was superior in storage stability.On the other hand, there was no disclosure about dissolution in the lower digestive tract (small intestine, etc.).

[0006] Furthermore, by providing ruminants (e.g., cattle) with essential amino acids (e.g., lysine) that are lacking in feed using the above-mentioned feed additive composition, other amino acids contained in the feed can be efficiently utilized in the body, thereby reducing nitrogen compounds excreted in feces and greenhouse gases (N) associated with composting. ２ O) emissions can be reduced.

[0007] International Publication No. 2008 / 041371

[0008] As described above, in the method for producing a feed additive composition for ruminants disclosed in Patent Document 1, heat-treating the solidified mixture was somewhat effective in improving the storage stability while maintaining the protection rate of the feed additive composition. However, in the course of their research into feed additive compositions for ruminants, the present inventors have newly discovered that heat-treating the solidified mixture may not sufficiently improve the storage stability, and that even if the protection rate is maintained and the storage stability is improved, this may not be accompanied by high elution in the lower digestive tract.

[0009] In light of this background, one of the problems to be solved by the present invention is to provide a novel method capable of effectively improving the storage stability of a feed additive composition for ruminants. Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a feed additive composition for ruminants that has excellent storage stability (preferably, high protection in the rumen, high elution in the lower digestive tract, and also excellent storage stability), and a method for producing the same.

[0010] As a result of intensive research aimed at solving the above-mentioned problems, the present inventors have found that the storage stability of a feed additive composition for ruminants can be improved by immersing a molten mixture in an aqueous liquid to solidify it, and then immersing the solidified product in an aqueous liquid having a temperature higher than that of the aqueous liquid in which the molten mixture was immersed, under specific conditions. Based on this finding, further research has led to the completion of the present invention. That is, the present invention is as follows.

[0011] [1] A method for producing a feed additive composition for ruminants, comprising the steps of: immersing a molten mixture containing (A) hydrogenated oil having a melting point higher than 50°C but lower than 90°C, (B) lecithin, and (C) a basic amino acid or a salt thereof in an aqueous liquid (hereinafter referred to as a first immersion liquid) to solidify the resulting solidified product; and immersing the solidified product in an aqueous liquid (hereinafter referred to as a second immersion liquid) having a temperature higher than that of the first immersion liquid, wherein: (i) the temperature of the second immersion liquid is 20 to 45°C, and the immersion time of the solidified product in the second immersion liquid is 20 to 65 minutes, or (ii) the temperature of the second immersion liquid is 13°C or higher but lower than 20°C, and the immersion time of the solidified product in the second immersion liquid is 40 to 65 minutes. [2] The method according to [1], wherein the temperature of the second immersion liquid in step (i) is 22 to 42°C. [3] The manufacturing method according to [1] or [2], wherein the temperature of the second immersion liquid in (i) is 23 to 38°C. [4] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the temperature of the second immersion liquid in (i) is 24 to 35°C. [5] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the temperature of the second immersion liquid in (i) is 20 to 42°C. [6] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the temperature of the second immersion liquid in (i) is 20 to 38°C. [7] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the temperature of the second immersion liquid in (i) is 20 to 35°C. [8] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid in (i) is 22 to 63 minutes. [9] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid in (i) is 23 to 62 minutes.

[10] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid in (i) is 24 to 61 minutes.

[11] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to

[10] , wherein the temperature of the second immersion liquid in (ii) is 13.5 to 18°C.

[12] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to

[11] , wherein the temperature of the second immersion liquid in (ii) is 14 to 17°C.

[13] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to

[12] , wherein the temperature of the second immersion liquid in (ii) is 14.5 to 16°C.

[14] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to

[13] , wherein the temperature of the second immersion liquid in (ii) is 13.5°C or higher and lower than 20°C.

[15] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to

[14] , wherein the temperature of the second immersion liquid in (ii) is 14°C or higher and lower than 20°C.

[16] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to

[15] , wherein the temperature of the second immersion liquid in (ii) is 14.5°C or higher and lower than 20°C.

[17] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to

[16] , wherein the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid in (ii) is 42 to 63 minutes.

[18] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to

[17] , wherein the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid in (ii) is 43 to 62 minutes.

[19] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to

[18] , wherein in (ii) the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid is 44 to 61 minutes.

[20] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to

[19] , wherein in (i) the temperature of the second immersion liquid is 20 to 42°C and the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid is 22 to 63 minutes, and in (ii) the temperature of the second immersion liquid is 13.5°C or higher and lower than 20°C and the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid is 42 to 63 minutes.

[21] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to

[20] , wherein in (i) the temperature of the second immersion liquid is 20 to 38°C and the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid is 23 to 62 minutes, and in (ii) the temperature of the second immersion liquid is 14 to 20°C and above and below 20°C and the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid is 43 to 62 minutes.

[22] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to

[21] , wherein in (i) the temperature of the second immersion liquid is 20 to 35°C and the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid is 24 to 61 minutes, and in (ii) the temperature of the second immersion liquid is 14.5 to 20°C and above and below 20°C and the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid is 44 to 61 minutes.

[23] The manufacturing method according to [1], wherein the temperature of the second immersion liquid is 20 to 45°C, and the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid is 20 to 65 minutes.

[24] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to

[23] , wherein the temperature of the first immersion liquid is 0 to 30°C.

[25] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to

[24] , wherein the molten mixture is immersed in the first immersion liquid for 0.1 to 10 minutes.

[26] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to

[25] , wherein the molten mixture further contains (D) a natural vegetable oil.

[27] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to

[26] , wherein (C) is at least one selected from the group consisting of lysine, arginine, histidine, and salts thereof.

[28] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to

[27] , wherein the content of (A) in the molten mixture is more than 23% by weight and less than 60% by weight.

[29] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to

[28] , wherein the content of (A) in the molten mixture is 30 to 55% by weight.

[30] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to

[29] , wherein the content of (B) in the molten mixture is 0.01 to 6 wt %.

[31] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to

[30] , wherein the content of (B) in the molten mixture is 0.05 to 5 wt %.

[32] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to

[31] , wherein the content of (C) in the molten mixture is 20 to 70 wt %.

[33] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to

[32] , wherein the content of (C) in the molten mixture is 30 to 65 wt %.

[34] The manufacturing method according to any one of

[26] to

[33] , wherein the content of (D) in the molten mixture is 0.01 to 0.6 wt %.

[35] The manufacturing method according to any one of

[26] to

[34] , wherein the content of (D) in the molten mixture is 0.03 to 0.4 wt %.

[36] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to

[35] , wherein the water content of the feed additive composition is 0.01 to 7.5% by weight.

[37] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to

[36] , wherein the water content of the feed additive composition is 0.01 to 6% by weight.

[38] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to

[37] , wherein the water content of the feed additive composition is 2 to 6% by weight.

[39] The manufacturing method according to any one of [1] to

[38] , wherein the feed additive composition is in a dispersed form.

[40] The method according to any one of [1] to

[39] , wherein the feed additive composition has a biologically active substance protection rate of 50% or more after storage at 40°C for one month after production, as measured and calculated by the following method. <Method for Measuring and Calculating the Biologically Active Substance Protection Rate After Storage> Using a dissolution tester, 3 g of the stored ruminant feed additive composition as a sample is added to 900 mL of ultrapure water heated to a temperature equivalent to the body temperature of ruminants, and the mixture is stirred at 100 rpm. After 20 hours of stirring, 2 mL of the test solution is sampled for measuring the protection rate, and the concentration of the biologically active substance (unit: mg / mL) is measured using a biosensor. The measured concentration is hereinafter referred to as "concentration X." Immediately after collecting the sample for protection rate measurement, 8 mL of an aqueous solution of bile powder and pancreatin was added to the test solution while continuing to stir at 100 rpm to prepare a test solution equivalent to the small intestine. Five hours after adding the aqueous solution, 2 mL was collected from the test solution while stirring for dissolution rate measurement, and the concentration (unit: mg / mL) of the biologically active substance was measured using a biosensor. The measured concentration is hereinafter referred to as "concentration Y." The protection rate of the biologically active substance was calculated from the concentrations X and Y measured above using the following formula: Protection rate [%] = {1 - (concentration X [mg / mL] × 900) / (sample weight [g] × 1000 × content of biologically active substance in sample [wt%] / 100)} × 100

[41] A method for improving the storage stability of a feed additive composition for ruminants, which is produced by a method comprising immersing a molten mixture containing (A) hydrogenated oil having a melting point higher than 50°C and lower than 90°C, (B) lecithin, and (C) a basic amino acid or a salt thereof in an aqueous liquid (hereinafter referred to as a first immersion liquid) to solidify it, to obtain a solidified product, the method comprising immersing the solidified product in an aqueous liquid (hereinafter referred to as a second immersion liquid) having a temperature higher than that of the first immersion liquid, (ii) The method according to (41), wherein the temperature of the second immersion liquid is 13°C or higher and lower than 20°C, and the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid is 40 to 65 minutes.

[42] The method according to (41), wherein the temperature of the second immersion liquid in (i) is 22 to 42°C.

[43] The method according to

[41] or

[42] , wherein the temperature of the second immersion liquid in (i) is 23 to 38°C.

[44] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[43] , wherein the temperature of the second immersion liquid in (i) is 24 to 35°C.

[45] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[44] , wherein the temperature of the second immersion liquid in (i) is 20 to 42°C.

[46] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[45] , wherein the temperature of the second immersion liquid in (i) is 20 to 38°C.

[47] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[46] , wherein the temperature of the second immersion liquid in (i) is 20 to 35°C.

[48] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[47] , wherein the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid in (i) is 22 to 63 minutes.

[49] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[48] , wherein the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid in (i) is 23 to 62 minutes.

[50] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[49] , wherein the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid in (i) is 24 to 61 minutes.

[51] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[50] , wherein the temperature of the second immersion liquid in (ii) is 13.5 to 18°C.

[52] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[51] , wherein the temperature of the second immersion liquid in (ii) is 14 to 17°C.

[53] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[52] , wherein the temperature of the second immersion liquid in (ii) is 14.5 to 16°C.

[54] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[53] , wherein the temperature of the second immersion liquid in (ii) is 13.5°C or higher and lower than 20°C.

[55] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[54] , wherein the temperature of the second immersion liquid in (ii) is 14°C or higher and lower than 20°C.

[56] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[55] , wherein the temperature of the second immersion liquid in (ii) is 14.5°C or higher and lower than 20°C.

[57] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[56] , wherein the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid in (ii) is 42 to 63 minutes.

[58] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[57] , wherein the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid in (ii) is 43 to 62 minutes.

[59] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[58] , wherein the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid in (ii) is 44 to 61 minutes.

[60] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[59] , wherein the temperature of the second immersion liquid in (i) is 20 to 42°C and the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid is 22 to 63 minutes, and wherein the temperature of the second immersion liquid in (ii) is 13.5°C or higher and lower than 20°C and the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid is 42 to 63 minutes.

[61] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[60] , wherein in (i) the temperature of the second immersion liquid is 20 to 38°C and the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid is 23 to 62 minutes, and in (ii) the temperature of the second immersion liquid is 14°C or higher and lower than 20°C and the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid is 43 to 62 minutes.

[62] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[61] , wherein in (i) the temperature of the second immersion liquid is 20 to 35°C and the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid is 24 to 61 minutes, and in (ii) the temperature of the second immersion liquid is 14.5°C or higher and lower than 20°C and the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid is 44 to 61 minutes.

[63] The method according to

[41] , wherein the temperature of the second immersion liquid is 20 to 45°C, and the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid is 20 to 65 minutes.

[64] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[63] , wherein the temperature of the first immersion liquid is 0 to 30°C.

[65] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[64] , wherein the time for immersing the molten mixture in the first immersion liquid is 0.1 to 10 minutes.

[66] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[65] , wherein the molten mixture further contains (D) a natural vegetable oil.

[67] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[66] , wherein (C) is at least one selected from the group consisting of lysine, arginine, histidine, and salts thereof.

[68] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[67] , wherein the content of (A) in the molten mixture is more than 23% by weight and less than 60% by weight.

[69] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[68] , wherein the content of (A) in the molten mixture is 30 to 55% by weight.

[70] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[69] , wherein the content of (B) in the molten mixture is 0.01 to 6 wt %.

[71] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[70] , wherein the content of (B) in the molten mixture is 0.05 to 5 wt %.

[72] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[71] , wherein the content of (C) in the molten mixture is 20 to 70 wt %.

[73] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[72] , wherein the content of (C) in the molten mixture is 30 to 65 wt %.

[74] The method according to any one of

[66] to

[73] , wherein the content of (D) in the molten mixture is 0.01 to 0.6 wt %.

[75] The method according to any one of

[66] to

[74] , wherein the content of (D) in the molten mixture is 0.03 to 0.4 wt %.

[76] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[75] , wherein the water content of the feed additive composition is 0.01 to 7.5% by weight.

[77] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[76] , wherein the water content of the feed additive composition is 0.01 to 6% by weight.

[78] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[77] , wherein the water content of the feed additive composition is 2 to 6% by weight.

[79] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[78] , wherein the feed additive composition is in a dispersion form.

[80] The method according to any one of

[41] to

[79] , wherein the feed additive composition has a post-storage protection rate of biologically active substances of 50% or more when stored at 40°C for one month after production, as measured and calculated by the following method. <Method for measuring and calculating the protection rate of biologically active substances after storage> Using a dissolution tester, 3 g of the stored ruminant feed additive composition as a sample is added to 900 mL of ultrapure water heated to a temperature equivalent to the body temperature of ruminants, and the mixture is stirred at 100 rpm. 20 hours after the start of stirring, 2 mL of the test solution is sampled for measuring the protection rate, and the concentration of the biologically active substance (unit: mg / mL) is measured using a biosensor. The measured concentration is hereinafter referred to as "concentration X."Immediately after collecting the sample for protection rate measurement, 8 mL of an aqueous solution of bile powder and pancreatin was added to the test solution while continuing to stir at 100 rpm to prepare a test solution equivalent to the small intestine. Five hours after adding the aqueous solution, 2 mL was collected from the test solution while stirring for dissolution rate measurement, and the concentration (unit: mg / mL) of the biologically active substance was measured using a biosensor. The measured concentration is hereinafter referred to as "concentration Y." The protection rate of the biologically active substance was calculated from the concentrations X and Y measured above using the following formula: Protection rate [%] = {1 - (concentration X [mg / mL] × 900) / (sample weight [g] × 1000 × content of biologically active substance in sample [wt %] / 100)} × 100.

[0012] The present invention provides a method for effectively improving the storage stability of a feed additive composition for ruminants. The present invention also provides a feed additive composition for ruminants that has excellent storage stability (preferably, high protection in the rumen, high elution in the lower digestive tract, and also excellent storage stability), and a method for producing the same.

[0013] One of the features of the method for producing a ruminant feed additive composition of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as the "production method of the present invention") is that it comprises a step of immersing a molten mixture containing (A) hydrogenated oil, (B) lecithin, and (C) a basic amino acid or a salt thereof in an aqueous liquid (hereinafter also referred to as the "first immersion liquid") to solidify the mixture, and then immersing the solidified mixture in an aqueous liquid (hereinafter also referred to as the "second immersion liquid") having a temperature higher than that of the first immersion liquid. For ease of explanation, the "hydrogenated oil," "lecithin," and "basic amino acid or a salt thereof" may be referred to as "component A," "component B," and "component C," respectively, herein. For ease of explanation, the "molten mixture containing component A (i.e., hydrogenated oil), component B (i.e., lecithin), and component C (i.e., basic amino acid or a salt thereof)" may be simply referred to as the "molten mixture," and the "solidified product obtained by immersing the molten mixture (i.e., the molten mixture containing components A to C) in a first immersion liquid and solidifying it" may be simply referred to as the "solidified product." Furthermore, for ease of explanation, the "step of immersing the solidified product (i.e., the solidified product obtained by immersing the molten mixture in a first immersion liquid and solidifying it) in a second immersion liquid" in the production method of the present invention may be referred to as the "warming step."

[0014] Generally, a "ruminant feed additive composition" refers to a composition that is added to ruminant feed and ingested by the ruminant when the ruminant ingests the feed. However, in the present invention, the composition does not necessarily need to be added to the feed as long as it is ingested by the ruminant. Therefore, the "ruminant feed additive composition" in the present invention encompasses not only compositions ingested by ruminant animals together with feed, but also compositions ingested by ruminant animals alone. Here, "ruminant" is a general term for animals belonging to the class Mammalia, order Artiodactyla, suborder Ruminantia, and more specifically, refers to herbivorous mammals that have a rumen divided into three or four chambers and have the habit of ruminating their food. Specific examples of ruminant animals include, but are not limited to, cattle, goats, sheep, deer, giraffes, camels, and llamas.

[0015] <Component A> Component A (i.e., hydrogenated oil) acts as a protective agent in the feed additive composition for ruminants obtained by the production method of the present invention. In the present invention, the term "hydrogenated oil" refers to a vegetable oil or animal oil that is liquid at room temperature (25°C) and solidified by adding hydrogen, and is a concept that also includes extremely hydrogenated oil.

[0016] Specific examples of component A (i.e., hydrogenated oil) include hydrogenated vegetable oils such as hydrogenated soybean oil, hydrogenated palm oil, hydrogenated rapeseed oil, hydrogenated canola oil, hydrogenated olive oil, hydrogenated almond oil, hydrogenated avocado oil, hydrogenated peanut oil, hydrogenated cottonseed oil, hydrogenated corn oil, hydrogenated safflower oil, hydrogenated sunflower oil, hydrogenated safflower oil, hydrogenated rice oil, and their extremely hydrogenated oils; animal fats and oils (including hydrogenated animal oils) such as beef tallow and lard, but are not limited to these. Among these, hydrogenated soybean oil, extremely hydrogenated soybean oil, beef tallow, and lard are preferred because of their industrial availability. These hydrogenated oils may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0017] The melting point of Component A (i.e., hydrogenated oil) is usually higher than 50° C., and from the viewpoint of providing a feed additive composition for ruminants obtained by the production method of the present invention with high protection in the rumen, it is preferably 55° C. or higher, more preferably 60° C. or higher. Moreover, the melting point is usually lower than 90° C., and from the viewpoint of providing a feed additive composition for ruminants obtained by the production method of the present invention with high elution properties in the lower digestive tract, it is preferably 80° C. or lower, more preferably 70° C. or lower.

[0018] The method for producing Component A (i.e., hydrogenated oil) is not particularly limited, and a product produced by a method known per se or a method equivalent thereto may be used. Component A may also be a commercially available product (commercially available product).

[0019] The content of component A (i.e., hydrogenated oil) in the molten mixture is usually more than 23% by weight, and from the viewpoint of providing a feed additive composition for ruminants obtained by the production method of the present invention with high rumen protection, it is preferably 30% by weight or more, more preferably 35% by weight or more, and particularly preferably 40% by weight or more. Furthermore, the content of component A in the molten mixture is usually less than 60% by weight, and from the viewpoint of allowing other components (such as component C) to be contained in larger amounts, it is preferably 55% by weight or less, more preferably 50% by weight or less, and particularly preferably 45% by weight or less.

[0020] <Component B> Component B (i.e., lecithin) can uniformly disperse component C (i.e., basic amino acid or a salt thereof) in the molten mixture without uneven distribution. Without being bound by any theory, it is believed that the uniform dispersion of component C in the molten mixture allows the feed additive composition for ruminants obtained by the production method of the present invention to build a dense protective structure.

[0021] Specific examples of component B (i.e., lecithin) include, but are not limited to, vegetable lecithins such as soybean lecithin, rapeseed lecithin, canola lecithin, sunflower lecithin, safflower lecithin, cottonseed lecithin, corn lecithin, linseed lecithin, sesame lecithin, rice lecithin, coconut lecithin, and palm lecithin; egg yolk lecithin, etc. Among these, vegetable lecithins are preferred because of their industrial availability, and soybean lecithin is particularly preferred. These lecithins may be, for example, hydrogenated products, enzyme-treated products, enzymatically hydrolyzed products, lecithin fractions, etc. Furthermore, these lecithins may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0022] The method for producing component B (i.e., lecithin) is not particularly limited, and a product produced by a method known per se or a method equivalent thereto may be used. Furthermore, component B may be a commercially available product (commercially available product).

[0023] The content of component B (i.e., lecithin) in the molten mixture is usually 0.01% by weight or more, and from the viewpoint of providing a feed additive composition for ruminants obtained by the production method of the present invention with high protection in the rumen and high elution property in the lower gastrointestinal tract, it is preferably 0.05% by weight or more, more preferably 0.5% by weight or more, even more preferably 0.7% by weight or more, and particularly preferably 0.9% by weight or more. The content of component B in the molten mixture is usually 6% by weight or less, and from the viewpoint of providing a feed additive composition for ruminants obtained by the production method of the present invention with high protection in the rumen, it is preferably 5% by weight or less, more preferably 3% by weight or less, even more preferably 2% by weight or less, and particularly preferably 1.4% by weight or less.

[0024] <Component C> Component C (i.e., a basic amino acid or a salt thereof) can be contained as a biologically active substance in the feed additive composition for ruminants obtained by the production method of the present invention. Here, the term "biologically active substance" refers to a substance that can exhibit physiologically active functions in the living body of a ruminant when ingested by the ruminant.

[0025] Specific examples of basic amino acids that can be used as component C include lysine, arginine, histidine, and salts thereof. These may be in the L-, D-, or DL-form, but are preferably in the L- or DL-form, and more preferably in the L-form.

[0026] The basic amino acid used as component C may be in a free form. Here, the "free form" basic amino acid refers to a basic amino acid that exists in a free state without binding with other amino acids to form proteins, peptides, etc.

[0027] The type of salt of a basic amino acid that can be used as Component C is not particularly limited as long as it is physiologically acceptable, and examples thereof include salts with inorganic bases, salts with inorganic acids, salts with organic acids, and hydrates thereof. Examples of salts with inorganic bases include salts with alkali metals such as sodium, potassium, and lithium, salts with alkaline earth metals such as calcium and magnesium, and ammonium salts. Examples of salts with inorganic acids include salts with hydrohalic acids (hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, hydroiodic acid, etc.), sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, etc. Examples of salts with organic acids include salts with carboxylic acids (e.g., carboxylic acids having 1 to 3 carbon atoms such as formic acid, acetic acid, and propionic acid), oxalic acid, succinic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, and citric acid. The salt of a basic amino acid may also be a hydrate (hydrate salt), and examples of such hydrates include monohydrates to hexahydrates.

[0028] As component C, any one of the above-mentioned basic amino acids and salts thereof may be used alone, or two or more of them may be used in combination.

[0029] The method for producing component C (i.e., basic amino acid or a salt thereof) is not particularly limited, and a component produced by a method known per se or a method equivalent thereto may be used. Component C may be, for example, a component extracted and purified from naturally occurring animals or plants, or a component obtained by chemical synthesis, fermentation, enzymatic methods, or genetic recombination methods. Furthermore, a commercially available product (commercial product) may be used as component C.

[0030] The content of component C (i.e., basic amino acid or salt thereof) in the molten mixture is usually 20% by weight or more, and from the viewpoint of more efficiently feeding biologically active substances to ruminants, it is preferably 30% by weight or more, more preferably 40% by weight or more, even more preferably 45% by weight or more, and particularly preferably 50% by weight or more. Furthermore, the content of component C in the molten mixture is usually 70% by weight or less, and from the viewpoint of providing a feed additive composition for ruminants obtained by the production method of the present invention with high protective properties in the rumen, it is preferably 65% ​​by weight or less, more preferably 60% by weight or less, even more preferably 55% by weight or less, and particularly preferably 52% by weight or less. In the present invention, the amount of component C is calculated in terms of its free form.

[0031] In the present invention, the molten mixture may consist only of the above-mentioned component A (i.e., hydrogenated oil), component B (i.e., lecithin), and component C (i.e., basic amino acid or a salt thereof), or may contain components other than components A to C in addition to components A to C. The types of components other than components A to C that can be contained in the molten mixture are not particularly limited as long as they do not impair the object of the present invention, and one example is (D) natural vegetable oil. In this specification, "natural vegetable oil" may be referred to as "component D" for ease of explanation.

[0032] In the present invention, "natural vegetable oil" refers to a vegetable oil that is liquid at room temperature (25°C), and is a concept that is distinguished from hydrogenated vegetable oil that can be used as component A. Specific examples of natural vegetable oils include soybean oil, palm oil, rapeseed oil, canola oil, olive oil, almond oil, avocado oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, and rice oil, with soybean oil, palm oil, rapeseed oil, canola oil, olive oil, almond oil, avocado oil, and safflower oil being preferred. These natural vegetable oils may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination. Furthermore, as long as these natural vegetable oils are liquid at room temperature, they may have been subjected to treatments such as interesterification and fractionation.

[0033] The method for producing Component D (i.e., natural vegetable oil) is not particularly limited, and a product produced by a method known per se or a method equivalent thereto may be used. Component D may also be a commercially available product (commercially available product).

[0034] When the molten mixture contains component D (i.e., natural vegetable oil), the content of component D is usually 0.01 wt. % or more, and from the viewpoint of the balance between the protective properties in the rumen and the dissolution properties in the lower digestive tract of the ruminant feed additive composition obtained by the production method of the present invention, it is preferably 0.03 wt. % or more, more preferably 0.05 wt. % or more, and particularly preferably 0.08 wt. % or more. In this case, the content of component D in the molten mixture is usually 0.6 wt. % or less, and from the viewpoint of the balance between the protective properties in the rumen and the dissolution properties in the lower digestive tract of the ruminant feed additive composition obtained by the production method of the present invention, it is preferably 0.4 wt. % or less, more preferably 0.3 wt. % or less, and particularly preferably 0.25 wt. % or less.

[0035] Specific examples of components other than components A to C that may be contained in the molten mixture include, in addition to the above-mentioned component D (i.e., natural vegetable oil), excipients (e.g., calcium carbonate, silicon dioxide, etc.), lubricants (e.g., magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, talc, etc.), pH adjusters (e.g., sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, etc.), anti-caking agents (e.g., calcium silicate, sodium aluminosilicate, etc.), and biologically active substances other than component C (e.g., amino acids or salts thereof other than basic amino acids, vitamins, vitamin-like substances, etc.). These components may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0036] The method for preparing the molten mixture is not particularly limited, and may be a method known per se (e.g., WO 2008 / 041371, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 232933, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 095206, U.S. Patent No. 9,173,420, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 308418, U.S. Patent No. 9,241,503, WO 2009 / 122750, U.S. Patent No. Publication No. 2011 / 081444, U.S. Pat. No. 9,204,660, U.S. Pat. Application Publication No. 2014 / 308412, U.S. Pat. No. 9,265,273, WO 2018 / 030476, U.S. Pat. Application Publication No. 2019 / 166879, WO 2018 / 079748, U.S. Pat. Application Publication No. 2019 / 246666, U.S. Pat. No. 1,076,618 The molten mixture may be prepared by methods described in the specification, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 321642, U.S. Patent No. 11805793, WO 2018 / 079747, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 246665, U.S. Patent No. 11083209, WO 2019 / 189605, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 007371, U.S. Patent No. 11582988, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2023 / 138420, WO 2021 / 060388, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 211076, etc.) or methods equivalent thereto, but the molten mixture may be prepared by, for example, a method comprising heating the raw materials using an extruder (preferably, a twin-screw extruder) to melt at least a portion of the raw materials. When preparing a molten mixture using an extruder (preferably a twin-screw extruder), the order in which raw materials are charged into the cylinder of the extruder is not particularly limited. For example, when preparing a molten mixture using hydrogenated oil, lecithin, and a basic amino acid or a salt thereof as raw materials, all of these raw materials may be charged into the cylinder simultaneously from the viewpoint of production efficiency. Alternatively, the hydrogenated oil and the basic amino acid or a salt thereof may be charged first, mixed at a temperature around room temperature, and then the lecithin may be charged.

[0037] The temperature at which the raw materials for the molten mixture (e.g., hydrogenated oil, lecithin, basic amino acid or a salt thereof, etc.) are heated is not particularly limited as long as it is equal to or higher than the melting point of the hydrogenated oil, but is preferably about 5 to 15°C higher than the melting point of the hydrogenated oil. For example, when extremely hydrogenated soybean oil (melting point: 67 to 68°C) is used as one of the raw materials for the molten mixture (component A), the raw materials can be heated at 72 to 85°C. In this case, the raw materials other than the hydrogenated oil do not necessarily need to be melted; in one embodiment, the basic amino acid or a salt thereof may be dispersed without melting, and the molten mixture may be in a slurry state. Furthermore, the raw materials for the molten mixture do not necessarily need to be heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of the hydrogenated oil from the beginning of heating; in one embodiment, the raw materials are first preheated at a temperature 5 to 10°C lower than the melting point of the hydrogenated oil, then conveyed by a screw in the cylinder of the extruder, and then heated at a predetermined temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of the hydrogenated oil, thereby efficiently obtaining a stable molten mixture.

[0038] The equipment that can be used to prepare the molten mixture is not limited to the extruder described above, and equipment other than an extruder may be used together with the extruder as long as it does not impair the purpose of the present invention. Alternatively, the preparation of the molten mixture may be carried out using equipment other than an extruder without using an extruder.

[0039] The method for immersing the molten mixture in the first immersion liquid is not particularly limited as long as a solidified product is obtained, and can be performed by a method known per se or a method equivalent thereto. For example, the molten mixture can be stored in a container with a hole (hole) of a predetermined diameter and dropped into the first immersion liquid through the hole. When the molten mixture is dropped (preferably by natural drop) through a hole of a predetermined diameter, the molten mixture is broken by the action of surface normal forces during the drop, forming individual independent droplets. When the droplets fall into the first immersion liquid adjusted to a predetermined temperature, they are instantaneously cooled and solidified in the liquid, resulting in a granular solidified product. When the droplets of the molten mixture solidify in the first immersion liquid, the first immersion liquid may be incorporated into the solidified product. However, the moisture content of the solidified product can be reduced by subjecting the solidified product to a heat drying treatment, for example. Note that when the droplets of the molten mixture solidify in the first immersion liquid, some of the components of the molten mixture (e.g., component C) may dissolve into the liquid, but the amount is extremely small.

[0040] The diameter of the hole (the hole through which the molten mixture falls) in the container for storing the molten mixture may be appropriately set depending on the size of the desired solidified product, etc., but is usually 1 to 5 mm, and preferably 0.5 to 3 mm.

[0041] The container for storing the molten mixture is not particularly limited as long as it has holes of a specified diameter, but it is preferable to use a multi-hole shooter because it allows for efficient production of large amounts of the feed additive composition. Here, the term "multi-hole shooter" refers to equipment that includes at least a container with multiple holes on its bottom, and that temporarily stores the molten mixture in the container and then allows the molten mixture to drop through the holes on the bottom of the container. The container for storing the molten mixture is preferably equipped with a heating device to prevent the stored molten mixture from cooling.

[0042] The falling distance of the molten mixture (for example, the distance from the bottom of the multi-hole shooter to the liquid surface of the first immersion liquid) is not particularly limited, but is usually 10 mm to 1.5 m, and preferably 30 mm to 1 m. By adjusting the falling distance of the molten mixture, the shape of the resulting solidified product can be changed.

[0043] The temperature of the molten mixture when immersed in the first immersion liquid is not particularly limited, but is usually 60 to 90°C, and from the viewpoint of the melting point of component A and the like, it is preferably 70 to 85°C.

[0044] The first immersion liquid in which the molten mixture is immersed is an aqueous liquid, i.e., a liquid containing water. The first immersion liquid may contain components other than water in addition to water as long as the object of the present invention is not impaired. However, it is preferable that the first immersion liquid consists essentially of water (in other words, water is preferably used as the first immersion liquid). Here, the first immersion liquid "consisting essentially of water" means either (1) the first immersion liquid contains no components other than water, or (2) when the molten mixture is immersed in the first immersion liquid, a very small amount of a component of the molten mixture may be eluted into the first immersion liquid, and the first immersion liquid further contains such a small amount of eluted component in addition to water. The water contained in the first immersion liquid is not particularly limited as long as it is one that can be commonly used in the production of feed or feed additive compositions. Examples include purified water such as ultrapure water, pure water, distilled water, and ion-exchanged water, as well as tap water and alkaline electrolyzed water.

[0045] The temperature of the first immersion liquid when the molten mixture is immersed is not particularly limited as long as the molten mixture can be instantaneously solidified, but is usually 0 to 30°C, preferably 0 to 20°C, more preferably 0 to 15°C, and particularly preferably 0 to 10°C. The temperature of the first immersion liquid can be maintained constant, for example, by continuously replenishing the first immersion liquid into a tank containing the first immersion liquid. In this case, the tank containing the first immersion liquid may be appropriately stirred. By continuously replenishing the first immersion liquid into a tank containing the first immersion liquid, the first immersion liquid overflows from the tank, and the solidified material can be discharged from the tank together with the overflowed first immersion liquid. The discharged solidified material can be collected, for example, using a net, a net container, or the like.

[0046] The time for immersing the molten mixture in the first immersion liquid is not particularly limited as long as the molten mixture can be solidified, but is preferably 0.1 to 10 minutes, more preferably 1 to 8 minutes, and particularly preferably 3 to 6 minutes.

[0047] The method for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid is not particularly limited, and may be a method known per se or a method equivalent thereto. For example, the immersion may be performed by immersing a mesh container containing the collected solidified material in the second immersion liquid.

[0048] The second immersion liquid in which the solidified material is immersed is an aqueous liquid, i.e., a liquid containing water. The second immersion liquid may contain components other than water in addition to water as long as the object of the present invention is not impaired, but it is preferable that the second immersion liquid consists only of water (in other words, water is preferably used as the second immersion liquid). The water contained in the second immersion liquid may be the same as the water contained in the first immersion liquid.

[0049] The time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid is preferably 20 minutes or more, more preferably 22 minutes or more, even more preferably 23 minutes or more, and particularly preferably 24 minutes or more, from the viewpoint of excellent storage stability of the ruminant feed additive composition obtained by the production method of the present invention. Furthermore, the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid is preferably 65 minutes or less, more preferably 63 minutes or less, even more preferably 62 minutes or less, and particularly preferably 61 minutes or less, from the viewpoint of excellent storage stability of the ruminant feed additive composition obtained by the production method of the present invention. Furthermore, the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid is, in one embodiment, preferably 55 minutes or less, more preferably 50 minutes or less, from the viewpoint of high dissolution in the lower gastrointestinal tract of the ruminant feed additive composition obtained by the production method of the present invention.

[0050] In one embodiment, the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid is preferably 40 minutes or more, more preferably 42 minutes or more, even more preferably 43 minutes or more, and particularly preferably 44 minutes or more, from the viewpoint of excellent storage stability of the feed additive composition for ruminants obtained by the manufacturing method of the present invention.

[0051] The temperature of the second soaking liquid when the solidified material is soaked is higher than that of the first soaking liquid. Specifically, from the viewpoint of excellent storage stability of the ruminant feed additive composition obtained by the production method of the present invention, the temperature of the second soaking liquid is preferably 20°C or higher, more preferably 22°C or higher, even more preferably 23°C or higher, and particularly preferably 24°C or higher. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of excellent storage stability of the ruminant feed additive composition obtained by the production method of the present invention, the temperature of the second soaking liquid is preferably 45°C or lower, more preferably 42°C or lower, even more preferably 38°C or lower, and particularly preferably 35°C or lower.

[0052] In one embodiment, the temperature of the second steeping liquid is preferably 13° C. or higher, more preferably 13.5° C. or higher, even more preferably 14° C. or higher, and particularly preferably 14.5° C. or higher, from the viewpoint of excellent storage stability of the ruminant feed additive composition obtained by the production method of the present invention. In another embodiment, the temperature of the second steeping liquid is preferably less than 20° C., more preferably 18° C. or lower, even more preferably 17° C. or lower, and particularly preferably 16° C. or lower, from the viewpoint of excellent storage stability of the ruminant feed additive composition obtained by the production method of the present invention.

[0053] In one embodiment, the temperature of the second immersion liquid is preferably 30 to 45° C. when the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid is less than 50 minutes, and is preferably 20 to 45° C. when the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid is 50 minutes or more. In another embodiment, the temperature of the second immersion liquid is preferably 20 to 45° C. when the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid is less than 40 minutes, and is preferably 20 to 35° C. when the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid is 40 minutes or more.

[0054] In one embodiment, the temperature of the second immersion liquid is preferably 20 to 45°C when the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid is less than 40 minutes, and is preferably 13 to 45°C when the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid is 40 minutes or more.

[0055] In one embodiment of the heat-retaining step in the production method of the present invention (i.e., the step of immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid), (i) the temperature of the second immersion liquid is 20 to 45°C and the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid may be 20 to 65 minutes, or (ii) the temperature of the second immersion liquid is 13 to less than 20°C and the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid may be 40 to 65 minutes. In another embodiment of the heat-retaining step in the production method of the present invention, (i) the temperature of the second immersion liquid is 20 to 42°C and the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid may be 22 to 63 minutes, or (ii) the temperature of the second immersion liquid is 13.5 to less than 20°C and the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid may be 42 to 63 minutes. In one embodiment of the heat-retaining step in the production method of the present invention, (i) the temperature of the second immersion liquid is 20 to 38°C and the solidified material is immersed in the second immersion liquid for 23 to 62 minutes, or (ii) the temperature of the second immersion liquid is 14 to 20°C and the solidified material is immersed in the second immersion liquid for 43 to 62 minutes. In one embodiment of the heat-retaining step in the production method of the present invention, (i) the temperature of the second immersion liquid is 20 to 35°C and the solidified material is immersed in the second immersion liquid for 24 to 61 minutes, or (ii) the temperature of the second immersion liquid is 14.5 to 20°C and the solidified material is immersed in the second immersion liquid for 44 to 61 minutes.

[0056] In one embodiment of the heat-retaining step in the production method of the present invention, (i) the temperature of the second immersion liquid is preferably 20 to 45°C, and the solidified material is immersed in the second immersion liquid for 20 to 65 minutes, (i') the temperature of the second immersion liquid is more preferably 22 to 42°C, and the solidified material is immersed in the second immersion liquid for 22 to 63 minutes, (i'') the temperature of the second immersion liquid is still more preferably 23 to 38°C, and the solidified material is immersed in the second immersion liquid for 23 to 62 minutes, and (i''') the temperature of the second immersion liquid is particularly preferably 24 to 35°C, and the solidified material is immersed in the second immersion liquid for 24 to 61 minutes.

[0057] In one embodiment of the heat-retaining step in the production method of the present invention, (ii) the temperature of the second immersion liquid is preferably 13°C or higher and lower than 20°C, and the solidified material is immersed in the second immersion liquid for 40 to 65 minutes, (ii') the temperature of the second immersion liquid is more preferably 13.5 to 18°C, and the solidified material is immersed in the second immersion liquid for 42 to 63 minutes, (ii'') the temperature of the second immersion liquid is still more preferably 14 to 17°C, and the solidified material is immersed in the second immersion liquid for 43 to 62 minutes, and (ii''') the temperature of the second immersion liquid is particularly preferably 14.5 to 16°C, and the solidified material is immersed in the second immersion liquid for 44 to 61 minutes.

[0058] In one embodiment, the total amount of heat imparted to the solidified material by the step of immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid (heat retention step) may be less than the amount of heat required to melt at least a portion of the crystalline portion of component A contained in the solidified material.

[0059] The production method of the present invention preferably includes a step of subjecting the solidified material subjected to the above-mentioned incubation step to a heat-drying treatment (sometimes referred to herein as a "heat-drying treatment step"). By subjecting the solidified material to a heat-drying treatment, the moisture content of the solidified material can be reduced, thereby adjusting the final moisture content of the solidified material (the moisture content of the ruminant feed additive composition). The method of heat-drying the solidified material is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the object of the present invention, and can be performed by a method known per se or a method equivalent thereto. For example, the heat-drying treatment can be performed by exposing the solidified material to an atmosphere (e.g., hot air, warm air, steam, etc.) set at a temperature lower than the melting point of component A (i.e., hydrogenated oil). As a specific example, the heat-drying treatment of the solidified material can be performed by fluidized bed drying. That is, in one embodiment, the production method of the present invention may include a step of immersing the solidified material in a second immersion liquid and then subjecting the solidified material to fluidized bed drying. Here, "fluidized bed drying" refers to a drying method in which heated air (hot air, warm air) is blown from below onto the material to be dried on a perforated plate, fluidizing the material (a state in which particles float in the air current and move randomly). Fluidized bed drying can be performed using a conventional fluidized bed dryer. The temperature (treatment temperature) of the heat-drying treatment of the solidified material is not particularly limited as long as the moisture content of the solidified material can be reduced, but it is preferably a temperature lower than the melting point of component A contained in the solidified material. For example, when the solidified material contains extremely hardened soybean oil (melting point: 67-68°C) as component A, the treatment temperature may be 60°C or lower, preferably 55°C or lower. The heat-drying treatment time (treatment time) of the solidified material can be appropriately set depending on the treatment temperature, the amount of solidified material, etc., but from the viewpoint of production efficiency, it is preferably 1 to 15 minutes, more preferably 3 to 12 minutes, and particularly preferably 5 to 11 minutes.

[0060] The production method of the present invention may further include other processing steps in addition to the above-mentioned heat-keeping step, or in addition to the above-mentioned heat-keeping step and heat-drying step, as long as the object of the present invention is not impaired. That is, the production method of the present invention may use the solidified material subjected to the heat-keeping step, or the solidified material subjected to the heat-keeping step and heat-drying step, as a feed additive composition for ruminants, or may use the solidified material as a feed additive composition for ruminants after further subjecting it to other processing steps as necessary. For example, the production method of the present invention may further include a step of coating the solidified material with a coating agent. Examples of coating agents that can be used in the production method of the present invention include hydrogenated oils, surfactants, natural vegetable oils, animal oils, vegetable oils, fatty acids or salts thereof, waxes, polysaccharides (e.g., chitosan, alginic acid, etc.), monoglycerides, diglycerides, triglycerides, fatty acid esters, fatty acid alcohols, celluloses (e.g., carboxymethyl cellulose, etc.), clay, silica, pH-sensitive polyvinyl derivatives (e.g., polyvinylpyrrolidone, etc.), acrylic resins (e.g., Resin No. IV, etc.), etc. The method for coating the solidified product is not particularly limited, and may be any known method, for example, the method described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,137,719, U.S. Pat. No. 8,182,851, etc., or a method equivalent thereto.

[0061] The content of component A (i.e., hydrogenated oil) in the ruminant feed additive composition obtained by the production method of the present invention is usually more than 23 wt. %, preferably 30 wt. % or more, more preferably 35 wt. % or more, and particularly preferably 40 wt. % or more, based on the weight of the feed additive composition. Furthermore, the content of component A in the ruminant feed additive composition obtained by the production method of the present invention is usually less than 60 wt. %, preferably 55 wt. % or less, more preferably 50 wt. % or less, and particularly preferably 45 wt. % or less, based on the weight of the feed additive composition.

[0062] The content of component B (i.e., lecithin) in the ruminant feed additive composition obtained by the production method of the present invention is usually 0.01% by weight or more, preferably 0.05% by weight or more, more preferably 0.5% by weight or more, even more preferably 0.7% by weight or more, and particularly preferably 0.9% by weight or more, based on the feed additive composition. The content of component B in the ruminant feed additive composition obtained by the production method of the present invention is usually 6% by weight or less, preferably 5% by weight or less, more preferably 3% by weight or less, even more preferably 2% by weight or less, and particularly preferably 1.4% by weight or less, based on the feed additive composition.

[0063] The content of component C (i.e., basic amino acid or a salt thereof) in the ruminant feed additive composition obtained by the production method of the present invention is usually 30% by weight or more, preferably 40% by weight or more, more preferably 45% by weight or more, and particularly preferably 50% by weight or more, based on the weight of the feed additive composition. Furthermore, the content of component C in the ruminant feed additive composition obtained by the production method of the present invention is usually 70% by weight or less, preferably 65% ​​by weight or less, more preferably 60% by weight or less, and particularly preferably 52% by weight or less, based on the weight of the feed additive composition.

[0064] The feed additive composition for ruminants obtained by the production method of the present invention may contain, in addition to component C, a biologically active substance other than component C (i.e., a basic amino acid or a salt thereof), but in one embodiment, the feed additive composition may be substantially free of biologically active substances other than component C. Here, the phrase "substantially free of" biologically active substances other than component C means either (1) the feed additive composition contains absolutely no biologically active substances other than component C, or (2) the feed additive composition contains biologically active substances other than component C in such small amounts (specifically, 0.1% by weight or less of the feed additive composition) that they do not exhibit physiologically active functions in the living body of a ruminant.

[0065] When the ruminant feed additive composition obtained by the production method of the present invention contains component D (i.e., natural vegetable oil), the content of component D is usually 0.01 wt% or more, preferably 0.03 wt% or more, more preferably 0.05 wt% or more, and particularly preferably 0.08 wt% or more, based on the feed additive composition. In this case, the content of component D in the ruminant feed additive composition obtained by the production method of the present invention is usually 0.6 wt% or less, preferably 0.4 wt% or less, more preferably 0.3 wt% or less, and particularly preferably 0.25 wt% or less, based on the feed additive composition.

[0066] The contents of components A to D in the ruminant feed additive composition obtained by the manufacturing method of the present invention can all be measured by a method known per se or a method equivalent thereto. For example, the content of component C can be measured using a biosensor (manufactured by Oji Scientific Instruments Co., Ltd.).

[0067] The ruminant feed additive composition obtained by the production method of the present invention may contain water. The water contained in the ruminant feed additive composition obtained by the production method of the present invention may be the same as the water contained in the first soaking liquid or the second soaking liquid. When the ruminant feed additive composition obtained by the production method of the present invention contains water, the water content (moisture content) of the feed additive composition is preferably 0.01 wt% or more, more preferably 0.1 wt% or more, even more preferably 0.2 wt% or more, and particularly preferably 2 wt% or more, from the viewpoint of providing high ruminal protection of the feed additive composition. In this case, the water content (moisture content) of the ruminant feed additive composition obtained by the production method of the present invention is preferably 7.5 wt% or less, more preferably 6 wt% or less, even more preferably 5.5 wt% or less, even more preferably 5 wt% or less, and particularly preferably 4.5 wt% or less, from the viewpoint of providing high ruminal protection of the feed additive composition. The water content of the feed additive composition for ruminants obtained by the production method of the present invention is determined by loss on drying method (110°C, 3 hours).

[0068] The shape of the ruminant feed additive composition obtained by the production method of the present invention is not particularly limited, but a shape that is easy for ruminants to ingest is preferred, such as a spherical shape, granular shape, pellet shape, rugby ball shape, rolled barley shape, egg shape, tablet shape, etc.

[0069] In one embodiment, the feed additive composition for ruminants obtained by the production method of the present invention may be spherical or nearly spherical. The particle size of the feed additive composition for ruminants obtained by the production method of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is usually 0.1 to 20 mm, and from the viewpoint of the degree of mixing with the feed, it is preferably 0.3 to 10 mm, and more preferably 0.5 to 5 mm. In the present invention, the particle size of the feed additive composition for ruminants is determined by sieving through a standard sieve specified in JIS Z 8801 of the Japanese Industrial Standards.

[0070] The ruminant feed additive composition obtained by the production method of the present invention may, in one embodiment, be a dispersed type (also referred to as a matrix type). Here, a "dispersed type" ruminant feed additive composition refers to a ruminant feed additive composition containing each component (e.g., at least components A to C) including a biologically active substance, with each component being substantially uniformly dispersed. Furthermore, the ruminant feed additive composition obtained by the production method of the present invention may, in one embodiment, be a coated type in which a dispersed type core is coated with a coating agent. Here, a "coated type in which a dispersed type core is coated with a coating agent" ruminant feed additive composition refers to a ruminant feed additive composition in which the center (core) is dispersed type (containing each component, including a biologically active substance, with each component being substantially uniformly dispersed), and the surface of the core is coated with a coating agent.

[0071] In one embodiment, when the feed additive composition for ruminants obtained by the production method of the present invention is a dispersion type, the feed additive composition may be one in which at least component C (i.e., a basic amino acid or a salt thereof) is dispersed in component A (i.e., a hydrogenated oil), or one in which at least component B (i.e., a lecithin) and component C are dispersed in component A.

[0072] The ruminant feed additive composition obtained by the production method of the present invention may have a surface layer that is substantially free of biologically active substances (such as component C). The ruminant feed additive composition can have water repellency by having a surface layer that is substantially free of biologically active substances. Here, the term "layer that is substantially free of biologically active substances" refers to a layer that contains no biologically active substances at all, or a layer that contains biologically active substances in an amount that does not affect the water repellency of the ruminant feed additive composition.

[0073] When the ruminant feed additive composition obtained by the production method of the present invention has a layer that is substantially free of biologically active substances, the thickness of the layer is usually 10 to 110 μm, and from the viewpoint of providing the ruminant feed additive composition with excellent water repellency, it is preferably 10 to 80 μm.

[0074] The method for evaluating the protection in the rumen and the elution in the lower digestive tract of the ruminant feed additive composition obtained by the production method of the present invention is not particularly limited. For example, the protection in the rumen and the elution in the lower digestive tract can be evaluated based on the protection rate and elution rate of the biologically active substance (e.g., component C) measured and calculated by the following method. <Measurement of the concentration (concentration X) of the biologically active substance for calculating the protection rate> Using a elution tester (manufactured by Toyama Sangyo Co., Ltd.), approximately 3 g of a sample (ruminant feed additive composition) is added to 900 mL of ultrapure water (produced using an ultrapure water production system (Milli-Q, manufactured by Merck Millipore)) heated to a temperature equivalent to the body temperature of a ruminant (e.g., dairy cow) (e.g., 39°C), and the mixture is stirred at 100 rpm. 20 hours after the start of stirring, 2 mL of the test solution is sampled for measurement of the protection rate, and the concentration of the biologically active substance (unit: mg / mL) is measured using a biosensor (manufactured by Oji Scientific Instruments Co., Ltd.). The measured concentration is referred to below as "concentration X." <Measurement of the concentration (concentration Y) of a biologically active substance for calculating the dissolution rate> To the test solution immediately after collecting the sample for protection rate measurement, 8 mL of an aqueous solution of bile powder (manufactured by FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) and pancreatin (manufactured by FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) (the concentrations of bile powder and pancreatin were both 23.4 g / 100 mL) was added while continuing to stir at 100 rpm to prepare a test solution equivalent to the small intestine. Five hours after adding the aqueous solution, 2 mL was collected from the test solution under stirring for dissolution rate measurement, and the concentration (unit: mg / mL) of the biologically active substance was measured using a biosensor (manufactured by Oji Scientific Instruments Co., Ltd.). The measured concentration is referred to below as "concentration Y." <Calculation of the protection rate and dissolution rate of a biologically active substance> The protection rate and dissolution rate of a biologically active substance were calculated from the concentrations X and Y measured above using the following formula. Protection rate [%] = {1 - (concentration X [mg / mL] x 900) / (sample weight [g] x 1000 x content of biologically active substance in sample [wt%] / 100)} x 100 Dissolution rate [%] = {((concentration Y [mg / mL] - concentration X [mg / mL]) x 900) / (sample weight [g] x 1000 x content of biologically active substance in sample [wt%] / 100)} x 100

[0075] The protection rate of the biologically active substance (e.g., component C) in the ruminant feed additive composition obtained by the production method of the present invention is preferably 70% or more, more preferably 80% or more, and particularly preferably 85% or more. There is no particular upper limit to the protection rate, and it may be 100% or less.

[0076] The elution rate of the biologically active substance (e.g., component C) from the ruminant feed additive composition obtained by the production method of the present invention is preferably 30% or more, more preferably 40% or more, and particularly preferably 45% or more. The higher the elution rate, the better, and there is no particular upper limit.

[0077] When the feed additive composition for ruminants obtained by the production method of the present invention is stored at 40°C for one month after production of the feed additive composition, the protection rate of the biologically active substance (component C, etc.) after storage is preferably 50% or more, more preferably 60% or more, and particularly preferably 65% ​​or more.

[0078] In one embodiment, the feed additive composition for ruminants obtained by the production method of the present invention may have high protection in the rumen and high elution properties in the lower gastrointestinal tract, and at the same time may have excellent storage stability. Specifically, the feed additive composition for ruminants obtained by the production method of the present invention has a protection rate of biologically active substances (component C, etc.) of 70% or more (more preferably 80% or more, particularly preferably 85% or more), an elution rate of biologically active substances (component C, etc.) of 30% or more (more preferably 40% or more, particularly preferably 45% or more), and when the feed additive composition is stored at 40°C for one month after production, the protection rate of biologically active substances (component C, etc.) after storage is preferably 50% or more (more preferably 60% or more, particularly preferably 65% ​​or more).

[0079] When the ruminant feed additive composition obtained by the production method of the present invention is stored at 40°C for one month after production of the feed additive composition, the rate of change in the protection rate of the biologically active substance (component C, etc.) before and after storage is preferably 20% or less, more preferably 15% or less, even more preferably 10% or less, and particularly preferably 5% or less. Here, the "rate of change in the protection rate of the biologically active substance before and after storage" is calculated from the protection rate of the biologically active substance before and after storage using the following formula: Rate of change in the protection rate of the biologically active substance before and after storage [%] = (protection rate of the biologically active substance before storage [%] - protection rate of the biologically active substance after storage [%]) / protection rate of the biologically active substance before storage [%] × 100

[0080] The amount of the ruminant feed additive composition obtained by the production method of the present invention to be used is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately determined depending on the amount of biologically active substance (component C, etc.) required in ruminants.

[0081] The present invention also provides a method for improving the storage stability of a feed additive composition for ruminants (hereinafter also referred to as "the improving method of the present invention").

[0082] The ruminant feed additive composition for which the improvement method of the present invention can be used is produced by a method comprising immersing a molten mixture containing (A) hydrogenated oil, (B) lecithin, and (C) a basic amino acid or a salt thereof in an aqueous liquid (first immersion liquid) and solidifying it to obtain a solidified product.

[0083] The "solidified product" in the improvement method of the present invention may be the same as the "solidified product" in the manufacturing method of the present invention described above, and preferred embodiments and preparation methods are also the same. Therefore, the "molten mixture" that is immersed in an aqueous liquid (first immersion liquid) to obtain the solidified product, and the "component A," "component B," and "component C" contained in the molten mixture may be the same as the "molten mixture," "component A," "component B," and "component C," respectively, in the manufacturing method of the present invention described above, and preferred embodiments and preparation methods are also the same. The "first immersion liquid" used to prepare the solidified product may be the same as the "first immersion liquid" in the manufacturing method of the present invention described above, and preferred embodiments are also the same.

[0084] The improvement method of the present invention includes a step of immersing the solidified material in an aqueous liquid (second immersion liquid) at a temperature higher than that of the first immersion liquid. This step may be the same as the "warming step" in the production method of the present invention described above, and preferred embodiments thereof are also the same. Therefore, the "second immersion liquid" in which the solidified material is immersed may be the same as the "second immersion liquid" in the production method of the present invention described above, and preferred embodiments thereof are also the same. The temperature of the second immersion liquid when immersing the solidified material and the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid may also be set in the same manner as in the production method of the present invention described above.

[0085] The improvement method of the present invention may include a step of immersing the solidified material in a second immersion liquid (heat-retaining step), followed by a step of subjecting the solidified material subjected to the heat-retaining step to a heat-drying treatment (heat-drying treatment step). This step may be the same as the "heat-drying treatment step" in the production method of the present invention described above, and preferred embodiments thereof may also be the same.

[0086] A feed additive composition for ruminants for which the improvement method of the present invention can be used may have the same characteristics as the feed additive composition for ruminants obtained by the above-mentioned production method of the present invention.

[0087] In one embodiment, the improvement method of the present invention may be a method for improving the protection rate of a biologically active substance (such as component C) after storage to 50% or more (more preferably 60% or more, particularly preferably 65% ​​or more) when a feed additive composition for ruminants is stored at 40°C for one month after production.

[0088] In one embodiment, the improvement method of the present invention may be a method for reducing the rate of change in the protection rate of a biologically active substance (such as component C) before and after storage to 20% or less (more preferably 15% or less, even more preferably 10% or less, and particularly preferably 5% or less) when the ruminant feed additive composition is stored at 40°C for one month after production.

[0089] The present invention will be explained in more detail in the following examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples in any way.

[0090] In the following Test Examples 1 to 3, the protection rate and dissolution rate of the biologically active substance in the ruminant feed additive composition (hereinafter also referred to simply as the "protection rate" and "dissolution rate") were measured and calculated using the following method. <Measurement of the concentration of the biologically active substance (concentration X) for calculating the protection rate> Using a dissolution tester (manufactured by Toyama Sangyo Co., Ltd.), approximately 3 g of a sample (ruminant feed additive composition) was added to 900 mL of ultrapure water (produced using an ultrapure water production system (Milli-Q, manufactured by Merck Millipore)) heated to 39°C, which corresponds to the body temperature of a dairy cow, and stirred at 100 rpm. 20 hours after the start of stirring, 2 mL of the test solution was sampled for measurement of the protection rate, and the concentration of the biologically active substance (unit: mg / mL) was measured using a biosensor (manufactured by Oji Scientific Instruments Co., Ltd.). The measured concentration is hereinafter referred to as "concentration X." <Measurement of the Concentration (Concentration Y) of Biologically Active Substance for Calculating Dissolution Rate> Immediately after collecting the sample for protection rate measurement, 8 mL of an aqueous solution of bile powder (manufactured by FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) and pancreatin (manufactured by FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) (the concentrations of bile powder and pancreatin were both 23.4 g / 100 mL) was added to the test solution to prepare a small intestine-equivalent test solution while continuing to stir at 100 rpm. Five hours after the addition of the aqueous solution, 2 mL was collected from the stirring test solution for dissolution rate measurement, and the concentration (unit: mg / mL) of the biologically active substance was measured using a biosensor (manufactured by Oji Scientific Instruments Co., Ltd.). The measured concentration is hereinafter referred to as "concentration Y." <Calculation of Protection Rate and Dissolution Rate of Biologically Active Substance> The protection rate and dissolution rate of the biologically active substance were calculated using the following formula from the concentrations X and Y measured above. Protection rate [%] = {1 - (concentration X [mg / mL] x 900) / (sample weight [g] x 1000 x content of biologically active substance in sample [wt%] / 100)} x 100 Dissolution rate [%] = {((concentration Y [mg / mL] - concentration X [mg / mL]) x 900) / (sample weight [g] x 1000 x content of biologically active substance in sample [wt%] / 100)} x 100

[0091] In the following Test Examples 1 to 3, the content of biologically active substances in ruminant feed additive compositions was measured by the following method. <Measurement of the content of biologically active substances in ruminant feed additive compositions> 1.00 g of sample (ruminant feed additive composition) and 20.0 g of pure water were weighed into a 50 mL FALCON conical tube and sealed. The tube was then immersed in a 90°C thermostatic water bath for 1 hour to dissolve the hydrogenated oil (hydrogenated soybean oil) in the sample. After cooling, 1 mL of concentrated hydrochloric acid was added and ultrasonicated for 10 minutes. The mixture was then transferred to a 100 mL volumetric flask, filled with pure water, and filtered through a 0.45 μm filter. The resulting filtrate (aqueous solution) was analyzed using a biosensor (Oji Scientific Instruments) to determine the content (wt%) of biologically active substances in the ruminant feed additive composition.

[0092] In the following Test Examples 1 to 3, the water content of the ruminant feed additive compositions was measured by the loss on drying method (110°C, 3 hours).

[0093] Test Example 1 (Production of Ruminant Feed Additive Composition of Example 1) L-lysine hydrochloride (manufactured by Ajinomoto Co., Inc.), soybean lecithin (manufactured by ADM), and hydrogenated soybean oil (manufactured by AGP) were premixed to the blending ratio shown in Table 1 below. The resulting mixture was continuously fed into a feeder connected to the hopper of a laboratory twin-screw extruder (manufactured by Cosmotec Co., Ltd.). The mixture was then heated in the extruder (preheating temperature: 68°C, main heating temperature: 85°C, outlet temperature: 77°C) to melt and mix, yielding a molten mixture in a uniformly dispersed molten slurry state. The resulting molten mixture was discharged from the extruder outlet and fed into a multi-hole shooter (number of holes: 2060, hole diameter: 2 mm). The molten mixture was then allowed to fall naturally through the holes in the multi-hole shooter into a water tank containing water (first immersion liquid). The temperature of the first immersion liquid when the molten mixture was dropped (and immersed) was 0 to 10°C. The molten mixture dropped from the multi-hole shooter became droplets during the drop, and was instantly solidified by cooling in the first immersion liquid (water). The granular solid thus obtained was immersed in the first immersion liquid for 4 to 5 minutes, collected, and then immersed in water (second immersion liquid) at 33°C for 45 minutes (warming step). After the warming step, the solidified product was dehydrated from the surface and then subjected to a heat drying treatment (fluidized bed drying) for 11 minutes in a fluidized bed dryer (manufactured by Freund Corporation) set at 52°C to obtain a feed additive composition for ruminants. This feed additive composition is hereinafter referred to as the "composition of Example 1."

[0094]

[0095] (Production of a feed additive composition for ruminants of Comparative Example 1) A feed additive composition for ruminants was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the solidified material collected from the first soaking liquid was not subjected to an incubation step. This feed additive composition is hereinafter referred to as the "composition of Comparative Example 1."

[0096] (Production of ruminant feed additive compositions of Examples 2 to 9 and Comparative Examples 2 to 5) Ruminant feed additive compositions were produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the temperature and time of the incubation step (i.e., the temperature of the second immersion liquid when the solidified material was immersed and the time for which the solidified material was immersed in the second immersion liquid) were changed as shown in Table 2 below. These feed additive compositions are hereinafter referred to as "composition of Example 2" to "composition of Example 9" and "composition of Comparative Example 2" to "composition of Comparative Example 5", respectively.

[0097]

[0098] (Evaluation of the protective effect of ruminant feed additive compositions in the rumen) The protective rate of the compositions of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5 was measured and calculated, and the protective effect of each composition in the rumen was evaluated based on the following criteria: [Evaluation criteria for protective effect in the rumen] ++: Protection rate is 80% or more +: Protection rate is 70% or more but less than 80% ±: Protection rate is 60% or more but less than 70% -: Protection rate is less than 60%

[0099] (Evaluation of dissolution property of ruminant feed additive compositions in the lower digestive tract) The dissolution rates of the compositions of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5 were measured and calculated, and the dissolution property of each composition in the lower digestive tract was evaluated based on the following criteria: [Evaluation criteria for dissolution property in the lower digestive tract] ++: Dissolution rate is 50% or more +: Dissolution rate is 40% or more but less than 50% ±: Dissolution rate is 30% or more but less than 40% -: Dissolution rate is less than 30%

[0100] (Evaluation of storage stability of ruminant feed additive compositions) After production, the compositions of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5 were stored at 40°C for one month, and then the protection rate of the composition (protection rate after storage) was measured and calculated, and the storage stability of each composition was evaluated based on the following criteria. [Evaluation criteria for storage stability] ++: Protection rate after storage is 60% or more +: Protection rate after storage is 50% or more and less than 60% ±: Protection rate after storage is 40% or more and less than 50% -: Protection rate after storage is less than 40%

[0101] (Calculation of the rate of change in protection rate before and after storage of ruminant feed additive compositions) The rate of change in protection rate before and after storage was calculated using the following formula from the protection rate measured before the compositions of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5 were stored at 40°C for one month (protection rate before storage) and the protection rate measured after the compositions were stored at 40°C for one month (protection rate after storage). Rate of change in protection rate before and after storage [%] = (protection rate before storage [%] - protection rate after storage [%]) / protection rate before storage [%] × 100

[0102] The evaluation results of the protection in the rumen, dissolution in the lower gastrointestinal tract, and storage stability of the compositions of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5 are shown in Tables 3 and 4 below. The values ​​in parentheses below the evaluation results are the protection rate and dissolution rate (unit: %) measured and calculated for each evaluation. The measurement results of the moisture content of the compositions of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5 are also shown in Tables 3 and 4 below.

[0103]

[0104]

[0105] As shown in Table 3, all of the compositions of Examples 1 to 9, in which the temperature of the incubation step (i.e., the temperature of the second immersion liquid when the solidified material was immersed) was 25 to 40°C and the time of the incubation step (i.e., the time the solidified material was immersed in the second immersion liquid) was 25 to 60 minutes, exhibited excellent storage stability. Furthermore, the compositions of Examples 1 to 9 not only exhibited excellent storage stability but also provided high protection in the rumen and high elution in the lower gastrointestinal tract. On the other hand, as shown in Table 4, the composition of Comparative Example 1, in which no incubation step was performed, the composition of Comparative Example 2, in which the incubation step temperature was 5°C, the compositions of Comparative Examples 3 and 4, in which the incubation time was 10 minutes, and the composition of Comparative Example 5, in which the incubation step temperature was 50°C, did not exhibit excellent storage stability.

[0106] Test Example 2 (Production of a feed additive composition for ruminants of Example 10) A feed additive composition for ruminants was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 of Test Example 1, except that L-lysine hydrochloride (manufactured by Ajinomoto Co., Inc.), soybean lecithin (manufactured by ADM) and hydrogenated soybean oil (manufactured by AGP) were premixed to the blending ratio shown in Table 5 below, and the temperature and time of the incubation step (i.e., the temperature of the second immersion liquid when the solidified material was immersed and the time for which the solidified material was immersed in the second immersion liquid) were changed as shown in Table 6 below. This feed additive composition is hereinafter referred to as the "composition of Example 10."

[0107] (Production of ruminant feed additive composition of Example 11) A ruminant feed additive composition was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 of Test Example 1, except that, instead of premixing L-lysine hydrochloride, soybean lecithin, and hydrogenated soybean oil, L-lysine hydrochloride (manufactured by Ajinomoto Co., Inc.), soybean lecithin (manufactured by ADM), hydrogenated soybean oil (manufactured by AGP), and olive oil (manufactured by J-Oil Mills Co., Ltd.) were premixed to the blending ratio shown in Table 5 below, and the temperature and time of the incubation step (i.e., the temperature of the second immersion liquid when the solidified material was immersed and the time for which the solidified material was immersed in the second immersion liquid) were changed as shown in Table 6 below. This feed additive composition is hereinafter referred to as the "composition of Example 11."

[0108] (Production of Ruminant Feed Additive Composition of Example 12) A ruminant feed additive composition was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 of Test Example 1, except that, instead of premixing L-lysine hydrochloride, soybean lecithin, and hydrogenated soybean oil, L-lysine hydrochloride (manufactured by Ajinomoto Co., Inc.), L-histidine hydrochloride (manufactured by Ajinomoto Co., Inc.), soybean lecithin (manufactured by ADM Co., Ltd.), hydrogenated soybean oil (manufactured by AGP Co., Ltd.), and olive oil (manufactured by J-Oil Mills Co., Ltd.) were premixed to the blending ratio shown in Table 5 below, and the temperature and time of the incubation step (i.e., the temperature of the second immersion liquid when the solidified material was immersed and the time for which the solidified material was immersed in the second immersion liquid) were changed as shown in Table 6 below. This feed additive composition is hereinafter referred to as the "composition of Example 12."

[0109] (Production of ruminant feed additive composition of Example 13) A ruminant feed additive composition was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 of Test Example 1, except that, instead of premixing L-lysine hydrochloride, soybean lecithin, and hydrogenated soybean oil, L-arginine (manufactured by Ajinomoto Co., Inc.), soybean lecithin (manufactured by ADM), and hydrogenated soybean oil (manufactured by AGP) were premixed to the blending ratio shown in Table 5 below, and the temperature and time of the incubation step (i.e., the temperature of the second immersion liquid when the solidified material was immersed and the time for which the solidified material was immersed in the second immersion liquid) were changed as shown in Table 6 below. This feed additive composition is hereinafter referred to as the "composition of Example 13."

[0110]

[0111]

[0112] (Evaluation of protection in the rumen, dissolution in the lower digestive tract, and storage stability of ruminant feed additive compositions) The protection rates of the compositions of Examples 10 to 13 were measured and calculated, and the protection in the rumen of each composition was evaluated based on the same criteria as in Test Example 1. The dissolution rates of the compositions of Examples 10 to 13 were measured and calculated, and the dissolution in the lower digestive tract of each composition was evaluated based on the same criteria as in Test Example 1. The compositions of Examples 10 to 13 were stored at 40°C for 1 month after production, and then the protection rates of the compositions (protection rates after storage) were measured and calculated, and the storage stability of each composition was evaluated based on the same criteria as in Test Example 1.

[0113] The evaluation results of the protection in the rumen, dissolution in the lower gastrointestinal tract, and storage stability of the compositions of Examples 10 to 13 are shown in Table 7 below. The values ​​in parentheses below the evaluation results are the protection rate and dissolution rate (unit: %) measured and calculated for each evaluation. The measurement results of the moisture content of the compositions of Examples 10 to 13 are also shown in Table 7 below.

[0114]

[0115] As shown in Table 7, all of the compositions of Examples 10 to 13, in which the temperature of the incubation step (i.e., the temperature of the second immersion liquid when the solidified material was immersed) was 33 to 39°C and the time of the incubation step (i.e., the time the solidified material was immersed in the second immersion liquid) was 30 to 55 minutes, had excellent storage stability. Furthermore, the compositions of Examples 10 to 13 not only had excellent storage stability, but also had high protection in the rumen and high dissolution properties in the lower digestive tract.

[0116] Test Example 3 (Production of ruminant feed additive compositions of Examples 14 and 15, and Comparative Examples 6 to 9) Ruminant feed additive compositions were produced in the same manner as in Example 1 of Test Example 1, except that the temperature and time of the incubation step (i.e., the temperature of the second immersion liquid when the solidified material was immersed and the time for which the solidified material was immersed in the second immersion liquid) were changed as shown in Table 8 below. These feed additive compositions are hereinafter referred to as "the composition of Example 14," "the composition of Example 15," and "the composition of Comparative Example 6" to "the composition of Comparative Example 9," respectively.

[0117]

[0118] (Evaluation of protection in the rumen, dissolution in the lower digestive tract, and storage stability of ruminant feed additive compositions) The protection rates of the compositions of Examples 14 and 15 and Comparative Examples 6 to 9 were measured and calculated, and the protection in the rumen of each composition was evaluated based on the same criteria as in Test Example 1. Furthermore, the dissolution rates of the compositions of Examples 14 and 15 and Comparative Examples 6 to 9 were measured and calculated, and the dissolution in the lower digestive tract of each composition was evaluated based on the same criteria as in Test Example 1. Furthermore, the compositions of Examples 14 and 15 and Comparative Examples 6 to 9 were stored at 40°C for 1 month after production, and then the protection rates of the compositions (protection rates after storage) were measured and calculated, and the storage stability of each composition was evaluated based on the same criteria as in Test Example 1.

[0119] The evaluation results of the protection in the rumen, dissolution in the lower gastrointestinal tract, and storage stability of the compositions of Examples 14 and 15 and Comparative Examples 6 to 9 are shown in Table 9 below. The values ​​in parentheses below the evaluation results are the protection rate and dissolution rate (unit: %) measured and calculated for each evaluation. The measurement results of the moisture content of the compositions of Examples 14 and 15 and Comparative Examples 6 to 9 are also shown in Table 9 below.

[0120]

[0121] As shown in Table 9, the compositions of Examples 14 and 15, in which the temperature of the incubation step (i.e., the temperature of the second immersion liquid when the solidified material was immersed) was 15°C and the time of the incubation step (i.e., the time the solidified material was immersed in the second immersion liquid) was 45 or 60 minutes, both had excellent storage stability. Furthermore, the compositions of Examples 14 and 15 not only had excellent storage stability, but also had high protection in the rumen and high dissolution properties in the lower digestive tract.

[0122] The results of Test Examples 1 to 3 suggest that the storage stability of a feed additive composition for ruminants can be improved by immersing the molten mixture in an aqueous liquid (first immersion liquid) to solidify it, and then immersing the solidified product in an aqueous liquid (second immersion liquid) at a temperature higher than that of the first immersion liquid under specific conditions (temperature, time).

[0123] The present invention provides a method for effectively improving the storage stability of a feed additive composition for ruminants. The present invention also provides a feed additive composition for ruminants that has excellent storage stability (preferably, high protection in the rumen, high elution in the lower digestive tract, and also excellent storage stability), and a method for producing the same.

[0124] This application is based on patent application No. 2024-108382 filed in Japan (filing date: July 4, 2024), the contents of which are incorporated in their entirety herein.

Claims

1. A method for producing a feed additive composition for ruminants, comprising the steps of: immersing a molten mixture containing (A) hydrogenated oil having a melting point higher than 50°C and lower than 90°C, (B) lecithin, and (C) a basic amino acid or a salt thereof in an aqueous liquid (hereinafter referred to as the "first immersion liquid") to solidify the resulting solid; and immersing the solid in an aqueous liquid (hereinafter referred to as the "second immersion liquid") having a temperature higher than that of the first immersion liquid; wherein: (i) the temperature of the second immersion liquid is 20 to 45°C, and the immersion time of the solidified material in the second immersion liquid is 20 to 65 minutes; or (ii) the temperature of the second immersion liquid is 13°C or higher but lower than 20°C, and the immersion time of the solidified material in the second immersion liquid is 40 to 65 minutes.

2. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the temperature of the second immersion liquid is 20 to 45°C, and the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid is 20 to 65 minutes.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the molten mixture further contains (D) a natural vegetable oil.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein (C) is at least one selected from the group consisting of lysine, arginine, histidine, and salts thereof.

5. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the content of said (C) in said molten mixture is 20 to 70% by weight.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the water content of the feed additive composition is 0.01 to 6% by weight.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the feed additive composition is in a dispersed form.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the feed additive composition has a post-storage biologically active substance protection rate of 50% or more when stored at 40°C for one month after production, as measured and calculated by the following method. <Method for measuring and calculating the post-storage biologically active substance protection rate> Using a dissolution tester, 3 g of the stored ruminant feed additive composition as a sample is placed in 900 mL of ultrapure water heated to a temperature equivalent to the body temperature of ruminants, and stirred at 100 rpm. Twenty hours after the start of stirring, 2 mL of the test solution is taken for measurement of the protection rate, and the concentration of the biologically active substance (unit: mg / mL) is measured using a biosensor. The measured concentration is hereinafter referred to as "concentration X." Immediately after collecting the sample for measuring the protection rate, 8 mL of an aqueous solution of bile powder and pancreatin was added to the test solution while continuing to stir at 100 rpm to prepare a test solution equivalent to the small intestine. Five hours after adding the aqueous solution, 2 mL was collected from the test solution while stirring for measuring the dissolution rate, and the concentration (unit: mg / mL) of the biologically active substance was measured using a biosensor. The measured concentration is hereinafter referred to as "concentration Y." The protection rate of the biologically active substance is calculated from the concentrations X and Y measured above using the following formula: Protection rate [%] = {1 - (concentration X [mg / mL] × 900) / (sample weight [g] × 1000 × content of biologically active substance in sample [wt %] / 100)} × 100 9. A method for improving the storage stability of a feed additive composition for ruminants, which is produced by a process comprising immersing a molten mixture containing (A) hydrogenated oil having a melting point higher than 50°C and lower than 90°C, (B) lecithin, and (C) a basic amino acid or a salt thereof in an aqueous liquid (hereinafter referred to as a first immersion liquid) and solidifying it to obtain a solidified product, the method comprising immersing the solidified product in an aqueous liquid (hereinafter referred to as a second immersion liquid) having a temperature higher than that of the first immersion liquid, wherein: (i) the temperature of the second immersion liquid is 20 to 45°C, and the immersion time of the solidified product in the second immersion liquid is 20 to 65 minutes, or (ii) the temperature of the second immersion liquid is 13°C or higher and lower than 20°C, and the immersion time of the solidified product in the second immersion liquid is 40 to 65 minutes.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the temperature of the second immersion liquid is 20 to 45°C, and the time for immersing the solidified material in the second immersion liquid is 20 to 65 minutes.

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