U.S. patent application number 10/142685 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-17 for animal food and method.
Invention is credited to Hall, David D., Moser, Ronny L., Orr, Donald E. JR., Webel, Douglas M., Wilson, Mark E..
Application Number | 20030072787 10/142685 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22775278 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030072787 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wilson, Mark E. ; et
al. |
April 17, 2003 |
Animal food and method
Abstract
The present invention is directed to compositions and methods
for increasing the reproductive performance of breeding populations
of swine. The swine feed compositions of the present invention are
animal feed blends including marine animal products such as a fish
oil or fish meal products. Methods include administering to the
female swine a biologically effective amount of the swine feed
composition comprising marine animal products wherein the marine
animal products contain omega-3 fatty acids or esters thereof that
serve as a source of metabolites in the female swine, to improve
reproductive performance of the female swine. The methods can also
be used to increase the fertility of a male swine, and can be used
to increase the reproductive performance of both male and female
animals by feeding the swine feed composition to both the male and
female swine.
Inventors: |
Wilson, Mark E.; (Madison,
WI) ; Moser, Ronny L.; (Gridley, IL) ; Orr,
Donald E. JR.; (Noblesville, IN) ; Hall, David
D.; (Noblesville, IN) ; Webel, Douglas M.;
(Westfield, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BARNES & THORNBURG
11 South Meridian Street
Indianapolis
IN
46204
US
|
Family ID: |
22775278 |
Appl. No.: |
10/142685 |
Filed: |
May 10, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10142685 |
May 10, 2002 |
|
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|
09870899 |
May 31, 2001 |
|
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60208616 |
Jun 1, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
424/442 ;
424/523 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23K 20/158 20160501;
A23K 50/00 20160501; A23K 10/22 20160501 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/442 ;
424/523 |
International
Class: |
A61K 035/60 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A method of increasing the reproductive performance of a female
swine, comprising the step of administering to the female swine a
biologically effective amount of a feed composition comprising
marine animal products containing-omega-3 fatty acids or esters
thereof that serve as a source of metabolites in the female swine
to improve reproductive performance of the female swine.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the marine animal product is
selected from the group consisting of a fish oil, a fish oil
derived from a fish meal product, and a fish meal product or a
mixture thereof.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the marine animal product
comprises a fish oil from a North Atlantic cold water fish.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the fish oil comprises salmon
oil.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the feed composition further
comprises omega-6 fatty acids or esters thereof.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the omega-6 fatty acids/esters to
omega-3 fatty acids/esters ratio in the feed composition as a final
mixture is from about 3:1 to about 20:1.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the omega-3 fatty acids comprise
C.sub.20 and C.sub.22 omega-3 fatty acids.
8. The method of claim 4 wherein the feed composition as a final
mixture comprises about 0.025% to about 1% by weight of salmon
oil.
9. The method of claim 2 wherein the feed composition as a final
mixture comprises about 0.025% to about 1% by weight of the fish
oil.
10. The method of claim 4 wherein the feed composition as a final
mixture comprises about 0.025% to about 2% by weight of salmon
oil.
11. The method of claim 2 wherein the feed composition as a final
mixture comprises about 0.025% to about 2% by weight of the fish
oil.
12. The method of claim 2 wherein the feed composition as a final
mixture comprises about 1% to about 10% by weight of the fish meal
product.
13. The method of claim 1 wherein the feed composition is
administered daily to the female animal.
14. The method of claim 1 wherein the feed composition is
administered to the female swine beginning about 30 days before a
first mating of the female swine during an estrus and continuing
through a second mating of the female swine during the same
estrus.
15. The method of claim 1 wherein the feed composition is
administered to the female swine beginning about 1 to about 4 days
prior to parturition and continuing through the next breeding.
16. The method of claim 1 wherein the feed composition is
administered during lactation.
17. The method of claim 1 wherein the feed composition as a final
mixture further comprises an antioxidant.
18. The method of claim 2 wherein the omega fatty acids in the fish
oil are stabilized by prilling.
19. A method of increasing the number of live births to a female
swine, comprising the step of administering to the female swine a
biologically effective amount of a feed composition comprising
marine animal products containing omega-3 fatty acids or esters
thereof that serve as a source of metabolites in the female swine
to increase the number of live births to the female swine.
20. A method of increasing the total number of births to a female
swine, comprising the step of administering to the female swine a
biologically effective amount of a feed composition comprising
marine animal products containing omega-3 fatty acids or esters
thereof that serve as a source of metabolites in the female swine
to increase the total number of births to the female swine.
21. A method of decreasing the interval from weaning to estrus for
a female swine, comprising the step of administering to the female
swine a biologically effective amount of a feed composition
comprising marine animal products containing omega-3 fatty acids or
esters thereof that serve as a source of metabolites in the female
swine to decrease the interval from weaning to estrus for a female
swine.
22. A method of decreasing the interval from weaning to remating
for a female swine, comprising the step of administering to the
female swine a biologically effective amount of a feed composition
comprising marine animal products containing omega-3 fatty acids or
esters thereof that serve as a source of metabolites in the female
swine to decrease the interval from weaning to remating for a
female swine.
23. A method of increasing the uniformity of birth weight of
offspring of a female swine, comprising the step of administering
to the female animal a biologically effective amount of a feed
composition comprising marine animal products containing omega-3
fatty acids or esters thereof that serve as a source of metabolites
in the female swine to increase the uniformity of birth weight of
offspring of a female swine.
24. A method of decreasing pre-weaning death loss of the offspring
of a female swine, comprising the step of administering to the
female swine a biologically effective amount of a feed composition
comprising marine animal products containing omega-3 fatty acids or
esters thereof that serve as a source of metabolites in the female
swine to decrease pre-weaning death loss of the offspring of the
female swine.
25. A method of increasing the farrowing rate of a female swine,
comprising the step of administering to the female swine a
biologically effective amount of a feed composition comprising
marine animal products containing omega-3 fatty acids or esters
thereof that serve as a source of metabolites in the female swine
to increase the farrowing rate of the female swine.
26. A method of increasing the fertility of a male swine,
comprising the step of administering to the male swine a
biologically effective amount of a feed composition comprising an
oil containing omega-3 fatty acids or esters thereof that serve as
a source of metabolites in the male swine to increase fertility of
the male swine.
27. The method of claim 26 wherein the oil is a marine animal
product.
28. The method of claim 26 wherein the oil is salmon oil.
29. The method of claim 26 wherein the oil is added to the feed
composition in the form of fish meal.
30. The method of claim 26 wherein the oil is selected from the
group consisting of a fish oil, an oil derived from a fish meal
product, an oil derived from a plant, and an oil derived from
ground seed, or a combination/mixture thereof.
31. The method of claim 26 wherein the increase in fertility of the
male swine results from a decrease in the percentage of abnormal
sperm.
32. The method of claim 26 wherein the oil comprises C.sub.20 and
C.sub.22 omega-3 fatty acids and esters thereof.
33. The method of claim 28 wherein the feed composition as a final
mixture comprises about 0.025% to about 1% by weight of salmon
oil.
34. The method of claim 30 wherein the feed composition as a final
mixture comprises about 0.025% to about 1% by weight of the fish
oil.
35. The method of claim 28 wherein the feed composition as a final
mixture comprises about 0.025% to about 2% by weight of salmon
oil.
36. The method of claim 30 wherein the feed composition as a final
mixture comprises about 0.025% to about 2% by weight of the fish
oil.
37. The method of claim 29 wherein the feed composition as a final
mixture comprises about 1% to about 10% of the fish meal.
38. The method of claim 26 wherein the feed composition is
administered daily to the male animal.
39. The method of claim 26 wherein the feed composition as a final
mixture further comprises an antioxidant.
40. The method of claim 26 wherein the omega-3 fatty acids in the
oil are stabilized by prilling.
41. A method of increasing the reproductive performance of a
breeding population of swine comprising the steps of: administering
to a female swine a biologically effective amount of a feed
composition comprising marine animal products containing omega-3
fatty acids or esters thereof that serve as a source of metabolites
in the female swine to improve reproductive performance of the
female swine; and administering to a male swine a biologically
effective amount of a feed composition comprising an oil containing
omega-3 fatty acids or esters thereof that serve as a source of
metabolites in the male swine to increase fertility of the male
swine.
42. A swine feed composition comprising an animal feed blend and
marine animal products.
43. The swine feed composition of claim 42 wherein the marine
animal products comprise salmon oil.
44. The swine feed composition of claim 43 wherein the feed
composition as a final mixture comprises about 0.025% to about 1%
by weight of salmon oil.
45. The swine feed composition of claim 43 wherein the feed
composition as a final mixture comprises about 0.025% to about 2%
by weight of salmon oil.
46. The swine feed composition of claim 43 wherein the salmon oil
comprises omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids and esters thereof.
47. The swine feed composition of claim 46 wherein the ratio of
omega-6 fatty acids/esters to omega-3 fatty acids/esters in the
feed composition as a final mixture is from about 3:1 to about
20:1.
48. The swine feed composition of claim 43 wherein the salmon oil
comprises C.sub.20 and C.sub.22 omega-3 fatty acids and esters
thereof.
49. The method of claim 46 wherein the omega-3 fatty acids in the
salmon oil are stabilized by prilling.
50. A swine feed composition comprising an animal feed blend and
marine animal products from which are derived omega-3 fatty acids
selected from the group consisting of eicosapentaenoic acid,
docosahexaneoic acid, and docosapentaenoic acid or a mixture
thereof.
51. A swine feed composition comprising marine animal products that
serve as a source of omega-3 fatty acids in the animal.
52. A swine feed composition comprising fish oil, a fish oil
derived from fish meal, or fish meal products, or a mixture thereof
that serve as a source of omega-3 fatty acids in the animal.
53. The swine feed composition of claim 52 wherein the omega-3
fatty acids are stabilized by prilling.
54. The swine feed composition of claim 52 wherein the feed
composition as a final mixture comprises about 0.025% to about 1%
by weight of the fish oil.
55. The swine feed composition of claim 52 wherein the feed
composition as a final mixture comprises about 0.025% to about 2%
by weight of the fish oil.
56. The swine feed composition of claim 52 wherein the feed
composition as a final mixture comprises about 1% to about 10% by
weight of the fish meal products.
57. A swine feed composition comprising a plant oil excluding
flaxseed oil.
58. A swine feed composition comprising a plant oil derived from
ground seed excluding flaxseed oil derived from ground seed.
59. A swine feed composition comprising a fish oil from a North
Atlantic cold water fish that serves as a source of omega-3 fatty
acids in the animal.
60. A method of increasing the reproductive performance of a female
swine, comprising the step of administering to the female swine a
biologically effective amount of a feed composition comprising
marine animal products from which are derived omega-3 fatty acids
selected from the group consisting of eicosapentaenoic acid,
docosahexaneoic acid, and docosapentaenoic acid or a mixture
thereof wherein the composition is administered for a time
sufficient to increase the reproductive performance of the female
swine.
61. A method of increasing the number of live births to a female
swine, comprising the step of administering to the female swine a
biologically effective amount of a feed composition comprising
marine animal products from which are derived omega-3 fatty acids
selected from the group consisting of eicosapentaenoic acid,
docosahexaneoic acid, and docosapentaenoic acid or a mixture
thereof wherein the composition is administered for a time
sufficient to increase the number of live births to the female
swine.
62. A method of increasing the number of total births to a female
swine, comprising the step of administering to the female swine a
biologically effective amount of a feed composition comprising
marine animal products from which are derived omega-3 fatty acids
selected from the group consisting of eicosapentaenoic acid,
docosahexaneoic acid, and docosapentaenoic acid or a mixture
thereof wherein the composition is administered for a time
sufficient to increase the number of total births to the female
swine.
63. A method of decreasing the interval from weaning to estrus for
a female swine, comprising the step of administering to the female
swine a biologically effective amount of a feed composition
comprising marine animal products from which are derived omega-3
fatty acids selected from the group consisting of eicosapentaenoic
acid, docosahexaneoic acid, and docosapentaenoic acid or a mixture
thereof wherein the composition is administered for a time
sufficient to decrease the interval from weaning to estrus for the
female swine.
64. A method of decreasing the interval from weaning to remating
for a female swine, comprising the step of administering to the
female swine a biologically effective amount of a feed composition
comprising marine animal products from which are derived omega-3
fatty acids selected from the group consisting of eicosapentaenoic
acid, docosahexaneoic acid, and docosapentaenoic acid or a mixture
thereof wherein the composition is administered for a time
sufficient to decrease the interval from weaning to remating for
the female swine.
65. A method of increasing the uniformity of birth weight of
offspring of a female swine, comprising the step of administering
to the female swine a biologically effective amount of a feed
composition comprising marine animal products from which are
derived omega-3 fatty acids selected from the group consisting of
eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaneoic acid, docosapentaenoic
acid or a mixture thereof wherein the composition is administered
for a time sufficient to increase the uniformity of birth weight of
offspring of the female swine.
66. A method of decreasing pre-weaning death loss of the offspring
of a female swine, comprising the step of administering to the
female swine a biologically effective amount of a feed composition
comprising marine animal products from which are derived omega-3
fatty acids selected from the group consisting of eicosapentaenoic
acid, docosahexaneoic acid, and docosapentaenoic acid or a mixture
thereof wherein the composition is administered for a time
sufficient to decrease the pre-weaning death loss of the offspring
of the female swine.
67. A method of increasing the farrowing rate of a female swine,
comprising the step of administering to the female swine a
biologically effective amount of a feed composition comprising
marine animal products from which are derived omega-3 fatty acids
selected from the group consisting of eicosapentaenoic acid,
docosahexaneoic acid, and docosapentaenoic acid or a mixture
thereof wherein the composition is administered for a time
sufficient to increase the farrowing rate of the female swine.
68. A method of increasing the fertility of a male swine,
comprising the step of administering to the male swine a
biologically effective amount of a feed composition comprising an
oil from which is derived omega-3 fatty acids selected from the
group consisting of eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaneoic acid,
and docosapentaenoic acid or a mixture thereof wherein the
composition is administered for a time sufficient to increase the
fertility of the male swine.
69. A method of increasing the reproductive performance of a
breeding population of swine comprising the steps of: ad,omostering
to a female swine a biologically effective amount of a feed
composition comprising a biologically effective amount of an oil
from which is derived omega-3 fatty acids selected from the group
consisting of eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaneoic acid, and
docosapentaenoic acid or a mixture thereof wherein the composition
is administered for a time sufficient to increase the fertility of
the male swine.
70. A method of increasing the reproductive performance of a female
swine, comprising the step of administering to the female swine a
biologically effective amount of a feed composition comprising
marine animal products containing omega-3 fatty acids or estera
thereof.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/208,616, filed
Jun. 1, 2000.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to compositions and methods
for improving performance of breeding populations of swine, in
particular by increasing reproductive performance. These
improvements enhance commercial value of swine populations. More
particularly, this invention is directed to administration to both
sows and boars of a feed composition containing marine animal
products from which are derived long chain omega-3 fatty acids,
such as eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaneoic acid, and
docosapentaenoic acid, to increase the reproductive performance of
breeding populations of swine.
[0003] Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and their metabolites
regulate numerous activities in vivo, including inflammation,
disease resistance, platelet function and vessel wall contractions.
Moreover, supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids and/or
gamma-linolenic acid present in the diet of animals and humans are
reported to have favorable effects on growth, heart disease,
inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, diabetes, renal disease,
cancer, and immunity as well as learning, visual acuity and
neurological function.
[0004] On a cellular level long chain omega-3 fatty acids are
readily incorporated into the phospholipid fraction of cell
membranes where they influence membrane permeability/fluidity and
transport. This represents a storage form of these fatty acids,
where they remain until acted upon by phospholipase enzymes which
release them for further conversion to eicosanoids.
[0005] Linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids are C.sub.18-containing
fatty acids that are parent compounds of the omega-6 and omega-3
families of fatty acids, respectively. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty
acids undergo unsaturation (i.e., adding double bonds) and
sequential elongation from the carboxyl end (i.e., adding 2-carbon
units) with the D6-desaturase enzyme being the rate limiting enzyme
in metabolism of these long chain fatty acids. The same enzymes are
used for these families, making the families antagonistic to one
another. Such antagonism, resulting from requirements for the same
enzymes, extends into the further metabolism of the
C.sub.20-containing members of these families into metabolites
called eicosanoids.
[0006] The polyunsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3 and
omega-6 fatty acids, differ from the other fatty acids in that they
cannot be synthesized in the body from saturated or monounsaturated
fatty acids, but must be obtained in the diet. The omega-6 fatty
acid, linoleic acid, is found in high quantities in vegetable oils
such as corn, cottonseed, soybean, safflower and sunflower oil. The
omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid, is found in high
quantities in flaxseed oil, linseed oil, perilla oil and canola
oil. Other important compounds include arachidonic acid, found in
animal fat; gamma-linolenic acid, found in evening primrose oil,
borage oil, and blackcurrant oil; and eicosapentaenoic acid,
docosahexaenoic acid, and docosapentaenoic acid derived from fish
oils and marine algae. These long-chain fatty acids can be formed
in the body by elongation and desaturation of the parent linoleic
and alpha-linolenic acids if the parent compounds are supplied in
the diet.
[0007] Various oils have been used as sources of omega-3 and
omega-6 fatty acids in animal feed. The lactational responses of
dairy cows fed unsaturated fat from extruded soybeans or sunflower
seeds have been studied (Schingoethe, et al., 1996); flaxseed oil
has been used in animal feed to increase the number of live births
in sows, to increase the number of live weaned pigs, and to allow
for earlier breeding (U.S. Pat. No. 5,110,592); conjugated linoleic
acid has been used in animal feed to increase fat firmness, shelf
life, and meat quality (U.S. Pat. No. 6,060,087); linseed oil and
corn oil have been used in animal feed as a source of omega-6 fatty
acids to increase the number of live births and to increase the
number of weaned pigs (Quackenbush, et al.,1941); salmon oil has
been used in pet food to reduce damage to skin and mucosa in
animals, such as dogs and cats, where the animal is afflicted with
cancer and is subjected to radiation therapy (U.S. Pat. No.
6,015,798); the effects of linseed oil, and omega-3 fatty acids in
particular, on increased sperm fertility and female fertility,
applicable to cattle, sheep, and rats, has been studied
(Abayasekara, et al., 1999); modified tall oil supplemented swine
animal feed has been used to improve the carcass characteristics of
swine and to increase daily weight gain (U.S. Pat. No. 6,020,377);
the use of salnon oil to increase sperm fertility in roosters using
a 1.5:1 ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids has
been studied (Blesbois, et al., 1997), and the effect of dietary
fatty acids on lactic acid bacteria associated with the epithehal
mucosa has been studied (Ringo, et al.,1998).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Although a number of favorable effects of omega-3 and
omega-6 fatty acids have been reported in animals, there has been
no previous suggestion that the administration of a composition of
omega-3 fatty acids or esters thereof preferably derived from
marine animal products can be used to increase the reproductive
performance of swine, as is described and claimed in accordance
with the present invention.
[0009] The present invention is based in part on the inventors'
discovery that marine animal products, including fish oils such as
salmon oil, containing long chain omega-3 fatty acids, administered
to a female swine in a feed composition may cause several
surprising and unexpected results. A feed composition including
marine animal products may result in several benefits including an
increase in the number of live births to the female swine in the
first parity, an increase in the number of total births to a female
swine, a decrease in the interval from weaning to estrus for female
swine, increases in the uniformity of birth weight of offspring of
female swine, decreases in pre-weaning death loss of the offspring
of female swine, and an increase in the farrowing rate for female
swine. The feed compositions of the present invention containing
marine animal products also decrease the percentage of morphologic
sperm abnormalities in male swine, which should increase the
fertility of male swine.
[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention a method is
provided for increasing the reproductive performance of a female
swine. The method comprises the step of administering to the female
swine a biologically effective amount of a feed composition
comprising marine animal products containing omega-3 fatty acids or
esters thereof that serve as a source of metabolites in the female
swine to improve reproductive performance of the female swine.
Methods and compositions of the present invention may serve to
increase the reproductive performance of a female swine by causing
any of the aforementioned benefits. A "biologically effective
amount" is that amount that produces the desired effect. Examples
of biologically effective amounts are provided herein, but those of
skill in the art can readily adjust dosages depending on the type
of swine, e.g. genotype or lines, the desired effect, the time
period of administration, and the like, by using the methods
disclosed herein.
[0011] The marine animal product may include a fish oil, in
particular a fish oil from a North Atlantic cold water fish, such
as salmon oil, or may be fish meal or an oil derived from fish
meal, or a mixture thereof The marine animal product serves as a
source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. In a preferred
embodiment of the invention the omega-6 fatty acids/esters to
omega-3 fatty acids/esters ratio in the feed composition is from
about 3:1 to about 20:1.
[0012] In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is
provided for decreasing the percentage of morphological
abnormalities in sperm, which should increase the fertility of a
male swine. The method comprises the step of administering to the
male swine a biologically effective amount of a feed composition
that includes oils containing omega-3 fatty acids or esters thereof
that serve as a source of metabolites in the male swine to increase
fertility of the male swine. The oil specified in this method may
be a marine animal product, for example, a fish oil such as salmon
oil, or any other oil that provides a source of omega-3 and omega-6
fatty acids. The oil may also be added to the feed composition in
the form of fish meal, an oil derived from fish meal, a plant oil,
or an oil derived from ground seed, or a mixture thereof. In a
preferred embodiment of the invention the omega-6 fatty
acids/esters to omega-3 fatty acids/esters ratio in the feed
composition is from about 3:1 to about 20:1.
[0013] In yet another embodiment of this invention, a method is
provided for increasing the reproductive performance of a breeding
population of swine by administering the feed composition of the
present invention to both sows (females) and boars (males). The
method includes the steps of administering to a female swine a
biologically effective amount of a feed composition that includes
marine animal products containing omega-3 fatty acids or esters
thereof that serve as a source of metabolites in the female swine
to improve reproductive performance of the female swine and
administering to a male swine a biologically effective amount of a
feed composition including oils containing omega-3 fatty acids or
esters thereof that serve as a source of metabolites in the male
swine to decrease the percentage of morphological abnormalities in
sperm, and decrease the number of rejected ejaculates which results
in increased fertility of the male swine.
[0014] In another embodiment of the invention a swine feed
composition is provided. The composition includes an animal feed
blend and marine animal products wherein the marine animal products
include a fish oil, such as salmon oil, a fish oil derived from
fish meal, or fish meal products, or a mixture thereof, as a source
of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids and their esters. Alternatively,
the swine feed composition may include a plant oil, other than
flaxseed oil, or a plant oil derived from ground seed. An example
of a biologically effective feed composition is a composition
containing about 0.025% to about 2% by weight of salmon oil, and
the ratio of omega-6 fatty acids/esters to omega-3 fatty
acids/esters in the feed composition is from about 3:1 to about
20:1. Another example of a biologically effective feed composition
is a composition containing about 0.025% to about 1% by weight of
salmon oil, and the ratio of omega-6 fatty acids/esters to omega-3
fatty acids/esters in the feed composition is from about 3:1 to
about 20:1.
[0015] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a swine
feed composition comprising an animal feed blend and marine animal
products from which are derived omega-3 fatty acids selected from
the group consisting of eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaneoic
acid, and docosapentaenoic acid or a mixture thereof is
provided.
[0016] In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is
provided for increasing the reproductive performance of a female
swine. The method comprises the step of administering to the female
swine a biologically effective amount of a feed composition
comprising marine animal products from which are derived omega-3
fatty acids selected from the group consisting of eicosapentaenoic
acid, docosahexaneoic acid, and docosapentaenoic acid or a mixture
thereof wherein the composition is administered for a time
sufficient to increase the reproductive performance of the female
swine. The method may serve to increase the reproductive
performance of female swine by any of the benefits to the female
swine described above. Examples of a "time sufficient" are
disclosed herein and also may be readily determined by those of
skill in the art using the methods disclosed herein.
[0017] In another embodiment of the present invention a method is
provided for decreasing the percentage of morphologically abnormal
sperm, and decreasing the percentage of rejected ejaculates which
results in increased fertility of male swine. The method comprises
the step of administering to the male swine a biologically
effective amount of a feed composition including an oil from which
are derived omega-3 fatty acids. Suitable omega-3 fatty acids
include eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaneoic acid, and
docosapentaenoic acid or a mixture thereof wherein the composition
is administered for a time sufficient to increase the fertility of
the male swine.
[0018] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method
is provided for increasing the reproductive performance of a
breeding population of swine. The method comprises the steps of
administering to a female swine a biologically effective amount of
a feed composition comprising marine animal products from which are
derived omega-3 fatty acids selected from the group consisting of
eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaneoic acid, and docosapentaenoic
acid or a combination thereof wherein the composition is
administered for a time sufficient to increase the reproductive
performance of the female swine and administering to a male swine a
biologically effective amount of a feed composition including a
biologically effective amount of an oil from which are derived
omega-3 fatty acids. Suitable fatty acids include eicosapentaenoic
acid, docosahexaneoic acid, and docosapentaenoic acid or a mixture
thereof wherein the composition is administered for a time
sufficient to increase the fertility of the male swine.
[0019] To determine effects of the compositions of the present
invention on swine reproductive performance, swine with similar
genetic backgrounds are preferred. Optimal formulations may need
some adjustments based on the genetic background of swine to be
treated. Adjustments are preformed without undue experimentation by
those of skill in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1. Frequency distribution of litter size for control
and salmon oil-treated female swine (data set 1).
[0021] FIG. 2 Frequency distribution of litter size for control and
salmon oil-treated female swine (date set 2).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Methods and compositions are provided for improving the
performance of a swine breeding population by increasing the
reproductive performance of female and male swine. The compositions
of the present invention are lipid-containing compositions, and
contain, in particular, marine animal products such as fish oil,
fish meal, or an oil derived from fish meal, or combinations
thereof. The oils from marine animals, wherein "animals" include
fish, serve as a source of omega-3 fatty acids/esters and omega-6
fatty acids/esters and their metabolites, such as eicosapentaenoic
acid, docosahexaneoic acid, and docosapentaenoic acid or mixtures
thereof. The compositions include omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids
or esters thereof present in the composition in a ratio of from
about 3:1 to about 20:1. Oils are understood to be lipids or fats
including the glyceride esters of fatty acids along with associated
phosphatides, sterols, alcohols, hydrocarbons, ketones, alkyl
esters, salts, and related compounds.
[0023] Fatty acids with no double bonds are termed saturated fatty
acids, those with one double bond are termed monounsaturated fatty
acids, and those with multiple double bonds are termed
polyunsaturated fatty acids. Overall digestibility appears to
increase with the degree of unsaturation.
[0024] A convenient shorthand system is used in this specification
to denote the structure of fatty acids. This system uses a number
denoting the number of carbons in the hydrocarbon chain, followed
by a colon and a number indicating the number of double bonds in
the molecule, and then by a "w6" or a "w3" to denote "omega-6" or
"omega-3," respectively (e.g., 22:5w6). The "w6" or a "w3" denotes
the location of the first double bond from the methyl end of the
fatty acid molecule. Trivial names in the w6 series of fatty acids
include linoleic acid (18:2w6), gamma-linoleic acid (18:3w6), and
arachidonic acid (20:4w6). The only fatty acid in the w3 series
with a trivial name is alpha-linolenic acid (18:3w3). For the
purposes of this application a fatty acid with the nomenclature
20:5w3 is eicosapentaenoic acid, with the nomenclature 22:6w3 is
docosahexaneoic acid, and with the nomenclature 22:5w3 is
docosapentaenoic acid.
[0025] The methods of the present invention utilize a
lipid-containing composition as a source of long chain omega-3
fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaneoic acid,
docosapentaenoic acid, and esters thereof, to increase the
reproductive performance of female and male swine. The reproductive
performance of female animals may be increased by 1) increasing the
number of live births to the female animal, 2) increasing the total
births (i.e., live and dead offspring) to the female animal, 3)
decreasing the interval from weaning to estrus (i.e., estrus is the
period during which the female animal is capable of conceiving) for
a female swine, 4) increasing the uniformity of birth weight of
offspring of a female swine, 5) decreasing pre-weaning death loss
of the offspring of a female swine, and, 6) increasing the
farrowing rate (i.e., the percentage of animals that give birth)
for female swine.
[0026] The number of live births to a female animal may be
increased by such mechanisms as enhancing follicular development,
increasing the number of oocytes available for fertilization by
sperm, increasing the viability of oocytes, increasing the
susceptibility of oocytes to fertilization, increasing the
viability of fertilized eggs, and reducing the mortality of
embryos. These effects may result from changes in oocyte membrane
integrity or lipid composition such that oocyte development,
fertilization, or cell function (e.g., oocyte cell membrane
transport, transmembrane signaling, or the regulation of
intracellular signaling pathways in the oocyte) is altered to
increase reproductive performance. An increase in long chain
omega-3 fatty acids present in the tissues of the offspring at
birth or obtained in the diet from the mother's milk may lead to an
increase in the uniformity of birth weight of offspring of a female
swine and/or a decrease in pre-weaning death loss of the offspring.
A decrease in the interval from weaning to estrus for a female
swine might result from changes in cellular metabolism due to the
presence of long chain omega-3 fatty acids in the female animal's
diet.
[0027] The reproductive performance of male animals may be
increased by increasing the fertility of the spermatozoa of male
animals. For example, the fertility of sperm may be increased by
increasing the viability or motility of the sperm, by decreasing
the percentage of abnormalities in the sperm (e.g., morphological
abnormalities, abnormalities in staining intensity, and motility
defects), or by increasing the numbers or the potency of sperm in
male animals to which the lipid-containing composition is fed or
otherwise administered. These effects may result from changes in
sperm membrane integrity or lipid composition or in sperm cell
function or development such that the performance of sperm to bind
to and to fertilize an oocyte is increased.
[0028] A biologically effective amount of the lipid-containing
composition must be administered to increase the reproductive
performance of the animals. By "biologically effective amount" is
meant an amount of the lipid-containing composition capable of
increasing the reproductive performance of female or male animals
by any mechanism, including those described herein.
[0029] The compositions of the present invention that contain
marine animal products are preferably administered to swine orally
in a feed composition, but any other effective method of
administration known to those skilled in the art may be utilized.
The feed composition may contain a marine animal product, such as a
fish oil (e.g., salmon oil or another fish oil from a North
Atlantic cold water fish), fish meal, or an oil derived from fish
meal, or a mixture thereof, to provide a source of omega-3 fatty
acids/esters and omega-6 fatty acids/esters in a mixture with an
art-recognized animal feed blend.
[0030] The swine feed composition may be administered to the
animals for any time period that is effective to increase the
reproductive performance of swine. For example, the swine feed
composition may be fed to the animals daily for the lifetime of a
female or male animal. Alternatively, the swine feed composition
may be administered to the female or male animal for a shorter time
period. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the swine feed
is administered to a pregnant female animal for a period beginning
about 1 to about 4 days prior to parturition (i.e., birth) and
continuing through lactation (i.e., secretion of milk by the female
animal) and through the next breeding until the female animal is
impregnated a second time. In another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the feed composition is administered to the female swine
beginning about 30 days before a first mating of the female swine
during an estrus and continuing through a second mating of the
female swine during the same estrus. In another preferred
embodiment the feed composition is administered to the female swine
beginning about 30 days before mating. In an alternate but equally
preferred embodiment of the invention, the swine feed composition
is administered to the female animal during lactation. The time
periods for administration of the feed composition described above
are nonlimiting examples and it should be appreciated that any time
period determined to be effective to increase the reproductive
performance of swine may be used.
[0031] Any animal feed blend known in the art may be used in
accordance with the present invention such as rapeseed meal,
cottonseed meal, soybean meal, and cornmeal, but soybean meal and
cornmeal are particularly preferred. The animal feed blend is
supplemented with a marine animal product as a source of omega-3
fatty acids/esters and omega-6 fatty acids/esters, but other
ingredients may optionally be added to the animal feed blend.
Optional ingredients of the animal feed blend include sugars and
complex carbohydrates such as both water-soluble and
water-insoluble monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides.
Optional amino acid ingredients that may be added to the feed blend
are arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine,
phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine, tyrosine ethyl HCl,
alanine, aspartic acid, sodium glutamate, glycine, proline, serine,
cysteine ethyl HCl, and analogs, and salts thereof. Vitamins that
may be optionally added are thiamine HCl, riboflavin, pyridoxine
HCl, niacin, niacinamide, inositol, choline chloride, calcium
pantothenate, biotin, folic acid, ascorbic acid, and vitamins A, B,
K, D, E, and the like. Protein ingredients may also be added and
include protein obtained from meat meal or fish meal, liquid or
powdered egg, fish solubles, and the like. Any medicament
ingredients known in the art may also be added to the animal feed
blend such as antibiotics.
[0032] Antioxidants may be added to the feed composition to prevent
oxidation of the fatty acids present in the marine animal products
(e.g., fish oils) used to supplement the feed composition, such as
the omega-3 long chain fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid,
docosahexaneoic acid, and docosapentaenoic acid. Oxidation of fatty
acids occurs over time and may be affected by such conditions as
moisture and the presence of mineral catalysts and by such
characteristics of fatty acids as the number of double bonds and
positioning and configuration of bonds. Oxidation of these omega-3
fatty acids can be prevented by the introduction of
naturally-occurring antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, vitamin E,
vitamin C, and tocopherol or of synthetic antioxidants such as
butylated hydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxyanisole,
tertiary-butylhydroquinone, propyl gallate or ethoxyquin to the
feed composition. Compounds which act synergistically with
antioxidants can also be added such as ascorbic acid, citric acid,
and phosphoric acid. The amount of antioxidants incorporated in
this manner depends on requirements such as product formulation,
shipping conditions (e.g., shipping under a nitrogen blanket),
packaging methods, and desired shelf life.
[0033] The animal feed blend is supplemented with marine animal
products such as fish oils, fish meal, fish oils derived from fish
meal, other fish meal products, and the like, or a combination
thereof. The fish oils may be obtained from any source, but a
particularly preferred source is North Atlantic cold water fish.
Fish oils obtained from North Atlantic cold water fish for use in
accordance with the present invention include salmon oil, menhaden
oil, mackerel oil, herring oil, and the like, but fish oils from
sources other than North Atlantic cold water fish may also be used
in accordance with the present invention. Fish oils provide a
source of both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, but are a
particularly good source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.
The omega-3 polyunsaturated long chain fatty acids eicosapentaenoic
acid (20:5w3), docosahexaneoic acid (22:6w3), and docosapentaenoic
acid (22:5w3) are typical of fish oil and together comprise about
25-38% by weight of the fish oil. Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty
acids present in fish oil include linoleic acid and arachidonic
acid and are present at lesser concentrations of about 10% by
weight. The oils or fatty acid ester components may be added in an
unprocessed form or in pure form, may be natural products or may be
synthetic, and may be conjugated or unconjugated. The fatty acid
esters added to the feed composition are preferably in the form of
triglycerides, diglycerides, monoglycerides, phospholipids,
lysopholipids, or are from natural sources and are chemically
beneficiated for enhanced content of desired fatty acid esters.
[0034] The omega-6 fatty acids usable in the present invention are
preferably unsaturated fatty acids having at least two
carbon-carbon double bonds such as 2,4-decadienoic acid, linolenic
acid, gamma-linolenic acid, 8, 10, 12-octadecatrienoic acid and
arachidonic acid. Gamma-linolenic acid is particularly preferred.
The omega-6 fatty acids/esters to omega-3 fatty acids/esters ratio
in the feed composition is from about 3:1 to about 20:1. It is to
be understood that the ratio of omega-6 fatty acids/esters to
omega-3 fatty acids/esters in the feed composition refers to the
ratio in the final feed composition (i.e., the feed composition as
a final mixture) containing the animal feed blend, the marine
animal product (e.g., a fish oil), and any other oils or optionally
added ingredients.
[0035] Omega-6 fatty acids/esters are present in fish oils at lower
concentrations than omega-3 fatty acids/esters, and, thus, to
achieve the ratios of omega-6 fatty acids/esters to omega-3 fatty
acids esters of from about 3:1 to about 20:1 for use in the present
invention, an additional source of omega-6 fatty acids/esters is
generally used in the feed composition. Additional sources of
omega-6 fatty acids/esters for use in the feed composition of the
present: invention include omega-6 fatty acids/esters derived from
an art-recognized meal such as corn meal or soybean meal or from
oils such as corn oil, cottonseed oil, soybean oil, safflower oil,
sunflower oil, linseed oil, borage oil, blackcurrant oil, evening
prinrose oil, and the like.
[0036] The omega-3 fatty acids/esters and omega-6 fatty
acids/esters may be administered to the female and male swine in
the form of a marine animal product, such as fish meal, or
preferably an oil, such as the fish oils and oils derived from fish
meal described herein or mixtures thereof, wherein the oil is used
as a supplement to an art-recognized animal feed blend. The oil
predominantly contains esters of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
which are understood to be the glyceride ester precursors of the
long chain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid metabolites, such as
eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaneoic acid, and docosapentaenoic
acid, which are believed to be the active form of the lipid
molecule in accordance with the present invention. However, the oil
may also contain small amounts of free omega-3 and omega-6 fatty
acids such as C.sub.10- to C.sub.18-containing free fatty acids.
The glyceride ester precursors are broken down intracellularly in
the animal after adsorption through the gastrointestinal tract to
form the free omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The glyceride ester
precursors present in the oils used in accordance with the present
invention may also be glyceride ester precursors of C.sub.10- to
C.sub.18-containing fatty acids that undergo unsaturation and
sequential elongation to form C.sub.20- to C.sub.22-containing long
chain fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5w3),
docosahexaneoic acid (22:6w3), and docosapentaenoic acid
(22:5w3).
[0037] The feed composition of the present invention is
supplemented with concentrations of a marine animal product, such
as fish oil, fish meal, or an oil derived from fish meal, or
combinations thereof, sufficient to provide amounts of omega-3
fatty acids/esters that are effective in increasing the
reproductive performance of breeding populations of swine. For
example, in a preferred embodiment of the invention the feed
composition is supplemented with a fish oil containing omega-3
fatty acids/esters, such as salmon oil, in an amount of about
0.025% to about 1% by weight of the feed composition. In another
preferred embodiment the feed composition is supplemented with a
fish oil containing omega-3 fatty acids/esters, such as salmon oil,
in an amount of about 0.025% to about 2%. In yet another preferred
embodiment the feed composition is supplemented with a fish oil,
such as salmon oil, in an amount of about 0.1% to about 0.5% by
weight of the feed composition. In another preferred embodiment the
feed composition is supplemented with a fish oil in an amount of
about 0.2% to about 0.4% by weight of the feed composition. In each
of these embodiments of the invention it is to be understood that
the percentage of the fish oil by weight of the feed composition
refers to the final feed composition (i.e., the feed composition as
a final mixture) containing the animal feed blend, the marine
animal product (i.e., the fish oil), and any other oils, and
optionally added ingredients. In such embodiments of the invention,
the fish oil may be derived from any type of fish or from fish
meal.
[0038] In another embodiment of the invention, the feed composition
is supplemented with a marine animal product such as fish meal. In
one preferred embodiment the feed composition is supplemented with
fish meal in an amount of about 1% to about 10% by weight of the
feed composition. In another preferred embodiment, the feed
composition is supplemented with fish meal in an amount of about 3%
to about 4% by weight of the feed composition. It is to be
understood that the percentage of fish meal by weight refers to the
final feed composition containing the animal feed blend, the marine
animal product, and any other oils, and optionally added
ingredients.
[0039] The feed composition of the present invention can be
administered to male swine or to female swine or to both male and
female swine in a breeding population of swine to increase the
reproductive performance of the animals. The feed composition
administered to female swine is supplemented with marine animal
products, such as a fish oil, fish meal, or a fish oil derived from
fish meal, or a mixture thereof, in an amount sufficient to
increase the reproductive performance of the female animals. The
feed composition administered to male swine is preferably
supplemented with a marine animal product, most preferably an oil,
such as a fish oil, but fish meal, or an oil derived from fish
meal, or combinations thereof, may also be used. For example, fish
oils obtained from North Atlantic cold water fish including salmon
oil, menhaden oil, mackerel oil, herring oil, and the like, may be
used but the feed composition administered to the male swine may,
alternatively, be supplemented with any other oil or source of
omega3 fatty acids/esters that is effective in increasing fertility
of the male swine, including oils from any type of fish or plant
oils. Exemplary of other oils for use in supplementing the feed
composition administered to the male swine as a source of omega-3
fatty acids/esters are linseed oil, perilla oil, canola oil,
soybean oil, and the like. In another embodiment of the invention,
the feed composition administered to the male swine is supplemented
with an oil in the form of ground raw seed.
[0040] The marine animal products, such as fish oil (e.g., salmon
oil), may be administered in an unencapsulated or an encapsulated
form in a mixture with an animal feed blend. Encapsulation protects
the omega-3 fatty acids/esters and omega-6 fatty acids/esters from
breakdown and/or oxidation prior to digestion and absorption of the
fatty acids/esters by the animal (i.e., encapsulation increases the
stability of fatty acids) and provides a dry product for easier
mixing with an animal feed blend. The omega-3 fatty acids/esters
and omega-6 fatty acids/esters can be protected in this manner, for
example, by coating the oil with a protein or any other substances
known in the art to be effective encapsulating agents such as
polymers, waxes, fats, and hydrogenated vegetable oils. For
example, an oil may be encapsulated using an art-recognized
technique such as a Na.sup.2+-alginate encapsulation technique
wherein the oil is coated with Na.sup.2+-alginate followed by
conversion to Ca.sup.2+-alginate in the presence of Ca.sup.2+ ions
for encapsulation. Alternatively, the oil may be encapsulated by an
art-recognized technique such as prilling (i.e., atomizing a molten
liquid and cooling the droplets to form a bead). For example, the
oil may be prilled in hydrogenated cottonseed flakes or
hydrogenated soy bean oil to produce a dry oil. The oil may be used
in an entirely unencapsulated form, an entirely encapsulated form,
or mixtures of unencapsulated and encapsulated oil may be added to
the feed composition. Oils other than fish oils may be similarly
treated.
Example 1
Salmon Oil Typical Analysis
[0041]
1 Free Fatty Acids 3.0% Moisture & 1.0% (as Oleic) Maximum
Impurities Maximum Typical Fatty Acid Composition C10 -- C18:4(w3)
1.63 C12 <0.10 C20 0.16 C13 <0.10 C20:1 5.25 C14 5.6
C20:2(w6) 0.28 C14:1 0.13 C20:3(w6) 0.28 C15 0.37 C20:4(w3/w6) 2.32
C15:1 <0.10 C20:5(w3) 10.50 C16 13.2 C21:5(w3) 0.69 C16:1 9.0
C22 <0.1 C16:2 1.15 C22:1 5.18 C16:3 0.80 C22:4(w6) 0.20 C16:4
0.67 C22:5(w3) 4.94 C17 0.33 C22:6(w3) 11.0 C18 2.81 C24 <0.1
C18:1 17.3 C24:1 0.49 C18:2(w6) 3.9 C18:3(w3) 1.8 Total Omega 3
Fatty Acids 31.76 Total Omega 6 Fatty Acids 5.66 Omega 3:Omega 6
ratio 5.61
EXAMPLE 2
Effect of Feed Composition Containing Fish Oil on Reproductive
Performance of Female Swine
[0042] Data Set 1
Lactation Diet
[0043] Control and treated sows were fed the diets shown below
during lactation. During breeding sows were fed from the time of
weaning to estrus.
2 INGREDIENT CONTROL TREATED Corn 1139 1139 44 SBM* 620 620 (Soy
bean meal) Salmon Oil 0 5 Soy Hulls 50 50 Lact. Base 120 120 120
Fat 50 45 Premix with 21 21 Antibiotics 2000 lbs. 2000 lbs.
[0044] During estrus, sows were fed the following diet either to
the first or second mating, if a second mating was necessary.
3 BREEDING DIET INGREDIENTS TREATED Corn 1369 44 SBM* 450 Salmon
Oil 5 Soy Hulls 50 Bache X 92 (breeding base) Fat 30 Premix with 4
Antibiotics 2000 lbs. *44% crude protein
[0045]
4 RESULTS TOTAL BORN WEAN TO ESTRUS TREATMENT # OF SOWS BORN ALIVE
(DAYS) CONTROL 196 10.85 9.91 5.69 TREATED 181 11.27 10.42 5.69
[0046] Data Set 2
5 LACTATION DIET INGREDIENT CONTROL TREATED Corn 1292.5 1287.5 44*
SBM 565 565 Fat 20 20 Salmon oil -- 5 Lact. Base 120 120 120 Premix
with 2.5 2.5 Antibiotics 2000 lbs. 2000 lbs *44% crude protein Sows
were fed during lactation.
[0047]
6 RESULTS TOTAL BORN WEAN TO ESTRUS TREATMENT # OF SOWS BORN ALIVE
(DAYS) CONTROL 126 11.50 10.39 5.98 TREATED 155 12.01 10.31
5.66
EXAMPLE 3
Effect of Feed Composition Containing Fish Oil on Boars'
Reproductive System
[0048] In preliminary studies, boar ration #1 was used. As a
preliminary result, there was a 25-30% increase in the number of
doses of semen produced by a treated boar. Most of this response
was due to less of the boar's ejaculates being rejected from
further processing, thus increasing the number of doses of semen
produced. This had a significant increase in financial gains from
this stud.
[0049] Another large test on the effects of the feed composition of
the present invention on the reproductive system of boars was
performed with approximately 220 boars. The boars were first fed
the control ration (ration #3) and ejaculates were examined for
each boar. The boars were then fed boar ration #2 containing salmon
oil and ejaculates were examined for each boar. The boars were fed
the same diet during the "treatment" period as during the control
period except for the addition of salmon oil at 5 lbs./ton of final
diet. The effect of feeding boar ration #2 was that the number of
rejected ejaculates was 50% less when the boars were fed boar
ration #2 than when the boars were fed the control diet (ration
#3). There were 86 rejected ejaculates when the boars were fed the
control ration and 41 rejected ejaculates when the boars were fed
ration #2. This is a significant savings and improved efficiency of
producing doses of semen.
7 FEED NO. OF BOARS # OF REJECTED EJACULATES Control 220 86
Treatment 220 41
[0050]
8 TREATMENT RATIONS BOAR RATION #1 Corn 1371.5 Soybean Meal 300.0
Fish Meal 60.0 Boar Base 268.5 2000.0 lbs. BOAR RATION #2 Corn
1326.5 Soybean Meal 400.0 Salmon Oil 5.0 Boar Base 268.5 2000.0
lbs. CONTROL RATIONS Corn 1331.5 Soybean Meal 400 Salmon Oil 0 Boar
Base 268.5 2000 lbs.
[0051] Boars were fed individually once daily, and were kept
separate from the females.
EXAMPLE 4
Effect of Feed Composition Containing Fish Oil on the Reproductive
Performance of Female Swine
[0052] Data Set 1
[0053] Female swine were randomly assigned within parity to a
control or a salmon oil containing diet upon entry to the farrowing
room at approximately 110 days of gestation. Control sows received
the lactation ration described below and treated sows received the
same ration with 5 pounds of salmon oil replacing 5 pounds of
fat.
9 LACTATION RATION Ingredient Control Treatment Corn 1229.0 1229.0
SBM, 48% 566.5 566.5 Lact. Base 120 120.0 120.0 Salmon Oil 0.0 5.0
Fat 20.0 15.0 Laxative Pak 10.0 10.0 A-90 2.5 2.5 Nutrisound 1.0
1.0 Mold Inhibitor 1.0 1.0 Soy Hulls 50.0 50.0 Total 2000.0
2000.0
[0054] Female swine in the treatment group continued on the salmon
oil-containing diet following weaning during the rebreeding period,
with 5 pounds of salmon oil included in the breeding ration
(described below).
10 BREEDING RATION Ingredient Control Treatment Corn 1423.0 1423.0
SBM, 48% 359.5 359.5 Sow 93 93.0 93.0 Salmon Oil 0.0 5.0 Fat 20.0
15.0 A-90 2.5 2.5 Nutrisound 1.0 1.0 Mold Inhibitor 1.0 1.0 Soy
Hulls 100.0 100.0 Total 2000.0 2000.0
[0055] The salmon oil was stored in a 55-gallon metal drum. Each
time feed was prepared, salmon oil was removed from the drum with a
manual pump, weighed and placed in the mixer. Feed was immediately
delivered to a designated storage tank adjacent to the farrowing
rooms. Two feed tanks with associated auger system delivered feed
to each farrowing room. Fresh feed was prepared at approximately
one week intervals, and feeding of the animals with a portion of
the freshly prepared feed was initiated immediately. A similar
procedure was followed for the breeding diet. Female swine were fed
according to standard procedures, which consisted of female swine
receiving 4 to 5 pounds of feed per day prior to farrowing and then
increasing the amount of feed by approximately 2 pound per day post
farrowing until the female swine reached ad libitum intake. Female
swine received approximately 6 pounds of feed per day during
breeding.
[0056] Within 48 hours following farrowing, piglets were
cross-fostered to equalize the number of piglets nursing on each
sow. Piglets were fostered within and across treatments and were
weaned at approximately 14 days after birth and the female swine
were then moved to breeding stalls for estrus detection and mating.
All female swine were housed in gestation stalls and fed a common
gestation ration until subsequent entry into the farrowing
room.
[0057] A total of 42 control and 45 treated sows were allotted to
the trial. The total number of piglets born at the second farrowing
was greater (p<0.05) for salmon oil treated (13.2) than control
sows (11.7) as shown in the table below.
11 Effect of salmon oil on sow reproductive performance Control
Treated Number of Sows 42 45 Wean to Estrus Interval 5.6 5.1 Number
Farrowed 37 40 Total Pigs Born 11.7.sup.a 13.2.sup.b Pigs Born Live
10.8.sup.a 12.35.sup.b .sup.ab Means within a row without common
superscripts differ significantlly (P < 0.05)
[0058] .sup.abMeans within a row without common superscripts differ
significantly (P<0.05).
[0059] The frequency distribution for litter size is shown FIG. 1.
This frequency distribution shows a shift, with fewer litters of
less than twelve piglets for treated female swine compared to
controls and greater numbers of larger litters for treated female
swine.
[0060] Data Set 2
[0061] The same procedures as described above were used except that
a total of 109 control and 107 sows were allotted to the trial and
the lactation and breeding rations described below were used.
12 Ingredient Control Treatment LACTATION RATION Corn 1229.0 1229.0
SBM, 48% 566.5 566.5 Lact. Base 120 120.0 120.0 Salmon Oil 0.0 10.0
Fat 20.0 10.0 Laxative Pak 10.0 10.0 A-90 2.5 2.5 Nutrisound 1.0
1.0 Mold lnhibitor 1.0 1.0 Soy Hulls 50.0 50.0 Total 2000.0 2000.0
BREEDING RATION Corn 1423.0 1423.0 SBM, 48% 359.5 359.5 Sow 93 93.0
93.0 Salmon Oil 0.0 10.0 Fat 20.0 10.0 A-90 2.5 2.5 Nutrisound 1.0
1.0 Mold Inhibitor 1.0 1.0 Soy Hulls 100.0 100.0 Total 2000.0
2000.0
[0062] The total number of piglets born at the second farrowing was
greater (p<0.05) for salmon oil treated (11.76) than control
sows (10.67) as shown below. The frequency distribution for litter
size is shown in FIG. 2. This frequency distribution shows a shift,
with fewer litters of less than eleven pigs for treated female
swine compared to controls and a greater number of larger litters
for treated female swine.
13 Effect of salmon oil on sow reproductive performance Control
Treated Number of Sows 109 107 Wean to Estrus Interval 6.28 6.25
Number Farrowed 85 88 Total Pigs Born 10.67.sup.a 11.76.sup.b Pigs
Born Live 9.81.sup.a 10.76.sup.b .sup.ab Means within a row without
common superscripts differ significantly (P < 0.05)
EXAMPLE 5
Effect of Prilling on Stability of Omega Fatty Acids in the Feed
Composition
[0063] Salmon Oil was prilled (i.e., converted from a molten liquid
and atomized into droplets to form a prill, or a bead) to produce a
35% w/w salmon oil prilled concentrate. The prilled concentrate was
mixed at 10.75% w/w with animal feed. Samples (about 0.5 kg) of
prilled concentrate (no feed), control feed (lactation diet
composition as described in Example 4) without salmon oil, control
feed plus prilled concentrate, control feed plus liquid salmon oil
(not prilled), and a premix (a vitamin and mineral supplement) with
liquid salmon oil were collected and were analyzed for omega fatty
acid content over an 8-week period. Prilled concentrate, control
feed, and control feed plus prilled concentrate samples were
collected on the day of manufacture and were analyzed within 7 days
of manufacture (designated as "Wk 0"). Products were sampled at
4-week intervals for fatty acid analysis (designated "Wk 4" and "Wk
8"). Samples of control feed plus liquid salmon oil and premix plus
liquid salmon oil were collected and analyzed approximately four
weeks after manufacture (designated "Wk 4"). Samples of the control
feed plus liquid salmon oil and premix plus liquid salmon oil were
collected and analyzed again four weeks later (designated "Wk 8).
The samples were analyzed for omega fatty acid content by using
art-recognized techniques for lipid extraction ("Mojonnier Method,"
A.O.A.C. 954.02, 15.sup.th Edition, 1990) and fatty acid analysis
(determined by gas chromatography-A.O.C.S. Cele-91 and Celd-91 for
omega fatty acids).
[0064] The results are shown in the table below. The data for the
salmon oil-containing feed and salmon oil-containing premix samples
are expressed as % by weight (i.e., g/100 g). The results
demonstrate that the omega fatty acids in prilled salmon oil from a
mixture with animal feed are stable over time. In contrast, the
omega fatty acids in liquid salmon oil in a mixture with animal
feed or with premix are not detected at 4 weeks after mixture with
the feed composition, likely due to oxidation of the fatty
acids.
14 Concentration of Omega Fatty Acids in Feed Composition &
Stability over Time Control Feed Feed plus Feed plus Prilled no
Prilled Prilled Liquid Premix plus Concentrate Concentrate
Concentrate.sup.1 Salmon Oil.sup.2 Liquid Salmon Oil.sup.3 Wk 0
C20:5 2.74 <0.01 0.29 Not sampled Not sampled C22:6 2.93
<0.01 0.31 Not sampled Not sampled Wk 4 C20:5 2.66 <0.01 0.26
<0.01 0.01 C22:6 2.81 <0.01 0.28 <0.01 <0.01 Wk 8 C20:5
2.75 <0.01 0.26 0.02 <0.01 C22:6 2.95 <0.01 0.29 0.01
<0.01 .sup.1Prilled SO inclusino rate 10.75%. .sup.2Liquid SO
inclusion rate 3.75%. .sup.3Liquid SO inclusion rate 2.8%.
* * * * *