U.S. patent application number 12/528153 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-29 for compositions and methods for enhancing immune system of felines.
Invention is credited to Kim Gene Friesen, Ryan Michael Yamka, Steven Curtis Zicker.
Application Number | 20100104599 12/528153 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39563552 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100104599 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yamka; Ryan Michael ; et
al. |
April 29, 2010 |
Compositions and Methods For Enhancing Immune System of Felines
Abstract
Compositions and methods useful to enhance the development of
the immune system of a growing animal are disclosed.
Inventors: |
Yamka; Ryan Michael;
(Topeka, KS) ; Friesen; Kim Gene; (Carthage,
IN) ; Zicker; Steven Curtis; (Lawrence, KS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
909 RIVER ROAD
PISCATAWAY
NJ
08855
US
|
Family ID: |
39563552 |
Appl. No.: |
12/528153 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
February 22, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US08/54789 |
371 Date: |
August 21, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60891171 |
Feb 22, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
424/221.1 ;
424/184.1; 424/204.1; 424/207.1; 424/216.1; 424/229.1; 424/253.1;
424/269.1; 426/72; 514/1.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61P 31/20 20180101;
A61P 25/28 20180101; A23K 20/142 20160501; A23K 20/158 20160501;
A61P 3/00 20180101; A61P 31/12 20180101; A61P 33/02 20180101; A61P
37/04 20180101; A23K 20/30 20160501; A23V 2002/00 20130101; A61P
25/00 20180101; A61P 31/14 20180101; A61P 31/04 20180101; A23K
20/105 20160501; A23K 20/174 20160501; A23K 50/40 20160501; A61P
3/04 20180101; A61P 43/00 20180101; A61P 19/00 20180101; A23V
2002/00 20130101; A23V 2200/306 20130101; A23V 2250/0632 20130101;
A23V 2250/1612 20130101; A23V 2250/1868 20130101; A23V 2250/187
20130101; A23V 2250/1872 20130101; A23V 2250/304 20130101; A23V
2250/0644 20130101; A23V 2250/712 20130101; A23V 2250/708 20130101;
A23V 2250/063 20130101; A23V 2002/00 20130101; A23V 2200/30
20130101; A23V 2250/0632 20130101; A23V 2250/1612 20130101; A23V
2250/1868 20130101; A23V 2250/187 20130101; A23V 2250/1872
20130101; A23V 2250/304 20130101; A23V 2250/0644 20130101; A23V
2250/712 20130101; A23V 2250/708 20130101; A23V 2250/063 20130101;
A23V 2250/0612 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/221.1 ;
514/12; 424/184.1; 424/229.1; 424/216.1; 424/207.1; 424/204.1;
424/253.1; 424/269.1; 426/72 |
International
Class: |
A23K 1/16 20060101
A23K001/16; A61K 38/16 20060101 A61K038/16; A61K 39/00 20060101
A61K039/00; A61K 39/125 20060101 A61K039/125; A61K 39/21 20060101
A61K039/21; A61K 39/12 20060101 A61K039/12; A61K 39/215 20060101
A61K039/215; A61K 39/10 20060101 A61K039/10; A61P 37/04 20060101
A61P037/04; A61P 31/12 20060101 A61P031/12; A61P 33/02 20060101
A61P033/02; A23K 1/18 20060101 A23K001/18 |
Claims
1. A pet food composition comprising: about 200 to about 1200 IU/kg
vitamin E; about 50 to about 500 ppm vitamin C; about 0.1% to about
0.7% EPA; and about 0.1% to about 0.5% DHA.
2. The composition of claim 1 comprising about 0.2% to about 0.4%
DHA.
3. The composition of claim 1 comprising about 200 to about 1200
IU/kg vitamin E.
4. The composition of claim 1 comprising about 50 to about 500 ppm
vitamin C.
5. The composition of claim 1 comprising about 100 ppm to about 500
ppm carnitine.
6. The composition of claim 1 comprising about 2400 ppm to about
7500 ppm choline.
7. The composition of claim 1 comprising about 0.1% to 0.6%
EPA.
8. The composition of claim 1 comprising about 50 ppm to about 200
ppm manganese.
9. The composition of claim 1 comprising about 0.5% to about 1.6%
methionine.
10. The composition of claim 1 further comprising: 0 to about 90%
by weight of carbohydrates; about 5% to about 70% by weight of
protein; about 2% to about 50% by weight of fat; about 0.1% to
about 20% by weight of total dietary fiber; 0 to about 15% by
weight of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, in varying
percentages which support the nutritional needs of the animal.
11. A method to enhance the immune response of a feline to an
antigen comprising administering to the feline or to the mother of
the feline while the feline is in utero, the pet food composition
claim 1.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the feline is a kitten.
13. The method of claim 11 wherein the feline is born from a queen
fed the composition of during pregnancy.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the queen is fed the composition
prior to pregnancy.
15. The method of claim 12 wherein the kitten is fed the
composition prior to weaning.
16. The method of claim 12 wherein the kitten's diet post weaning
includes compositions comprising about 200 to about 1200 IU/kg
vitamin E; about 50 to about 500 ppm vitamin C; about 0.1% to about
0.7% EPA; and about 0.1% to about 0.5% DHA.
17. The method of claim 11 wherein the immune response is a humoral
immune response.
18. The method of claim 11 wherein the immune response is an
adaptive humoral immune response.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the adaptive humoral immune
response includes the production and release of antibodies against
the antigen.
20. The method of claim 11 wherein the antigen is presented in a
vaccine.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein the vaccine is selected from the
group consisting of feline panleukopenia, feline herpesvirus-1,
feline calicivirus, feline leukemia virus, rabies, chlamydiosis,
feline infectious peritonitis, bordetella bronchiseptica infection,
dermatophytosis, and giardiasis.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/891,171, filed on Feb. 22, 2007, the contents of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to compositions and methods
for enhancing the immune system of mammals.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Commercially available pet foods, e.g., cat food, include
compositions specially formulated to address many different
nutritional needs. These include, for example, formulations
designed for different breed types, sizes and body conditions. They
also include formulations designed to address the nutritional needs
of animals in the different stages of their life cycle. Despite the
availability of such pet food formulations, however, there is a
need to develop formulations and methods to address other aspects
of an animal's health.
[0004] Pets are constantly exposed to pathogens. Failure to respond
to those pathogens may result in chronic illness and death.
Response to pathogens may be inhibited by an animal's diet,
preventing an adequate immune response. Thus compositions and
methods are needed to enhance an animal's immune response against
challenges by pathogens.
[0005] The incidence of many infectious diseases in cats has been
reduced greatly through the use of vaccines. Vaccines are not 100%
effective, as some cats vaccinated against a particular disease
will not be immunized against that disease. Thus there is a need to
develop compositions and methods to increase the efficacy of
vaccines, and to enhance a feline's immune response when challenged
with an antigen.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In certain aspects, the present invention relates to
compositions that are useful to enhance the immune system or immune
response of an animal when challenged with an antigen.
[0007] The present invention includes Composition 1.0, a pet food
composition useful to enhance immune function in an animal
comprising:
[0008] about 200 to about 1200 IU/kg vitamin E;
[0009] about 50 to about 500 ppm vitamin C;
[0010] about 0.1% to about 0.7% EPA; and
[0011] about 0.1% to about 0.7% DHA.
[0012] The present invention also includes the following
compositions: [0013] 1.1 Composition 1.0 comprising about 0.1% to
about 0.5% DHA, e.g., about 0.2% to about 0.5%, e.g., about 0.2,
about 0.3%, or about 0.4%; [0014] 1.2 Composition 1.0 or 1.1
comprising about 200 to about 1200 IU/kg vitamin E, e.g., about 500
IU/kg to about 1100 IU/kg, about 700, about 800, about 900, or
about 1000 IU/kg; [0015] 1.3 Any of the preceding compositions
comprising about 50 to about 500 ppm vitamin C, e.g., about 100 to
about 400 ppm Vitamin C, e.g., about 150, about 175, about 200, or
about 225 ppm; [0016] 1.4 Any of the preceding compositions
comprising about 100 ppm to about 500 ppm carnitine, e.g., about
200, about 300, or about 400 ppm; [0017] 1.5 Any of the preceding
compositions comprising about 2.5 g/1000 kcal to about 7 g/1000
kcal lysine; [0018] 1.6 Any of the preceding compositions
comprising about 2400 ppm to about 7500 ppm choline, e.g., about
3000, about 4000, about 4500, about 4600, about 4625, about 4650,
about 4700, about 5000, or about 6000 ppm; [0019] 1.7 Any of the
preceding compositions comprising about 0.1% to about 0.6% EPA,
e.g., about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, or about 0.5%; [0020] 1.8
Any of the preceding compositions comprising about 50 ppm to about
200 ppm manganese; [0021] 1.9 Any of the preceding compositions
comprising about 0.5% to about 1.6% methionine, e.g., 0.8% to about
1.6% methionine, e.g., about 1.3 or about 1.4% methionine. [0022]
1.10 Any of the preceding compositions further comprising: [0023] 0
to about 90% by weight of carbohydrates; [0024] about 5% to about
70% by weight of protein; [0025] about 2% to about 50% by weight of
fat; [0026] about 0.1% to about 20% by weight of total dietary
fiber; [0027] 0 to about 15%, preferably about 2% to about 8%, by
weight of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, in varying
percentages which support the nutritional needs of the animal.
[0028] 1.11 Composition 1.10 comprising about 5% to about 55%, by
weight of carbohydrates; [0029] 1.12 Composition 1.10 or 1.11
comprising about 20% to about 60%, by weight of protein, e.g.,
about 30 to about 55%; [0030] 1.13 Any one of compositions
1.10-1.12 comprising about 5% to about 40%, by weight of fat, e.g.,
at least about 8% or about 9% to about 40% fat; [0031] 1.14 Any one
of compositions 1.10-1.13 comprising about 1% to about 11%, by
weight of total dietary fiber; [0032] 1.15 Any of the preceding
compositions comprising about 1000 to about 4000 ppm taurine;
[0033] 1.16 Any of the preceding compositions comprising about 0.5%
to about 6% linoleic acid, e.g., about 2.5% to about 5%; [0034]
1.17 Any of the preceding compositions comprising about 1% to about
3% total n-3 fatty acids, e.g., about 1.3%, about 1.4%, about 1.5%,
or about 1.6%. [0035] 1.18 Any of the preceding compositions
comprising about 1% to about 6% total n-6 fatty acids, e.g., about
3% to about 5%, about 3.5%, or about 4%.
[0036] The compositions of the present invention may be a wet, dry,
or semi-dry food.
[0037] The present invention includes Method 2.0, a method to
enhance the neurologic development of a feline comprising
administering to the feline any one of compositions 1.0-1.18.
[0038] The present invention also includes the following methods:
[0039] 2.1 Of method 2.0 wherein the feline is a kitten [0040] 2.2
Of method 2.0 or 2.1 wherein the feline is born of a queen fed any
one of compositions 1.0-1.15 during pregnancy. [0041] 2.3 Of method
2.2 wherein the feline is in utero. [0042] 2.4 Of method 2.2
wherein the queen is fed any one of compositions 1.0-1.18 prior to
pregnancy. [0043] 2.5 Of method 2.2 or 2.4 wherein the queen is fed
any one of compositions 1.0-1.18 for a majority of the pregnancy
duration. [0044] 2.6 Of any one of methods 2.2-2.5 wherein the
queen is fed compositions consisting essentially of any one of
compositions 1.0-1.18 prior to and during pregnancy. [0045] 2.7 Of
any one of the preceding methods wherein the kitten is fed any one
of compositions 1.0-1.18 prior to weaning, e.g., while still
nursing. [0046] 2.8 Of any one of the preceding methods wherein the
kitten is fed any one of compositions 1.0-1.18 post weaning. [0047]
2.9 Of method 2.8 wherein the kitten is fed food compositions
consisting of any one of compositions 1.0-1.18. [0048] 2.10 Of any
one of the preceding methods wherein an effective amount of the
composition is administered to the animal. [0049] 2.11 Of any one
of the preceding methods wherein the composition is administered to
the animal for an effective amount of time. [0050] Other features
and advantages of the present invention will be understood by
reference to the detailed description of the examples that
follow.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0051] It is contemplated that the invention described herein is
not limited to the particular methodology, protocols, and reagents
described as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the
terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular
embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the
present invention in any way.
[0052] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In
addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a
definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference,
the present disclosure controls.
[0053] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular
forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural reference unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0054] The present invention relates to any animal, preferably a
mammal, more preferably a companion animal. The term "companion
animal" refers to any animal that lives in close association with
humans and includes, but is not limited to, canines and felines of
any breed. It is contemplated herein, however, that any animal
whose diet may be controlled by humans may benefit from feeding the
formulations disclosed herein. These animals may include, for
example, domesticated farm animals (e.g., cattle, horses, swine,
etc.) as well as undomesticated animals held in captivity, e.g., in
zoological parks and the like. Preferably, the animal is a feline,
either a kitten, or adult cat.
[0055] As used herein, "an amount effective to" or "an effective
amount" to achieve a particular result, and like terms, refer to
that amount of a compound, material or composition as described
herein that may be effective to achieve a particularly desired
biological result. As contemplated herein, such results include,
for example, enhancement of neurologic development, bone and joint
health, immune function and/or promotion of a healthy body
composition of an animal, either while developing in utero and/or
during its growth stage after birth, e.g., up to 6 months, 9
months, 12 months, or 15 months after birth. Such effective
activity may be achieved, for example, by administration of
compositions of the present invention to the dam of said animal
while the animal is in utero or nursing, as well as by direct
administration to the animal during its growth stage.
[0056] As used herein, the "enhancement" of a particular biological
process or body condition in a growing animal such as described
herein refers to an improvement in the biological process or body
condition of a growing animal compared to a control animal.
Improvement in such a process or condition may be determined by one
of skill in the art. Immune function may be determined in an animal
by assaying antibody titers in response to vaccination and
comparing to control animals, where an increase in antibody titer
compared to controls is indicative of an enhancement in adaptive
immune function.
[0057] As used herein, "enhancement of the development of a growing
animal" or "enhanced growth" and like terms refer to an overall
improvement in one or more biological processes and/or the body
condition of a growing animal, including but not limited to,
biological processes central to the growth and development of an
organism, including, but not limited to, the biological processes
described herein, e.g., bone and joint health, neurologic and
immune system development and body weight gain (e.g., increase in
lean muscle mass instead of adipose tissue).
[0058] The "growth" life stage of an animal refers to the period
from birth or weaning (approx 8 weeks of age) to about 1 year of
age.
[0059] As used herein, the term "kitten" refers to an immature
feline, typically between the ages of birth and 12 months.
[0060] "Essential amino acids" as used herein refers to those amino
acids that cannot be synthesized de novo by an organism and thus
must be supplied in the diet. It is understood by one of skill in
the art that the essential amino acids vary from species to
species, depending upon the organism's metabolism. For example, it
is generally understood that the essential amino acids for dogs and
cats (and humans), are phenylalanine, leucine, methionine, lysine,
isoleucine, valine, threonine, tryptophan, histidine and arginine.
In addition, taurine, while technically not an amino acid but a
derivative of cysteine, is an essential for cats. A balanced diet
can provide all the essential amino acids, however, there are
certain essential amino acids that are more critical, as a diet
deficient in one of them will limit the usefulness of the others,
even if the other essential amino acids are present in sufficient
quantities.
[0061] As understood by one of skill in the art, a "limiting amino
acid" refers to an amino acid which if present in insufficient
quantities in a diet, results in the limitation in usefulness of
other essential amino acids, even if the other essential amino
acids are present in otherwise large enough quantities. Lysine is
the limiting essential amino acid in the compositions disclosed
herein. Thus, the remaining essential amino acids are
quantitatively formulated or "balanced" in relationship to the
amount of lysine determined critical to effect the desired
biological result. As used herein, "balanced amino acids" refers to
the relationship of the essential amino acid lysine to energy to
assure optimal animal growth and development.
[0062] "Essential nutrients" as used herein refers to nutrients
required for normal body functioning that cannot be synthesized by
the body. Categories of essential nutrient include vitamin dietary
minerals, fatty acid, and amino acid. It is understood by one of
skill in the art that the nutrients deemed essential varies from
species to species, depending upon the organism's metabolism. For
example, essential nutrients for dogs and cats include Vitamins A,
D, E, K, B1, B6 B12, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, folic
acid, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chlorine,
iron, copper, zinc, manganese, selenium and iodine. Choline,
generally regarded as a B complex vitamin, may be included among
the semi-essential nutrients.
[0063] Carnitine, also known as L-carnitine, (levocarnitine) is a
quaternary ammonium compound synthesized from the amino acids
lysine and methionine and is responsible for the transport of fatty
acids from the cytosol into the mitochondria.
[0064] The immune response of various animals, such as mammals and
felines is well known in the art. An immune response is generally
the mechanisms within an organism that protects against disease,
e.g., by identifying and killing pathogens and tumor cells. Immune
responses may be classified into various response types, e.g.,
humoral or cell-mediated response, and innate and adaptive
response. Thus, immune responses may be humoral innate responses,
cell-mediated innate response, cell-mediated adaptive response, and
cell-mediated adaptive response, and combinations thereof. It is
well known that these responses may occur concurrently when an
animal is challenged, e.g., with a pathogen. For example, the
complement cascade of the innate humoral immune response may
recruit T and B cells, which form the basis of cell-mediated
adaptive immunity, and complement may be recruited by the adaptive
immune system.
[0065] Without being limited to any theories or particular modes of
action, the present invention is based on the surprising discovery
that the diet of an animal may enhance the animal's immune response
to antigens, e.g., pathogens or vaccines. Addition of certain
ingredients to pet food compositions and administration of these
compositions to animals can enhance the immune system of a growing
animal. Additionally, the addition of certain ingredients to pet
food compositions and administration of these compositions to dams
during pregnancy can enhance the immune system of the offspring
thereof.
[0066] The present invention contemplates that the immune response
of a feline may be enhanced or augmented against any number of
antigens, including pathogens and vaccines. Felines may be
vaccinated against any number of diseases or conditions, including
feline panleukopenia, feline herpesvirus-1, feline calicivirus,
feline leukemia virus, rabies, chlamydiosis, feline infectious
peritonitis, bordetella bronchiseptica infection, dermatophytosis,
giardiasis, etc. Thus the present invention contemplates an
improved method of establishing enhanced adaptive humoral immunity,
e.g., against a pathogen comprising the methods of the present
invention, and immunizing an animal against a pathogen with a
vaccine for the pathogen. Enhanced immune function in an animal may
be characterized as an immune response which demonstrates greater
antibody or cell-mediated response upon antigen challenge than
control animals.
[0067] As contemplated herein, the compositions of the present
invention comprise nutritionally complete and balanced animal feed
compositions. Such compositions include, among other nutrients and
ingredients, recommended healthful amounts of protein, carbohydrate
and fat. "Nutritionally complete and balanced animal feed
compositions", as well as nutrients and ingredients suitable for
animal feed compositions, and recommended amounts thereof, are
familiar to one of skill in the art (see, for example, National
Research Council, 2006 Nutritional Requirements for Dogs and Cats,
National Academy Press, Washington D.C. or the Official Publication
of the Association of American Feed Control Officials, Inc.
Nutrient Requirements for Dogs and Cats 2006).
[0068] It is contemplated herein that the compositions disclosed
herein may also comprise antioxidants, additives, stabilizers,
thickeners, flavorants, palatability enhancers and colorants in
amounts and combinations familiar to one of skill in the art.
"Antioxidants" refers to a substance that is capable of reacting
with or decreasing the production of free radicals and neutralizing
them. Examples include, but are not limited to, beta-carotene,
selenium, coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone), lutein, tocotrienols, soy
isoflavones, S-adenosylmethionine, glutathione, taurine,
N-acetylcysteine, vitamin E, vitamin D, vitamin C, flavanoids,
anthocyanindins, and lipoic acid.
[0069] While foods of any consistency or moisture content are
contemplated, preferably the compositions of the present invention
may be, for example, a wet, semi-dry or dry animal food
composition. "Wet" food refers to food which is sold in cans or
foil bags and has a moisture content of about 70 to about a 90%.
"Dry" food refers to compositions with about 5 to about 15%
moisture content and is often manufactured in the form of small
bits or kibbles. Semi-dry compositions refer to compositions having
about 15% to about 70% moisture. Also contemplated herein are
compositions of intermediate moisture consistency and those that
may comprise components of various consistency as well as
components that may include more than one consistency, for example,
soft, chewy meat-like particles as well as kibble having an outer
cereal component and an inner cream component as described in,
e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,877.
[0070] The following examples further illustrate the present
invention and are not intended to limit the invention. As used
throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and
every value that is within the range. Any value within the range
can be selected as the terminus of the range. It is understood that
when formulations are described, they may be described in terms of
their ingredients, as is common in the art, notwithstanding that
these ingredients may react with one another in the actual
formulation as it is made, stored and used, and such products are
intended to be covered by the formulations described.
[0071] The following examples further describe and demonstrate
illustrative embodiments within the scope of the present invention.
The examples are given solely for illustration and are not to be
construed as limitations of this invention as many variations are
possible without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.
Various modifications of the invention in addition to those shown
and described herein should be apparent to those skilled in the art
and are intended to fall within the appended claims.
Example 1
[0072] Formulations to enhance the development of growing animal
are disclosed hereinbelow. These compositions are developed taking
into account the "ideal protein concept" (Baker and
Czarnecki-Maulden, 1991 Annu. Rev. Nutr. 11:239-63).
[0073] Foods are developed for the "growth" life stage. These foods
include formulations for canine growth and feline growth. The
minimum nutrient recommendations for these foods, as well as the
targeted values for a prototype food, are listed below in Table
1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Key Nutrients for Kitten Formula Nutrient
Target Minimum Maximum Protein, % 45.5 30 55 Methionine, % 1.4 0.8
1.6 Manganese, ppm 90 50 200 DHA, % 0.21 0.1 0.5 EPA, % 0.31 0.1
0.7 Choline, ppm 4880 2500 7500 Taurine, ppm 2380 1000 4000
Linoleic acid, % 3.8 2.5 6 Total n-3 fatty 1.35 1 3 acids, %
Vitamin E, IU/kg 900 200 1200 Vitamin C, ppm 90 50 500 Lysine,
g/1000 kcal 4 2.5 7
Example 2
[0074] Four foods are used for the study, experimental Formulation
X, Commercial A, Commercial A1, and Commercial B. The composition
of the foods is presented in Table 2. Commercial A, A1, and B foods
are available from commercial sources. Commercial A and A1 are the
same brand of food, but produced in different lots.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Analyzed nutrients of foods fed to queens
and kittens Formu- Commer- Commer- Commer- Nutrient la X cial A
cial A1 cial B Crude Protein, % 41.63 41.2 36.09 35.47 Fat, % 23.15
14.47 12.43 22.94 Ca, % 1.23 1.12 1.50 1.06 P, % 1.11 1.11 1.19
0.96 DHA, % 0.22 0.06 0.04 <0.01 EPA, % 0.32 0.06 0.04 <0.01
Linoleic Acid, % 3.79 1.59 1.96 1.37 Total n-3 fatty 1.47 0.34 0.25
0.53 acids, % Total n-6 fatty 3.86 1.88 1.91 1.44 acids, % Taurine,
% 0.24 0.17 0.23 0.20 Methionine, % 1.3 0.76 0.62 0.99 Cystine, %
0.49 0.51 0.44 0.35 Manganese, ppm 78 63 77 56 Vitamin E, IU/kg 914
35 76 138 Vitamin C, ppm 183 -- -- -- Choline, ppm 4624 3010 2807
3331
[0075] 19 queens are fed Formulation X, or Commercial A for at
least 2 weeks prior to conception. Queens are maintained in group
lodging until they are confirmed pregnant via palpation, and are
then moved to maternity lodging. 32 kittens are produced from
queens fed Commercial A, and 16 kittens are produced from queens
fed Formulation X. Following birth of kittens, the kittens from
queens are kept on same foods until the kittens are weaned.
[0076] Following weaning, the 32 kittens produced from queens fed
Commercial A were divided as follows: 16 kittens are fed Commercial
A1; and 16 kittens are fed Commercial B. Following weaning, the 16
kittens produced from the queens fed Formulation X are maintained
on Formulation X.
[0077] The 48 kittens are vaccinated against rabies, and
anti-rabies antibody titers were determined prior to vaccination,
and at 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 weeks following vaccination.
[0078] Results are presented in Table 3. Kittens from queens fed
Formula X and continued to feed on Formula X have significantly
improved immune response, as measured by increased antibody titer
to the rabies vaccination. The antibody titer in kittens is
significantly increased when Formula X is fed to queens during
gestation and lactation, and to the kittens after weaning during
growth.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Mean antibody titer of kittens in response
to rabies vaccination Pre- vaccination 1 week 2 weeks 4 weeks 8
weeks 16 weeks Commercial A 0.1 0.1 22.0 43.3 47.5 25.0 dams-
Commercial A1 kittens Commercial A 0.1 0.2 23.4 47.0 52.8 12.5
dams- Commercial B kittens Formula X dams- 0.1 0.2 26.4 62.4 63.9
37.2 Formula X kittens
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