U.S. patent application number 15/269747 was filed with the patent office on 2017-01-12 for method for processing feed grain for dairy animals.
The applicant listed for this patent is Matthew Ryan Garner, Mark D. Holt. Invention is credited to Matthew Ryan Garner, Mark D. Holt.
Application Number | 20170007667 15/269747 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48695297 |
Filed Date | 2017-01-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170007667 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Holt; Mark D. ; et
al. |
January 12, 2017 |
METHOD FOR PROCESSING FEED GRAIN FOR DAIRY ANIMALS
Abstract
Method of producing a feedstuff for a dairy animal that
potentiates milk production. The method includes a multi-stage
process having one stage in which a feed grain for dairy animals is
heat-treated for a period of time at a temperature above 90 degrees
Celsius. The grain is processed for another period of time that
includes disrupting the prolamin/protein bonds which produces a
hydrophilic, vitreous feedstuff having a starch and protein matrix
composed at least partially by prolamin. The feed grain is
heat-treated for a first period of time, of which at least 200
seconds is maintained above 90 degrees Celsius, and thereafter the
feed grain is processed in a second stage by applying sufficient
processing to disrupt the prolamin/protein bonds and thereby
producing a hydrophilic, vitreous, feedstuff comprising a starch
and protein matrix composed of at least three percent prolamin.
Inventors: |
Holt; Mark D.; (Phoenix,
AZ) ; Garner; Matthew Ryan; (Amarillo, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Holt; Mark D.
Garner; Matthew Ryan |
Phoenix
Amarillo |
AZ
TX |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48695297 |
Appl. No.: |
15/269747 |
Filed: |
September 19, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13732210 |
Dec 31, 2012 |
9446094 |
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15269747 |
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62377389 |
Aug 19, 2016 |
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61582347 |
Dec 31, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23K 20/163 20160501;
A23K 50/10 20160501; A23K 20/147 20160501; A61K 31/718 20130101;
A23K 40/25 20160501; A61K 9/0056 20130101; A23K 40/20 20160501 |
International
Class: |
A61K 38/16 20060101
A61K038/16; A61K 31/718 20060101 A61K031/718; A23K 20/163 20060101
A23K020/163; A23K 40/25 20060101 A23K040/25; A23K 50/10 20060101
A23K050/10; A61K 9/00 20060101 A61K009/00; A23K 20/147 20060101
A23K020/147 |
Claims
1. A method of producing a feedstuff for a dairy animal that
potentiates milk production, the method comprising: a multi-stage
process comprising one stage in which a feed grain for dairy
animals is heat-treated for a period of time at a temperature above
90 degrees Celsius and the grain is processed for another period of
time that comprises disrupting the prolamin/protein bonds and
thereby producing a hydrophilic, vitreous feedstuff comprising a
starch and protein matrix composed at least partially by
prolamin.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the stage in which the feed grain
is heat-treated for a period of time at a temperature above 90
degrees Celsius is at least 100 seconds.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the stage in which the feed grain
is heat-treated for a period of time at a temperature above 90
degrees Celsius is at least 200 seconds.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the temperature at which the feed
grain is heat-treated for a period of time at a temperature above
90 degrees Celsius is at least 100 degrees Celsius.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the temperature at which the feed
grain is heat-treated for a period of time at a temperature above
90 degrees Celsius is at least 150 degrees Celsius.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the temperature at which the feed
grain is heat-treated for a period of time at a temperature above
90 degrees Celsius is at least 200 degrees Celsius.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the starch and protein matrix
comprises at least three percent prolamin.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the starch and protein matrix
comprises at least five percent prolamin.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising a first stage in which
the feed grain is heat-treated for a first period of time, of which
at least 200 seconds is maintained above 90 degrees Celsius, and
thereafter the feed grain is processed in a second stage by
applying sufficient processing to disrupt the prolamin/protein
bonds and thereby producing a hydrophilic, vitreous, feedstuff
comprising a starch and protein matrix composed of at least three
percent prolamin.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising extruding the feed
grain in a second stage by applying sufficient shear pressure to
disrupt the prolamin/protein bonds and thereby producing an
extruded hydrophilic, low-vitreous, gelatinous feedstuff comprising
a starch and protein matrix composed at least partially of
prolamin.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the feed grain comprises at
least one of wheat, barley, rye, corn, sorghum and oats.
12. The method of claim 1, further comprising the feed grain having
a vitreousness of at least 66% prior to being heat-treated.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein, in a first stage of the
multi-stage process, the feed grain is heat-treated for a period of
at least 1200 seconds.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein, in a first stage of the
multi-stage process, the feed grain is heat-treated for at least a
200 second period during which the heat treatment is maintained
above 90 degrees Celsius and that 200 second period is the last 200
seconds of the at least 1200 second long first stage of heat
treatment.
15. A method of potentiating milk production in a dairy animal
comprising: obtaining hydrophilic, vitreous feedstuff manufactured
by a multi-stage process comprising one stage in which a feed grain
for dairy animals is heat-treated for a period of time at a
temperature above 90 degrees Celsius and the grain is processed for
another period of time that comprises disrupting the
prolamin/protein bonds and thereby producing the hydrophilic,
vitreous feedstuff comprising a starch and protein matrix composed
at least partially by prolamin; and feeding the hydrophilic,
vitreous feedstuff comprising a starch and protein matrix composed
at least partially by prolamin to a ruminant animal.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising retaining a portion
of the feedstuff within the rumen of the animal for at least a
twenty-four hour period such that during the first twenty-four
hours of that period, at least seventy-five percent of the starch
content of the rumen-retained portion of the fed feedstuff is
digested.
17. The method of claim 15, further comprising increasing the
uptake of starch granules in Entodinia sp. rumen protozoa whereby
higher propagation rates, lysis and delivery to the animal's small
intestine of high quality essential amino acids is affected.
18. The method of claim 15, further comprising at least a doubling
of the likelihood of conception of a ruminant animal fed the
feedstuff during periods of heat stress when ambient temperatures
exceed one-hundred degrees Fahrenheit.
19. The method of claim 15, further comprising the feed grain
having a vitreousness of at least 66% prior to being heat-treated.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/377,389,
filed on Aug. 19, 2016, and which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety and which also constitutes a portion of
the present disclosure as part of this patent specification. This
application is also a continuation of U.S. Utility patent
application Ser. No. 13/732,210, filed on Dec. 31, 2012, now issued
as U.S. Utility Pat. No. 9,446,094, which claims the benefit under
35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
61/582,347, filed on Dec. 31, 2011, each of which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety and which also constitutes a
portion of the present disclosure as part of this patent's
specification.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In the realm of animal digestion, the ruminant animal is one
of the most diverse mammals in the world. Whereas, most mammals
contain one stomach, the ruminant has four stomachs and a small
intestine with a vast array of organisms with one of the most
robust microbiological ecologies on the planet. In these four
stomachs, it has been hypothesized that as many as 150,000
organisms reside and are prepared to digest nutritional substrates
in vast quantities. The rumen ecology allows them to metamorphose
bacteria that distinctly digest the substrate presentation.
[0003] Ruminants primarily digest carbon sources in the form of
proteins, carbohydrates, fats, sugars and fiber. Ruminants are also
unique in that the rumen ecology can ebb and flow regarding
digestion and substrates and the ecology based on the substrate
presentation. For example, a high corn diet will have a different
ratio of bacteria, fungi, volatile fatty acids and protozoa than a
high fiber diet.
[0004] Operating pH for the ruminant can range from 5.5-6.0, and up
to 8.0 with the former representing a high starch/sugar diet and
the latter being more fiber forage based. The rumen breaks these
carbohydrates and sugars down into volatile fatty acids (VFA) in
the form of acetic, lactic, propionic and butyric acid. Once they
are broken down they are absorbed through the rumen wall and into
the bloodstream.
[0005] Long chain fats are biohydrogenated in the rumen and
absorbed in the small intestine. Crude protein substrates are
hydrolyzed to peptides (chains of amino acids) and deaminated to
ammonia. In a dairy animal, we find that most substrates that
contribute to milk production are digested in the rumen and not
post-ruminal. In a beef animal, primary concern is with digestion
across the digestive tract. Post ruminal VFA's contribute less than
5% of the production of a dairy animal.
[0006] Further complicating digestion by the dairy animal are the
bacteria, fungi and protozoa of the rumen that contribute up to 60%
of the rumen mass. Most literature and models address the
production of bacteria and fungi which have a specific passage rate
and a lower level of amino acid contribution. Protozoa have a 6%
per hour rumen over rate and contribute up to two times higher
levels of essential amino acids such as lysine and methionine.
[0007] In contrast, most monogastric animals (i.e. pigs and
chickens) have a pH site digestion in the 2-4 pH range. This allows
monogastrics much greater flexibility with regard to substrate
digestion, starch hardness and biological efficiencies for meat
production. Further confounding the digestion efficiency of dairy
animals is the current practices aimed at increasing corn
production that have increased characteristics of the corn that are
detrimental to the efficiencies of lactating dairy animals, and
particularly dairy cows. These complexities of prolamins,
particularly zein in corn can reduce the efficiency of the
digestion of corn up to 60-80% in the rumen and therefore reduce
milk production significantly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] In the accompanying drawings:
[0009] FIG. 1 graphically depicts certain percentage based
measurements taken at 0, 2, 4, and 6 hours of yellow corn meal
Reference Human Food Grade NDF digests of rumen digestion residue
samples;
[0010] FIG. 2 depicts similar measurements, but for white whole
corn, course ground before processing;
[0011] FIG. 3 depicts similar measurements, but for ground corn,
fine grind before processing;
[0012] FIG. 4 depicts similar measurements, but for pooled white
corn before processing;
[0013] FIG. 5 depicts similar measurements, but for low
gelatinization flaked corn;
[0014] FIG. 6 depicts similar measurements, but for high
gelatinization flaked corn;
[0015] FIG. 7 depicts similar measurements, but for pooled flaked
corn;
[0016] FIG. 8 depicts similar measurements, but for extruded corn,
before fine grinding, course ground for study;
[0017] FIG. 9 depicts similar measurements, but for processed corn
fine grind;
[0018] FIG. 10 depicts similar measurements, but for pooled
processed corn;
[0019] FIG. 11 depicts cell counts and microflora at 2 and 4 hours
for variously processed corn;
[0020] FIG. 12 illustrates a digestive tract of a ruminant depicted
as a dairy cow;
[0021] FIG. 13 illustrates the hydrophilic characteristic of Rumen
Available Starch (RAS) produced according to the teachings of the
present disclosure on the left compared to the hydrophobic
characteristic of ground corn on the right, considering the same
amount of water in the two glasses;
[0022] FIG. 14 illustrates and characterizes formulaically RAS
percent starch digestibility, in-vitro, over a 24 hour period;
[0023] FIG. 15 illustrates and characterizes formulaically high
gelatinization flaked corn percent starch digestibility in the
rumen over a 24 hour period;
[0024] FIG. 16 illustrates and characterizes formulaically percent
starch digestibility in the rumen over a 24 hour period for course
ground white whole corn, pre-extrusion processing;
[0025] FIG. 17 illustrates and characterizes formulaically percent
starch digestibility in the rumen over a 24 hour period for RAS
processed, fine ground corn;
[0026] FIG. 18 illustrates and characterizes formulaically percent
starch digestibility in the rumen over a 24 hour period for RAS
processed, course ground corn;
[0027] FIG. 19 tabulates pregnancy rates, on a monthly basis,
comparing RAS treated cows in the right-most column versus control
group cows in the center column that did not receive RAS feed and
which demonstrates increased pregnancy rates of 18.4% in the hot,
summer month of July; 125.3% in the hot, summer month of August;
and 76.8% in the hot, summer month of September;
[0028] FIG. 20 illustrates starch source effects on culture pH by
day of incubation;
[0029] FIG. 21 illustrates starch source effects on pH by time
after feeding on day 10;
[0030] FIG. 22 details two analyses of the composition of degermed
corn and RAS processed corn;
[0031] FIG. 23 tabulates percent digestion of RAS in a ruminant's
rumen at 2 hours (40.6%), 4 hours (61.9%), 6 hours (78.3%), 12
hours (85.2%) and 24 hours (94.0%); and
[0032] FIG. 24 tabulates a comparison between 1000 grams of RAS
versus 1000 grams of corn regarding grams of starch (900 grams vs.
720 grams); percent rumen digested at 7 hours (85% vs. 18%) and
grams of rumen available starch (765 grams vs. 130 grams).
DESCRIPTION
[0033] In at least one embodiment, a method is disclosed for
processing a prolamin-containing feed source into a gelatinous
feedstuff. The feedstuff is fed to ruminant animals for the purpose
of potentiating either milk production or conception, or both. In
at least one example, the feed source is corn and the ruminant
animal is a bovine, and more specifically, a cow. In one particular
example, the animal is a milking cow and the pH of its relevant
digestive environment is in the range of 5.5 to 8.0. The method
includes processing, by extrusion, a prolamin-containing feed
source comprising (including, but not limited to) a starch-protein
matrix within which the included protein is composed of three
percent or greater prolamin. This processing produces a hydrophilic
gelatinous feedstuff that has starch and protein content. The
hydrophilic gelatinous feedstuff is fed to a ruminant animal. A
rumen-retained portion of the fed feedstuff is retained within the
rumen of the animal for at least a twenty-four hour period, and
during the first twenty-four hours of that period, at least
seventy-five percent and up to ninety-nine percent of the starch
content of the rumen-retained portion of the fed feedstuff is
digested. The period of retention may be shorter in the instance of
fast-transit, high-digestibility starch matrices.
[0034] The affects and benefits of feeding this unique feedstuff to
dairy cows surprisingly includes an increase in rumen pH. The
effects of this are substantial as grain starch, such as in corn,
normally has required buffering to prevent the death of bacteria
and Protozoa. This increased pH effect is responsible for an
increase in Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) digestibility.
Heretofore, when starch has been added, NDF digestibility has gone
down due to the shift or decrease in pH, which is opposite to the
described experience of increased pH as a result of feeding the
currently disclosed feedstuff to ruminant animals.
[0035] Additionally, there is a stratification effect in the rumen
relative to the processed feedstuff. The presently disclosed
feedstuff is lighter than corn, but more specifically is
sufficiently light (low density) to float to the top of the rumen
where the protozoa reside causing creep feeding of the bacteria and
Protozoa. These growth rates are two to three times greater than
for corn starch.
[0036] Regarding the Protozoan effect described immediately above,
the presently disclosed feedstuff grows Protozoa which are 22%
lysine. Based on these turnover rates, the results of feeding the
feedstuff exceed all protein requirements of a high producing dairy
cow without the direct addition of any protein to the diet.
[0037] Regarding the passage rate of the presently disclosed
feedstuff, ground corn and other typical forms of corn pass through
the rumen at a rate of 10-25% per hour. In contrast, the presently
disclosed feedstuff, given its post-processing characteristics,
does not leave the rumen until substantially fully digested, which
corresponds to the surprisingly decreased rate of passage from the
rumen of 0.5-1.0% per hour.
[0038] Regarding beef cattle production and efficiency, the
presently disclosed feedstuff increases pH which reduces acidosis.
It also increases Microbial Bacteria (MB) and Microbial Protozoa
(MP) and increases the rate of gain due to enhanced delivery of
amino acid.
[0039] Among other benefits, the need to feed sodium bicarbonate
and yeast is reduced or eliminated by the feeding of the presently
disclosed feedstuff that has been accordingly processed. The need
to add a separate protein is also reduced or eliminated due to the
increase endogen. Paramount, the amount of grain (corn) fed to the
animal will be drastically reduced while at the same time
delivering the same amount of nutrient to the animal.
[0040] Corn starch and the presently disclosed feedstuff have been
compared. A comparison fermentation has been performed in a shaking
incubator using mixed ruminal microbes from lactating cows. In the
fermentation tubes, a change was observed in the mass of the
microbial brown and green material (the microbial mass did not
stain with ruthenium red which would stain carbohydrates,
apparently mixed composition carbohydrates, but also starch) in the
presently disclosed feedstuff versus corn starch (CS; both added at
0.15 g/tube, fermented with a lower N Goering and Van Soest medium
for 0, 1, 2, and 4 h). The microbial masses started out similarly
at 0 hours. The mass in the tube with the presently disclosed
feedstuff was substantially greater than that mixed with corn
starch as time increased. Qualitatively, it looked like the
protozoa contained more starch granules in the corn starch
fermentations, but had more amorphous material in the form of
microbial mass with the presently disclosed feedstuff.
[0041] The starch granules in the presently disclosed feedstuff
fermentation seemed more clumped than those in the corn starch
sample, indicative of the fact that the physical form of the
presently disclosed feedstuff creep feeds the bacteria as the
physical size reduces ingestion of the presently disclosed
feedstuff by protozoa.
[0042] Interestingly, the microbes observed appear to be
Streptococcus. Some starch utilizers were attached to the starch
granules, but surprisingly, as is depicted in the accompanying
photograph of FIG. 13, there are also masses of chains of microbes
that are not attached.
[0043] As a functionality, the presently disclosed feedstuff is
pushing unsaturated fatty acids out of the rumen which lessens
their antimicrobial impact on fermentation. Furthermore, it
delivers more essential fatty acids post-ruminally for weight gain
and reproduction performance increases, was well as increasing
immune function, milk production and overall health of the
animal.
[0044] Regarding protein delivery, it is observed that the Protozoa
engulfs itself in soluble starch, increases specific gravity and
falls out of the top portion of the rumen material to flow out of
the rumen, which has been test tube observed.
[0045] In the present disclosure, the terminology "gelatinous" is
defined as non-vitreousness or lowered-vitreousness which indicates
an enhanced porosity that enables the rumen fluid bacteria,
protozoa and fungi to have greater access to degrade the feedstuff.
At least in part, vitreous properties in this disclosure are
defined as 2,000 centipoise or less.
[0046] In the present disclosure, the terminology "extrusion"
defines a process that includes the application of pressure,
thermal, mechanical and/or chemical shear (PTMCS) or combination
thereof to the feed source to disrupt the prolamin/protein
bonds.
[0047] Prolamins are a group of plant storage proteins having a
high proline content and are found in the seeds of certain cereal
grains including wheat (gliadin), barley (hordein), rye (secalin),
corn (zein), sorghum (kafirin) and as a minor protein, as avenin in
oats, and each of which cereal grains can serve as the base or
original grain to be processed into the presently disclosed
feedstuff. They are characterized by a high glutamine and proline
content and are generally soluble only in strong alcohol
solutions.
[0048] In at least one embodiment, the digested percentage of the
starch content of the rumen-retained portion of the fed feedstuff
during the first twenty-four hours of the at least twenty-four hour
period is at least eighty percent.
[0049] In another embodiment, the digested percentage of the starch
content of the rumen-retained portion of the fed feedstuff during
the first twenty-four hours of the at least twenty-four hour period
is at least eighty-five percent.
[0050] In another embodiment, the digested percentage of the starch
content of the rumen-retained portion of the fed feedstuff during
the first twenty-four hours of the at least twenty-four hour period
is at least ninety percent.
[0051] In another embodiment, the digested percentage of the starch
content of the rumen-retained portion of the fed feedstuff during
the first twenty-four hours of the at least twenty-four hour period
is at least ninety-four percent.
[0052] In another embodiment, the digested percentage of the starch
content of the rumen-retained portion of the fed feedstuff during
the first twenty-four hours of the at least twenty-four hour period
is at least ninety-five percent.
[0053] In another embodiment, the digested percentage of the starch
content of the rumen-retained portion of the fed feedstuff during
the first twenty-four hours of the at least twenty-four hour period
is at least ninety-eight percent.
[0054] In another embodiment, the digested percentage of the starch
content of the rumen-retained portion of the fed feedstuff during
the first twenty-four hours of the at least twenty-four hour period
is at least ninety-eight and six-tenths percent.
[0055] In another embodiment, the digested percentage of the starch
content of the rumen-retained portion of the fed feedstuff during
the first two hours of the at least twenty-four hour period is at
least thirty percent.
[0056] In another embodiment, the digested percentage of the starch
content of the rumen-retained portion of the fed feedstuff during
the first two hours of the at least twenty-four hour period is at
least thirty-seven percent.
[0057] In another embodiment, the digested percentage of the starch
content of the rumen-retained portion of the fed feedstuff during
the first two hours of the at least twenty-four hour period is at
least thirty-seven and three-tenths percent.
[0058] In another embodiment, the digested percentage of the starch
content of the rumen-retained portion of the fed feedstuff during
the first two hours of the at least twenty-four hour period is at
least forty percent.
[0059] In another embodiment, the digested percentage of the starch
content of the rumen-retained portion of the fed feedstuff during
the first two hours of the at least twenty-four hour period is at
least forty and six-tenths percent.
[0060] In another embodiment, the digested percentage of the starch
content of the rumen-retained portion of the fed feedstuff during
the first six hours of the at least twenty-four hour period is at
least seventy percent.
[0061] In another embodiment, the digested percentage of the starch
content of the rumen-retained portion of the fed feedstuff during
the first six hours of the at least twenty-four hour period is at
least seventy-eight and three-tenths percent.
[0062] In another embodiment, the digested percentage of the starch
content of the rumen-retained portion of the fed feedstuff during
the first seven hours of the at least twenty-four hour period is at
least eighty percent.
[0063] In another embodiment, the digested percentage of the starch
content of the rumen-retained portion of the fed feedstuff during
the first seven hours of the at least twenty-four hour period is at
least ninety-one and four-tenths percent.
[0064] In another embodiment, the digested percentage of the starch
content of the rumen-retained portion of the fed feedstuff during
the first twelve hours of the at least twenty-four hour period is
at least seventy-five percent.
[0065] In another embodiment, the digested percentage of the starch
content of the rumen-retained portion of the fed feedstuff during
the first twelve hours of the at least twenty-four hour period is
at least eighty-five and two-tenths percent.
[0066] In another embodiment, the extrusion process ruptures the
prolamin bonds thereby rendering at least ninety-eight percent of
the starch content of the hydrophilic resulting gelatinous
feedstuff digestible in the rumen of ruminant animals, which is
also referred to as Rumen Available Starch (RAS) which is similarly
highly digestible.
[0067] In another embodiment, a viscosity of the hydrophilic
resulting gelatinous feedstuff is less than 2000 Centipoise. In
another aspect, the hydrophilic resulting gelatinous feedstuff can
be characterized as possessing less than 50% of the viscosity value
of the corresponding non-treated substrate.
[0068] In another embodiment, conception rates are increased in a
ruminant animal fed the hydrophilic gelatinous feedstuff during
periods of potential heat stress when ambient temperatures daily
exceed ninety degrees Fahrenheit.
[0069] In another embodiment, the likelihood of conception of a
ruminant animal fed the hydrophilic gelatinous feedstuff is at
least doubled during periods of heat stress when ambient
temperatures daily exceed one-hundred degrees Fahrenheit.
[0070] In another aspect, the presently disclosed processing of the
feed source increases the uptake of starch by Entodinia protozoa,
propagation of the latter, and increases the output to the small
intestine of high quality essential amino acids to the small
intestine (i.e. lysine, methionine, cysteine).
[0071] A production method and resulting feedstuff composition for
ruminant animals is disclosed that includes: the manufacture of
feed from grains containing prolamine; the manufacture of feed with
a defined characteristic from high prolamine grains; a method for
rupturing the starch prolamine matrix for a feedstuff; and a method
of preparing a feed to improve the performance and/or feed
utilization by microorganisms and/or animals.
[0072] Animal feeding operations house groups of animals that are
fed together with the goal of maximizing their growth, while
minimizing their food intake. Typically, the feed is generally
composed of starch and protein containing substances. In many
cases, corn, processed corn or by-products of corn processes and
fermentations of corn are fed to animals. Similarly, the original
starch/protein source can be sorghum or another type of grain. Corn
is typically favored for its relatively high nutrient and starch
composition, as well as low cost.
[0073] The availability of the starch, protein and other nutrients
from the grains can be improved by increasing the surface area of
the feedstuff by grinding, milling and flaking the original
material. The overall digestibility of the grain, and corn in
particular, can also be improved by applying heat and/or heat under
pressure. Still further, digestability of corn can also be improved
by hydrating it.
[0074] Lactating dairy cows have four stomachs for the digestion of
food; however, the rumen is the most important for milk production
as it is the area where most components (i.e. starch, protein and
fiber) are broken down for milk production. It has been concluded
through research that 80-95% of the starch broken down in the rumen
contributes to Volatile Fatty Acid (VFA) production, and which is
further broken down into milk production. Moreover, properly
processed starch that is available in the rumen can also contribute
to the production of microbial protein that is the primary source
of protein produced by the cow for milk synthesis.
[0075] Most conventional starch sources fed to dairy cattle are
moderately processed through steam heating and flaking and produce
products in which only one-third of the starch is degraded in the
rumen. Further, in the last 30 years of corn breeding, the
characteristics of corn have been selected to produce grain that
is: harder, higher in zein proteins (a protein matrixed with starch
that reduces digestibility to dairy cattle), higher in test
weights, faster to dry, has fewer fines, is more hydrophobic
instead of hydrophilic, and is higher yielding. Each of these
characteristics are detrimental to the digestion of starch in the
rumen which breaks the starch down at a pH of 6.0-7.5, as opposed
to a monogastric (i.e. chicken, pig, layer, turkey) that can digest
these new corn varieties because the pH in their digestive tracts
can be as low as 2-3. Further, the digestion sites in the
monogastric, as well as a production beef cow, is across the total
digestive tract and does not necessarily have to be site specific
in the breakdown of starch and protein to optimize the animals'
production.
[0076] In ruminants, the most efficient manner to produce milk with
the currently available substrates is to make the starch fraction
more available in the rumen in a form that is vitreous enough to
adhere to the particles in the rumen and can nearly completely
degrade before leaving the rumen. This yields the most efficient
use of starch sources and increases the production of protein in
the rumen, thereby sparing the waste of starch sources and
increasing the endogenous production of protein to the dairy
animal. This will increase milk production with the least amount of
nutrients and reduce the excretion of excess nitrogen and the
global footprint of dairy cows worldwide.
[0077] The present description discloses, among other things, a
manufacturing process for cereal grains, as well as the feedstuff
that results therefrom and which provides a highly digestible
starch source by changing the properties of the zein/starch matrix
to be hydrophilic from hydrophobic. Minimally, this is accomplished
by processing a ground starch source (whole kernel corn, ground
corn, sorghum, wheat, rye or other grain, for example) in a
pressure vessel at between 7-40 psi and a temperature of 200-325
degrees Fahrenheit for a time period of one-half to five minutes in
dependence upon the starch/zein matrix of the starch source.
Further processing includes extrusion in which mechanical pressure
and shear is applied until the matrix has been gelatinized to
between approximately 70-100 percent. The resulting product has
vitreous properties that enhance the digestion of the original
starch source by the fed animal.
[0078] As an example, an end product is created that has vitreous
properties that enhance the absorption of rumen fluid and bacteria
which enhance the breakdown of starch within the rumen. The
breakdown of this starch is found to be an inverted parabola
digestion curve as opposed to a curvilinear digestion curve which
means that the degradation rate initially drops versus conventional
starch, and then degrades rapidly because of vitreous and
hydrophilic properties enhanced by the production properties. These
digestion curves and relationships are found in the accompanying
FIGS. 1-10 which show graphical figures that compare the digestion
curves of conventional starch sources of ground corn and flaked
corn.
[0079] In these regards, a method of producing a feedstuff for a
dairy animal is described that potentiates milk production. The
method includes a multi-stage process comprising one stage in which
a feed grain, of the types described herein, for dairy animals is
heat-treated for a period of time at a temperature above 90 degrees
Celsius and another stage in which the grain is processed for
another period of time and which comprises disrupting the
prolamin/protein bonds and thereby producing a hydrophilic,
vitreous feedstuff comprising a starch and protein matrix composed
at least partially by prolamin.
[0080] In a further aspect, the stage in which the feed grain is
heat-treated for a period of time at a temperature above 90 degrees
Celsius is for at least 100 seconds, but less than 1200 seconds,
and all times in between.
[0081] In still a further aspect, the stage in which the feed grain
is heat-treated for a period of time at a temperature above 90
degrees Celsius is at least 200 seconds, but less than 1200
seconds, and all times in between.
[0082] In a further aspect, the temperature at which the feed grain
is heat-treated for a period of time at a temperature above 90
degrees Celsius is at least 100 degrees Celsius, but less than 500
degrees Celsius, and all temperatures in between.
[0083] In still a further aspect, the temperature at which the feed
grain is heat-treated for a period of time at a temperature above
90 degrees Celsius is at least 150 degrees Celsius, but less than
500 degrees Celsius, and all temperatures in between.
[0084] In yet a further aspect, the temperature at which the feed
grain is heat-treated for a period of time at a temperature above
90 degrees Celsius is at least 200 degrees Celsius, but less than
500 degrees Celsius, and all temperatures in between.
[0085] In a further aspect, the starch and protein matrix comprises
at least three percent prolamin.
[0086] In still a further aspect, the starch and protein matrix
comprises at least five percent prolamin.
[0087] In a further aspect, the method further comprises a first
stage in which the feed grain is heat-treated for a first period of
time, of which at least 200 seconds, but less than 500 seconds, and
all times in between, is maintained above 90 degrees Celsius, but
less than 500 degrees Celsius, and all temperatures in between, and
thereafter the feed grain is processed in a second stage by
applying sufficient temperature and/or pressure processing to
disrupt the prolamin/protein bonds, thereby producing a
hydrophilic, vitreous, feedstuff comprising a starch and protein
matrix composed of at least three percent prolamin.
[0088] In still a further aspect, the method further comprises
extruding the feed grain in a second stage by applying sufficient
shear pressure to disrupt the prolamin/protein bonds, thereby
producing an extruded hydrophilic, low-vitreous, gelatinous
feedstuff comprising a starch and protein matrix composed at least
partially of prolamin.
[0089] In a further aspect, the feed grain comprises at least one
of wheat, barley, rye, corn, sorghum and oats.
[0090] In still a further aspect, the feed grain has a vitreousness
of at least 66% prior to being heat-treated.
[0091] In another aspect, the method further comprises a first
stage of the multi-stage process in which the feed grain is
heat-treated for a period of at least 1200 seconds. Alternatively,
the 1200 second long first stage of heat treatment can be less than
or approximately 500 seconds, and all times in between.
[0092] In still another aspect, the method further comprises a
first stage of the multi-stage process in which the feed grain is
heat-treated for at least a 200 second period during which the heat
treatment is maintained above 90 degrees Celsius, and that 200
second period is the last 200 seconds of the at least 1200 second
long first stage of heat treatment. Alternatively, the 1200 second
long first stage of heat treatment can be less than or
approximately 500 seconds, and all times in between.
[0093] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of
potentiating milk production in a dairy animal is described. The
method comprises obtaining a hydrophilic, vitreous feedstuff that
is manufactured by a multi-stage process comprising one stage in
which a feed grain for dairy animals is heat-treated for a period
of time at a temperature above 90 degrees Celsius. The grain is
further processed using heat and/or pressure for another period of
time and which comprises disrupting the prolamin/protein bonds,
thereby producing the hydrophilic, vitreous feedstuff comprising a
starch and protein matrix composed at least partially by prolamin.
This method optionally further includes feeding the hydrophilic,
vitreous feedstuff to a ruminant animal, and in which the fed
feedstuff comprises a starch and protein matrix composed at least
partially by prolamin.
[0094] In still another aspect, the method further comprises
retaining a portion of the feedstuff within the rumen of the animal
for at least a twenty-four hour period such that during the first
twenty-four hours of that period, at least seventy-five percent of
the starch content of the rumen-retained portion of the fed
feedstuff is digested.
[0095] In yet another aspect, the method further comprises
increasing the uptake of starch granules in Entodinia sp. rumen
protozoa whereby higher propagation rates, lysis and delivery to
the animal's small intestine of high quality essential amino acids
is affected.
[0096] In another aspect, the method further comprises at least
doubling the likelihood of conception of a ruminant animal fed the
feedstuff during periods of heat stress when ambient temperatures
exceed one-hundred degrees Fahrenheit.
[0097] Regarding the disclosed process feedstuffs, further modeling
through the Cornell Nutrition Carbohydrate Protein System (CNCPS)
has shown the process to increase degradation curves two to three
times over conventional starch sources, and enhance the ability to
contribute to protein synthesis thereby reducing the need for
exogenous protein sources by 15-35% which also reduces nitrogen
excretion by dairy cows.
[0098] Consistency in animal feed products, particularly for
ruminant animals, and especially for beef cattle and dairy cows is
highly desired and the resulting product of the process described
above preferably has the following characteristics: consistent
starch/protein/nutrient composition even with varied starting
levels of prolamine and starch content; over 50% is digested within
eight hours in the gastrointestinal tract; and comprises a stable
chemical composition that resists degrading under storage
conditions.
[0099] In ruminant animals, starch is variably processed: some is
degraded in the rumen and grows bugs (bacteria); some makes VFA and
microbial protein; some escapes the rumen before it can be
degraded; some is utilized as an energy source; some goes to the
large intestine before it can be absorbed; some grows bugs and
provides VFA, but no protein to the cow; and some is indigestible
by the animal and ends up in the manure.
[0100] The endosperm of corn is a starch protein matrix that
comprises four types of protein: albumins, globulins, glutelins,
and prolamines. Prolamines in corn are referred to as zein and
make-up approximately 50-60% of the protein in corn. The amino-acid
in prolamines makes the corn hydrophobic and therefore not soluble
in water or rumen fluid. As such, prolamines have industrial
applicability as a material for manufacture of such things as
edible, biodegradable plastic.
[0101] Additional prolamine characteristics include that it forms
on the starch granule surface; its proteins can cross-link; it
encapsulates starch into a matrix; it advances with maturity like
NDF in forages; and, it can have genetic differences in corn.
Relatedly, floury/opaque corns are missing the Y-zein gene and are
low in prolamines. Flint corns are very high in prolamines. Common
corn hybrids are moderately-high in prolamines. For comparison,
barley (hordein) and oats (avenin) are low in prolamines, wheat
(gliadin) and rye (secalin) are med-low in prolamines, corn (zein)
is high and sorghum (kafirin) is very high in prolamines.
[0102] Extruding corn is superior to rolling and flaking corn which
does not physically change the starch/prolamine content of the
corn. Further, as flakes of corn sit in inventory, the starch
retrogrades in that it becomes more crystalline, which is
indigestible and must be used within 2-3 days of production.
[0103] Extrusion as a processing method for corn is superior
because it increases consistency. Extrusion also
physically/chemically disrupts the starch/prolamine relationship
and it does not retrograde. Extrusion increases shelf life, post
processing, which increases the possibility that corn can be
extruded at a central location and then shipped out. That is to
say, extruded corn is "shelf stable".
[0104] Exemplarily, corn can be comprised of as much as 89% dry
matter, 9.1 percent crude protein, 9.9 NDF, 1.2% Lignin, 2.5%
sugar, 70% starch and 88% total digestible nutrients.
[0105] Some of the benefits and characteristics of corn extruded
according to this disclosure, and its utilization as a feed for
ruminants, include: (1) decreased DMI (Dry Matter Intake); (2)
increased milk yield; (3) changes in hepatic oxidation; (4)
decreases heat stress; (5) decreases passage rate of starch; (6)
increases microbial utilization of starch; (7) increases microbial
protein production in the rumen; (8) increases microbial protein
production in the intestine; (9) alters starch digestion curves;
(10) increases the utilization of zein; (11) increases utilization
of prolamine; (12) fosters site-specific (rumen/intestine/hindgut)
digestion of the processed feed; (13) fosters digestion of the feed
in the rumen by microorganisms; (14) increases surface area of the
processed feed; (15) chemically modifies starch and protein
composition; (16) decreases intestinal digestion of starch; (17)
alters VFA profiles in the rumen; and (18) increases VFA production
in the rumen and decreases VFA production in the hindgut.
[0106] Currently, tools exist that permit the expression of
digestion kinetics in a manner that predicts field outcomes in the
form of milk volume, fat and protein of the lactating dairy animal.
Dietary carbohydrates are partitioned into A1-4 (sugar and organic
acids), B1-2 (starch and soluble fiber), B3 (digestible fiber) and
C (indigestible residue). The "B" portion of the carbohydrate
fractions is of the utmost importance to the dairy animal as the
level of starch and the location where it is digested is of utmost
importance in order to feed the animal economically.
[0107] Starch can be completely digested in the rumen although many
factors must be considered to foster 100%, or substantially 100%
digestion. Digestion of starch and the subsequent breakdown and
viscosity are key criteria to determine maximum efficiency of the
milk producing animal. Primary degradation occurs from the
breakdown by protozoa and microbial bacteria.
[0108] In addition, out flow of starch to the small intestine
alters signals to decrease the Dry Matter Intake (DMI) to the cow.
An increase in propionate to the liver has been found to decrease
the DMI of the animal, thereby reducing the milk yield of the dairy
animal. Therefore, from an efficiency perspective, the optimum site
of the B1 pool for digestion by a dairy animal is in the rumen for
milk production.
[0109] Optimal use of corn as a carbohydrate source to the rumen
has been found to be based at least in part on chemical
composition, processing techniques, surface area, final
viscosities, and mechanical and thermal processing variables.
[0110] Increasing the rate and extent of starch fermentation in the
rumen has been found to increase the levels of circulating
propionate in the liver. Consequently, shifting starch digestion to
the intestines, instead of the rumen, would theoretically provide
more glucose to the animal, but at the expense of microbial growth
which in turn should reduce protein efficiency in the animal.
Importantly, conveying glucose sources to the small intestine does
not increase glucose available for milk production.
[0111] It has been found, and it is presently disclosed that the
utilization of RAS produced according to the present teachings,
especially using heat and extrusion on whole or ground corn,
increases starch digestion in the rumen 535% over ground corn
retention in the rumen based on approximately 5,000 samples. This
manufacturing process for RAS ruptures the Prolamin bonds making it
possible for up to 98% of the RAS starch to be digested by rumen
bacteria (bugs) within 24 hours of ingestion into the rumen.
Therefore, the currently described RAS is nearly entirely available
to the ruminant animal versus the 10-20% availability of
conventional corn.
[0112] Corn breeding has increased vitreousness of corn and can
comprise up to 60% of the starch-protein matrix. Increased Prolamin
increases hydrophobic, alpha sulfur bonds and the gamma Zein bonds
which are hydrophobic bonds in the protein of corn, thereby
reducing the affinity to attach to rumen bacteria, fungi and
protozoa for digestion.
[0113] It has been observed, and is presently disclosed that for a
sample of RAS feedstuff manufactured according to the present
teachings, and having an available starch content of 70.7% - - -
when fed to the ruminant dairy cow, 37.3% of the starch was
digested at 2 hours post-introduction to the rumen of the animal,
91.4% was digested at 7 hours, and 98.6% was digested at 24
hours.
[0114] The RAS feedstuff originating from corn and manufactured
according to the present teachings is highly viscous causing
attachment to rumen protozoa and bacteria which facilitates
complete digestion. Furthermore, this RAS increases Microbial
Bacteria (MB) and Microbial Protozoa (MP) thereby delivering higher
levels of high quality protein to the small intestine and reducing
the need for soluble protein sources. Still further, increased
small intestine proteins reduce animal energy stress and increase
pregnancy rates in animals under heat-stress, such as during the
summer months of July, August and September. Surprisingly, dairy
cows fed this RAS had a conception rate of 18% during the month of
July while the control group that was not fed RAS experienced a
15.2 percent conception rate. Equally surprising, for August the
finding was 18.7% versus 8.3% and for September the finding was
22.1% versus 12.5%.
[0115] Feeding RAS manufactured according to teachings of the
present disclosure increases rumen pH thereby increasing fiber
digesting bacteria (bugs) which enhance fiber digestion, protein
synthesis and increased essential amino acid delivery to the small
intestine. Also, RAS digestion kinetics increase attachment to
endinomorphs (protozoa) which engulf themselves in starch, lyses
and delivery high quality natural protein to the small intestine of
the cow. Furthermore, the RAS feedstuff manufactured according to
the present teachings increases rumen efficiency through increased
protein and VFA delivery to the mammary gland and reducing DMI for
greater kinetic efficiency.
[0116] In one example, a method is disclosed for processing a
prolamin-containing feed source into a low-vitreous feedstuff and
feeding the feedstuff to a ruminant animal for potentiating at
least one of milk production and conception. The method comprises
processing, by extrusion-type method, a prolamin-containing feed
source comprising a starch-protein matrix wherein the included
protein is composed of at least three percent prolamin and the
result produces a hydrophilic, low-vitreous, gelatinous feedstuff
having starch and protein content. The method comprises feeding the
hydrophilic low-vitreous, gelatinous feedstuff to a ruminant
animal, wherein a rumen-retained portion of the fed feedstuff is
retained within the rumen of the animal for at least a twenty-four
hour period, and during the first twenty-four hours of that period,
at least seventy-five percent of the starch content of the
rumen-retained portion of the fed feedstuff is digested.
[0117] In another embodiment, a method is disclosed for producing
and feeding a feedstuff to a dairy cow and thereby potentiating
milk production. The method comprises: heat-treating corn having a
vitreousness of at least 66% for a period of at least 1200 seconds,
the last 200 seconds of which is maintained above 90 degrees
Celsius, thereafter extruding the corn and applying sufficient
shear pressure to disrupt the prolamin/protein bonds and thereby
obtaining an extruded hydrophilic, low-vitreous, gelatinous
feedstuff comprising a starch and protein matrix composed of at
least three percent prolamin. The feedstuff is then fed to a
restrained dairy cow, thereby causing a portion of the feedstuff to
be rumen-retained within the rumen of the animal for at least a
twenty-four hour period such that during the first twenty-four
hours of that period, at least seventy-five percent of the starch
content of the rumen-retained portion of the fed feedstuff is
digested.
[0118] In another embodiment, a method is disclosed for feeding an
extruded feedstuff to a ruminant animal and thereby potentiating at
least one of milk production and conception. The method comprises:
obtaining an extruded, heat-treated corn having a vitreousness of
at least 66% that has been heat-treated for a period of at least
1200 seconds, the last 200 seconds of which is maintained above 90
degrees Celsius and after which sufficient shear pressure has been
applied by extrusion to disrupt the prolamin/protein bonds thereby
producing an extruded hydrophilic, low-vitreous, gelatinous
feedstuff comprising a starch and protein matrix composed of at
least three percent prolamin; and feeding the feedstuff to a
ruminant and thereby causing a portion of the feedstuff to be
rumen-retained within the rumen of the animal for at least a
twenty-four hour period such that during the first twenty-four
hours of that period, at least seventy-five percent of the starch
content of the rumen-retained portion of the fed feedstuff is
digested.
[0119] In another embodiment, a method is disclosed for feeding an
extruded feedstuff to a ruminant animal. The method comprises:
feeding to a ruminant an extruded, hydrophilic, low-vitreous,
gelatinous heat-treated feedstuff comprising corn having a
vitreousness of at least 66% that has been heat-treated for a
period of at least 1200 seconds, the last 200 seconds of which is
maintained above 90 degrees Celsius and after which sufficient
shear pressure has been applied by extrusion to disrupt the
prolamin/protein bonds whereby the feedstuff comprises a starch and
protein matrix composed of at least three percent prolamin, and
thereby causing a portion of the feedstuff to be rumen-retained
within the rumen of the animal for at least a twenty-four hour
period such that during the first twenty-four hours of that period,
at least seventy-five percent of the starch content of the
rumen-retained portion of the fed feedstuff is digested.
[0120] In another embodiment, a method is disclosed for providing
an extruded feedstuff to a ruminant animal. The method comprises:
heat-treating corn for a period of at least 1200 seconds, the last
200 seconds of which is maintained above 90 degrees Celsius and
thereafter extruding the corn and applying sufficient shear
pressure to disrupt the prolamin/protein bonds and thereby
obtaining an extruded hydrophilic, low-vitreous, gelatinous
feedstuff; and feeding the extruded hydrophilic, low-vitreous,
gelatinous feedstuff to a ruminant animal.
[0121] In at least one embodiment, a feedstuff for ruminant animals
is disclosed. The feedstuff comprises: a composition that is at
least 90% gelatinized, has a density of 18 to 24 lbs/ft.sup.3, a
moisture content in the range of 5-10 percent and that contains at
least 90% dissolved amylopectine.
[0122] In at least one embodiment, a feedstuff for ruminant animals
is disclosed. The feedstuff comprises: a composition that is at
least 60% gelatinized, has a density less than 30 lbs/ft.sup.3, a
moisture content of less than 15 percent and which contains at
least 70% dissolved amylopectine.
[0123] In at least one embodiment, a feedstuff for ruminant animals
is disclosed. The feedstuff comprises: a composition that is at
least 50, 60, 70, 80 or 90 percent gelatinized by heated and
pressurized extrusion and that has a density of approximately 15,
20, 25 or 30 lbs/ft.sup.3 and is sufficiently light to float in
ruminant fluid and has approximately 5, 10, 15 or 20 percent
moisture content achieved by drying the composition and the
composition contains at least 70, 80 or 90 percent dissolved
amylopectine.
[0124] In another embodiment, a method is disclosed for producing a
feedstuff for feeding to a dairy cow and thereby potentiating milk
production. The method includes heat-treating corn for a period of
at least 1200 seconds, of which 200 seconds is maintained above 90
degrees Celsius. Thereafter, the method includes extruding the corn
and applying sufficient shear pressure to disrupt the
prolamin/protein bonds and thereby obtaining an extruded
hydrophilic, low-vitreous, gelatinous feedstuff comprising a starch
and protein matrix composed of at least three percent prolamin. In
this manner, the feedstuff, when fed to a dairy cow results in a
portion of the feedstuff being rumen-retained within the rumen of
the animal for at least a twenty-four hour period such that during
the first twenty-four hours of that period, at least seventy-five
percent of the starch content of the rumen-retained portion of the
fed feedstuff is digested.
[0125] In another embodiment, a method is disclosed of producing a
feedstuff for feeding to a dairy cow and thereby potentiating milk
production. The method includes a multi-stage process comprising a
first stage in which a feed corn for dairy cattle is heat-treated
for a first period of time, of which at least 200 seconds is
maintained above 90 degrees Celsius, and thereafter extruding the
corn in a second stage by applying sufficient shear pressure to
disrupt the prolamin/protein bonds. In this manner the method
produces an extruded hydrophilic, low-vitreous, gelatinous
feedstuff comprising a starch and protein matrix composed of at
least three percent prolamin.
* * * * *