ADJUVANT CONTAINING BAICALIN, PARTICULARLY FROM A SCUTELLARIA BAICALENSIS EXTRACT, AND ANIMAL FEED CONTAINING SUCH AN ADJUVANT

Abstract

The invention relates to a nutritional adjuvant, comprising baicalin and/or baicalein diluted on a medium, and to a feed comprising such an adjuvant, for improving production performance in farm animals in stressful situations.

Claims

1- Nutritional adjuvant intended to improve the production performance in farmed animals in a situation of stress, consisting of baicalin and/or baicalein diluted on a vehicle.

2- Nutritional adjuvant according to the main claim characterised in that the baicalin and/or baicalein is provided by an extract of Scutellaria baicalensis.

3- Nutritional adjuvant according to the main claim characterised in that the baicalin and/or baicalein are obtained by chemical synthesis.

4- Nutritional adjuvant according to any of the previous claims characterised in that the baicalin and/or baicalein is distributed to the animal with a dose between 0.1 and 20 mg per kg live weight and per day.

5- Nutritional adjuvant according to any of the previous claims characterised in that it does not contain any antibiotics.

6- Animal feed comprising an adjuvant according to any of the previous claims.

7- Animal feed according to claim 6 characterised in that the baicalin and/or baicalein is distributed to the animal at a dose ranging from 0.1 to 20 mg per kg live weight and per day.

8- Feed comprising an adjuvant according to any of the previous claims for use in the improvement in the production performance of farmed animals in a situation of stress.

9- Feed comprising an adjuvant according to claims 1 to 7 for use in the stimulation of lactation in farmed animals in a situation of stress.

10- Feed comprising an adjuvant according to claims 1 to 7 for use in the stimulation of egg production in farmed animals in a situation of stress.

11- Feed comprising an adjuvant according to claims 1 to 7 for use in the stimulation of growth in farmed animals in a situation of stress.

12- Feed comprising an adjuvant according to claims 1 to 7 for use in the stimulation of the resistance to disease in farmed animals in a situation of stress.

Description

DESCRIPTION

[0047] To demonstrate the efficacy of the adjuvant according to the invention, in vivo tests were carried out in different productive farmed animals species subject to a stress.

[0048] FIG. 1 presents the results in the evolution in the average daily milk production in the cow receiving feed in accordance with the invention.

[0049] FIG. 2 presents the dose of baicalin ingested by sows during test 2.

[0050] FIG. 3 presents the effect of the daily dose of baicalin on the feed consumption during the phase of thermal discomfort during test 4.

[0051] The situations of discomfort induced by birthing have been shown to be susceptible of altering the state of health and lactation (Ballou, 2012; Farney et al., 2013; Sordillo & Raphael, 2013).

[0052] Test 1: Study of the Effect of the Administration of a Feed Comprising the Adjuvant Comprising an Extract of Scutellaria baicalensis on a Solid Vehicle on the Milk Production by Dairy Cows Subject to a Stress

[0053] Protocol:

[0054] The test was carried out on a herd of one hundred Prim'Holstein dairy cows.

[0055] 24 dairy cows calving during the same period were divided into two groups of twelve according to the date of calving, the lactation rank, the amount of milk produced, the fat level, the protein level at day 305 after the previous lactation for the multiparous cows, the milk index for the primiparous cows.

[0056] The maize silage ration was identical in both groups except for the addition of an adjuvant according to the invention including 10% of a Scutellaria baicalensis extract on a calcium carbonate vehicle. This adjuvant was incorporated at the rate of 0.5% in the production feed (17% raw protein, 1 UFL) distributed at the rate of 2 kg per cow and per day in the test group. Each cow therefore received 1 gram per jour of Scutellaria baicalensis extract, that is, 333 mg of baicalin, or 0.5 mg/kg live weight.

[0057] Results on the Milk Production:

[0058] The milk production was significantly improved over the two months of monitoring. The effect of the Scutellaria baicalensis extract on lactation is observed after the first month (phase 2 in FIG. 1). FIG. 1 shows the improvement in the average daily milk production in cows receiving feed supplemented with a Scutellaria baicalensis extract in accordance with the invention as compared with the cows in the control group. Table 1 sums up the averages of milk production of the cows according to their feed. The milk production is significantly higher in the group of cows receiving feed supplemented with Scutellaria baicalensis.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Milk production in kg/cow/day Group Total Period 1 Period 2 Scutellaria 44 42.8 45.9 Control 42.5 41.7 42.9 p <0.05 ns <0.05 (ns: non significant)

[0059] Test 2: Study of the Effect of a Lactation Feed Comprising a Scutellaria baicalensis Extract on the Lactation of Sows.

[0060] As opposed to dairy cows where the milk production can be directly measured, the milk production of sows is indirect and is measured by the weight increase in piglets nursed by their mothers (ADWGAverage Daily Weight Gain in grams).

[0061] Protocol:

[0062] 55 sows were divided into two groups. The feed (the characteristics are provided in table 2) was distributed during the entire period of lactation of the sows. The Scutellaria baicalensis adjuvant consists of a Scutellaria baicalensis extract incorporated at the rate of 1.5% on a vehicle. The TEST feed contained 150 mg of Scutellaria baicalensis extract per kg, that is 50 mg of baicalin per kg of feed. The feed was distributed to the sows, three days before birthing until the weaning of the piglets (21 days after birthing). 632 piglets were included in the test.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Characteristics of the feed distributed to the sows Lactation feed Control Test SOWS ENT (MJ/kg) 9.7 9.7 Fatty matter (%) 5.3 5.3 Raw protein (%) 16.5 16.5 Raw cellulose (%) 6.3 6.3 Digestible lysine (%) 0.9 0.9 Digestible phosphorus (%) 0.32 0.32 Electrolytic balance.sub.(mEq/kg) 175 175 Digestible Ca/P 2.8 2.8 Wheat (%)* 20.0 19.0 Barley (%) 17.6 17.6 Maize (%) 8.6 8.6 Milurex (%) 10.0 10.0 Peas (%) 6.0 6.0 Soy grain (%) 3.0 3.0 Soy meal (%) 7.5 7.5 Canola meal (%) 4.2 4.2 Sunflower meal (%) 8.0 8.0 Beet pulp (%) 6.0 6.0 Canola oil (%) 2.3 2.3 Scutellaria 1.0 Baicalensis adjuvant* (*)1% wheat is provided by the adjuvant vehicle.

[0063] The feed intake of each sow was recorded and used to calculate the daily dose ingested per kg of live weight and per day during the trial. This daily dose is provided in FIG. 2.

[0064] Results of Test 2:

[0065] The TEST feed does not differ from the control feed except for the incorporation of the adjuvant according to the invention comprising a Scutellaria baicalensis extract.

[0066] The weight of the piglets was identical in both groups at birth.

[0067] Table 3 below presents the effects of a Scutellaria baicalensis extract on the milk production of sows as assessed by the growth of the nursed piglets (ADWGAverage Daily Weight Gain in grams of the nursed piglets). The weight at weaning and the ADWG are significantly higher in the piglets suckled by a sow that consumed feed supplemented with Scutellaria baicalensis.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Average weight of piglets according to the feed of the sow Average weight of Weight at the piglets at birth weaning ADWG (kg) (kg) (g/d) Control 1.33 5.68 235 Scutellaria ba{umlaut over (i)}calensis 1.32 6.04 264 Comparison of average- ns <0.001 <0.001 significance

[0068] The weight of the piglets reveals a higher growth in piglets whose mothers consumed feed comprising a Scutellaria baicalensis extract. This shows that the milk production of sows is stimulated by the Scutellaria baicalensis extract.

[0069] Test 3: Study of the Effect of the Administration of a Feed Comprising the Adjuvant with the Scutellaria baicalensis Extract on a Solid Vehicle on the Feed Intake of Laying Hens Subject to Thermal Stress

[0070] Protocol:

[0071] 72 Isabrown laying hens thirty weeks old at the beginning of the test were divided into three groups of twelve cages each containing two hens. The test was carried out until the hens were 38 weeks old.

[0072] Group 1 received the control feed. The characteristics are provided in table 4.

[0073] Group 2, also called the OTC group, received the control feed supplemented with an antibiotic, 400 ppm of oxytetracycline.

[0074] Group 3, also called the SCU group, received the control feed supplemented with an extract from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis providing 6 mg of baicalin/kg of feed.

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 formula of the basic feed distributed Raw materials % WHEAT 30.00 MAIZE 36.62 SOY meal 21.40 SOY oil 0.80 BICARBONATE of sodium 0.12 BICALCIUM PHOSPHATE 1.26 CARBONATE 7.54 SALT 0.28 METHIONINE 15/WHEAT 85 0.98 Mineral and vitamin 1 supplement

[0075] After three weeks of distribution of the experimental feed, the hens were subject to a variation in temperature. The temperature of the environment increased from 22 C. (thermal comfort) to 35 C. for 5 days. Food intake, number of eggs laid and average weight of the eggs were recorded every week and every day during the week of the high temperature as well as during the following week.

[0076] The test was divided into three phases: pre-heat increase phase, thermal stress phase and post-high temperature stress phase.

[0077] Results:

[0078] The consumption during the pre-thermal increase phase is identical in all of the groups. During the thermal stress phase, the daily feed intake per hen was 50.9 g, 53.5 g and 59.7 g for the control, OTC and SCU groups respectively. The intake was significantly higher in the SCU group (p<0.05). The group 3, SCU laying hens increased their feed intake by 17% during the thermal stress phase. The egg-laying rate over the 2 weeks including the thermal stress phase and the following week are 85.2, 88.5 and 87.2% for the hens receiving the control feed, the feed supplemented with the antibiotic and the Scutellaria baicalensis extract, respectively.

[0079] Test 4: Study of the Effect of the Administration of a Feed Comprising an Adjuvant Consisting of an Extract of Scutellaria baicalensis on a Solid Vehicle on the Growth of Chickens Subject to a High Temperature

[0080] 160 Ross PM3 yellow chickens were divided into four groups of 20 cages, each with two chickens. Group 1 was the control group. The composition of the feed that the group 1 chickens received is provided in table 5. Group 2 received the control feed supplemented with an adjuvant according to the invention comprising an extract of Scutellaria baicalensis at 3 mg of baicalin/kg of feed. Group 3 received the same feed with 6 mg of baicalin/kg and Group 4, 9 mg/kg of feed. In view of the intake, it was possible to calculate the average dose of baicalin consumed per kg of raw weight (table 6, FIG. 3). The Scutellaria baicalensis extract was provided by an adjuvant containing 0.5% extract and 99.5% wheat instead of the wheat in the formula.

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Composition of the basic feed distributed INGREDIENT % WHEAT 30.00 MAIZE 34.25 SOY grains 4.20 Soy meal 25.70 SOY oil 1.50 BICARBONATE of SODIUM 0.21 BICALCIUM PHOSPHATE 1.43 CARBONATE 0.62 SALT 0.20 METHIONINE 15/WHEAT 85 1.07 L-LYSINE 20/WHEAT 75 0.42 Vitamin and trace minerals PREMIX 0.40

[0081] From day 25 to day 30, the chickens were subjected to an artificial increase in the temperature from 22 C. to 36 C. in order to induce a thermal stress.

[0082] The chickens were weighed before and after the thermal stress phase and their feed intake was measured (day 24 and day 30). The test continued until day 30.

[0083] Results:

[0084] Table 6 sums up the results obtained in the four groups of chickens during the thermal stress phase (day 24 to day 30).

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Weight of the chickens according to their feed Initial weight Final weight Dose before the after the (mg/kg of live thermal stress thermal stress Group weight/day) phase (g) phase (g) ADWG (g/d) ADI (g/d) TCI Control 0 1290 1786 82.6 152.2 1.94 Baicalin 0.3 1305 1852 91.1 162.3 1.80 Baicalin 0.6 1257 1837 96.6 168.5 1.74 Baicalin 0.9 1288 1804 86.0 157.0 1.94 Comparison of average - ns <0.01 0.05 <0.01 0.06 significance (initial weight as a covariable) ADWG, average daily weight gain ADI, average daily intake TCI, technical consumption index

[0085] Before the period of stress resulting from a high temperature in the buildings, the growth of the birds receiving the two feeds was identical (the weight at day 24 did not differ in the groups). The average daily intake (ADI) in the group receiving the feed comprising an extract of Scutellaria baicalensis at the rate of 0.6 mg/kg of live weight and per day was higher by 10.7% and the average daily weight gain (ADWG) was 17% higher during the thermal stress phase than in the control group. This led to a better growth of the treated chickens than the chickens in the control group. The 0.6 mg dose of baicalin per kg of live weight and per day is the dose providing the most interesting effects (FIG. 3).

[0086] Test 5: Study of the Effect of the Administration of a Feed Comprising the Adjuvant with the Extract of Scutellaria baicalensis on a Solid Vehicle on the Improvement in the State of Health and Resistance to Disease of Piglets Subject to a Stress

[0087] The piglets were 42 days old at the beginning of the test. Three groups were formed: a control group, a group receiving the same feed supplemented with 100 ppm of an antibiotic (tylosine) and finally the last group receiving a feed supplemented with 100 ppm of an extract of Scutellaria baicalensis, that is 30 ppm of baicalin per kg of feed. The diseases were noted as were the curative treatments used in each groups. The results are provided in table 7.

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Pathological episodes in weaned piglets according to their feed. Extract of Tylosine Scutellaria antibiotic baicalensis (100 ppm in (100 ppm in P Control the feed) the feed) (Chi2) Pigs in test 19 25 20 Number of deaths 0 0 0 Withdrawn from test 0 1 0 Mortality + elimination 0.0 4.0 0 (%) Number of treatments 15 14 5 <0.05 % treatments 78.9 56.0 25 Watery diarrhoea 7 4 3 Lean 0 2 0 Lame 0 0 0 Cough 8 7 2 Nervous symptoms 0 1 0 Number of pigs treated 13 13 5 <0.05 % Pigs treated 68.4 52 25 % Pigs not treated 31.6 48 75 Pigs treated per cause Watery diarrhoea 7 4 3 Lean 0 2 0 Lame 0 0 0 Cough 8 7 2 Nervous symptoms 0 1 0

[0088] A significant reduction in disease is observed in the group receiving the adjuvant in the feed comprising according to the invention an extract of Scutellaria baicalensis and a reduction in the number of curative treatments is also observed. The typology of the symptoms noted shows a non-specific general improvement in the state of health due to an improvement in the digestive problems and the respiratory problems.