Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
METHODS OF FEEDING HIGH FAT POURED FEED BLOCKS
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[001] This application is related to US Patent Application 14/278,968, now
issued as US
Pat. No. 9,936,720, and US Patent Application 14/794,589, now issued as US
Pat. No.
10,667,545.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[002] The present invention relates to methods of feeding animal feed
supplements.
BACKGROUND
[003] Supplemental animal feedstuffs fortified with nutritive supplements have
been
developed in block form to permit free choice feeding and reduce the labor
required for
mixing the nutritive supplement with the animals' feed ration. Such nutritive
supplement
blocks include, for example, salt blocks, mineral blocks, protein blocks and
molasses
blocks.
[004] Compressed blocks or blocks formed by evaporating substantial amounts of
water
from a feedstuff mixture are known in the art. For example, Bartle et. al.,
U.S.
2003/0118690 describe a block having high fat content, wherein the block is
pressed into
tubs.
[005] Skoch et. al., U.S. Patent No. 4,171,385 describe molasses-based feed
blocks
wherein magnesium oxide is employed as an ingredient to form a pourable heated
composition that self-hardens after cooling into a solid, weather resistant
feed block
suitable for ruminant consumption. Such feed blocks have the advantage of ease
of
manufacture, since pourability is provided and hardening of the block occurs
without the
need to evaporate water, leading to lower manufacturing costs and lower energy
consumption in the finished product compared to blocks where water evaporation
is
necessary.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-07-13
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[006] High fat content in a pourable self-hardening feed block, including fat
content of
7 wt% or more, is desirable for current farm productivity practices and
provides higher
energy content per weight unit of the feed block. While a pourable feed block
having fat
content of 7 wt% or more can be formed, several problems arise during both
manufacturing and use of such feed blocks. Higher fat content increases the
viscosity of
the liquid mixture, making the mixture difficult to pour. Further, the high
fat content
noticeably softens the solidified blocks. Softer blocks allow overconsumption
by animals
when provided as a free choice feed supplement. Still further, pourable
molasses based
high fat content blends tend to partially separate during solidification,
leading to a surface
layer of solidified fat or oily residue on the solidified block.
SUMMARY
[007] Disclosed herein is a method of forming a high fat feed block, the
method
including blending a pourable composition having a viscosity of at least 1000
cP at 57 C
(135 F), the composition comprising a sugar-containing component, a blendable
fat,
water, and magnesium oxide; admixing a high fat pellet with the pourable
composition to
form a pourable admixture, the high fat pellet having total fat content of at
least 40 wt%
based on pellet weight and comprising at least one high melting point fat, the
high
melting point fat having a melt temperature of greater than 60 C (140 F),
wherein the
total fat content of the pourable admixture is about 7 wt% to 33 wt%; pouring
the
pourable admixture into a container; and allowing the pourable admixture to
harden into
a feed block. In some embodiments, the pourable composition is heated, or
exotherms, or
both to produce a pourable composition temperature of at least about 50 C (122
F); in
some such embodiments, the pourable composition temperature is below the melt
temperature of the high melting point fat. In some such embodiments, the
pourable
composition temperature is between about 50 C and 60 C (122 F and 140 F) and
the
melting point of the high melting point fat is about 60 C to 75 C (140 F to
167 F). In
some embodiments, the blending further includes adding one or more nitrogen
sources. In
some embodiments, the blending further includes adjusting the viscosity to
between
about 1000 cP and 6500 cP at 57 C (135 F); in some such embodiments the
adjusting is
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accomplished by adding between 1 wt% and 15 wt% water to the pourable
composition
based on the weight of the pourable admixture. In some embodiments, the
hardening is
allowed by maintaining the pourable admixture at about 40 C to 60 C (104 F to
140 F)
for about 1 to 48 hours. In some embodiments, the blending includes blending
between 1
wt% and 6 wt% of a blendable fat based on the weight of the admixture and the
admixing
includes admixing about 5 wt% to 20 wt% high fat pellets based on the weight
of the
admixture.
[008] Also disclosed herein is a hardened feed block obtained by the method of
blending a pourable composition having a viscosity of at least 1000 cP at 57 C
(135 F),
the composition comprising a sugar-containing component, a blendable fat,
water, and
magnesium oxide; admixing a high fat pellet with the pourable composition to
form a
pourable admixture, the high fat pellet having total fat content of at least
40 wt% based
on pellet weight and comprising at least one high melting point fat, the high
melting point
fat having a melt temperature of greater than 60 C (140 F), wherein the total
fat content
of the pourable admixture is about 7 wt% to 33 wt%; pouring the pourable
admixture into
a container; and allowing the pourable admixture to harden into a feed block.
In some
embodiments, the high fat pellets are substantially uniformly distributed
throughout the
feed block.
[009] Also disclosed herein is pourable admixture including a pourable
composition
admixed with high fat pellets, the high fat pellets including a high melting
point fat
having a melting point above about 60 C (140 F) and at least 40 wt% total fat
content
based on the weight of the pellet, the pourable composition including a sugar-
containing
component, about 1 wt% to 6 wt% of a blendable fat based on the weight of the
pourable
admixture, water, and magnesium oxide, wherein the pourable composition has a
viscosity of about 1000 cP to 6500 cP at 57 C (135 F), and the pourable
admixture
includes about 7 wt% to 33 wt% total fat content. In some embodiments, the
high fat
pellets include 45 wt% to 55 wt% total fat content based on the weight of the
pellet. In
some embodiments, the high fat pellets further include a low melting point
fat, the low
melting point fat having a melting point below 60 C (140 F), wherein the high
melting
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point fat is disposed substantially at the surface of the pellets and
encapsulates the pellets.
In some embodiments, the admixture includes about 9 wt% to 15 wt% total fat
content
and about 5 wt% to 20 wt% high fat pellets. In some embodiments, the sugar-
containing
component includes a molasses. In some embodiments, the admixture further
includes a
plant based nitrogen source.
[010] Also disclosed herein is a hardened feed block obtained from a pourable
admixture, the pourable admixture including a pourable composition admixed
with high
fat pellets, the high fat pellets including a high melting point fat having a
melting point
above about 60 C (140 F) and at least 40 wt% total fat content based on the
weight of the
pellet, the pourable composition including a sugar-containing component, about
1 wt% to
6 wt% of a blendable fat based on the weight of the pourable admixture, water,
and
magnesium oxide, wherein the pourable composition has a viscosity of about
1000 cP to
6500 cP at 57 C (135 C), and the pourable admixture includes about 7 wt% to 33
wt%
total fat content. In some embodiments, the block is obtained by storing the
admixture at
about 40 C to 50 C (104 F to 122 F) for about 1 to 48 hours.
[011] Also disclosed herein is a method of feeding a ruminant that involves
positioning
a high fat feed block in an area of a pasture accessible to the ruminant. The
high fat feed
block includes a total fat content of about 7 wt% to 33 wt% with at least a
portion of the
total fat content provided by high fat pellets and a total chloride content of
about 0.65
wt% to about 2.25 wt%. In response to positioning the feed block in the
pasture, the
ruminant ingests the feed block in an amount sufficient to improve
performance.
[012] Additionally disclosed herein is a method of feeding a ruminant
involving
positioning a high fat feed block in an area of a pasture accessible to the
ruminant, where
the high fat feed block includes a total fat content of about 7 wt% to 33 wt%
with at least
a portion of the total fat content provided by high fat pellets and an intake
modifier. The
high fat pellets may be present in the feed block at about 5 wt% to about 20
wt% of the
feed block, and in response to positioning the feed block in the pasture, the
ruminant
ingests the feed block in an amount sufficient to improve performance.
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[013] In certain implementations and alternatives, the high fat pellet has a
total fat
content of at least 40 wt% based on pellet weight. For instance, the total fat
content of
the high fat pellet is 45 wt% to 55 wt% based on pellet weight. In some cases,
the high
fat pellet includes a high melting point fat with a melt temperature of
greater than 60 C
(140 F), and the high melting point fat may be disposed substantially at the
surface of the
pellets and encapsulates the pellets. Such high fat pellets may be present in
the feed
block at about 5 wt% to about 20 wt% of the feed block.
[014] In certain implementations and alternatives, the improved performance of
the
ruminant may be improved body condition score. The feed block may include a
sugar-
containing component as a primary component, which is present in the feed
block at a
higher percentage than any other component of the feed block. For instance,
the sugar-
containing component may include molasses. In
certain implementations and
alternatives, the feed block is a poured block and may contain magnesium.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[015] FIG. 1 is an image of a pourable high fat feed block.
[016] FIG. 2 is an image of another pourable high fat feed block.
[017] FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating a comparison of average intake by cows in
pasture of
a high fat feed block compared to a control block having a lower fat content.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[018] Although the present disclosure provides references to preferred
embodiments,
persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and
detail
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Various
embodiments will
be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Reference to various
embodiments
does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any
examples set
forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set
forth some of the
many possible embodiments for the appended claims.
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[019] Disclosed herein is a method of making a pourable self-hardening feed
block
having fat content of at least 7 wt% and up to about 33 wt% based on the total
weight of
the block. The method includes incorporating high fat feed pellets into a
pourable
composition to form a pourable admixture. The pellets form an admixture with
the
pourable compositions: that is, the pellets remain substantially discrete
within the mixture
such that the pellet components do not blend with the pourable composition
components,
even at temperatures up to or in excess of 60 C (140'F).
[020] Since the pellets retain their individual pellet form within the
pourable
composition, the gross properties of the pourable composition remain largely
unaffected
by the presence of the pellets: thus, the admixture is easy to pour and
hardens in the same
manner as a similar composition without the high fat pellets. The high fat
pellets include
at least about 40 wt% fat based on pellet weight, thereby imparting fat
content in excess
of 7 wt% and as high as 33 wt% into the admixtures with ease. The pourable
admixture
has a viscosity suitable for maintaining substantially uniform distribution of
the pellets
during hardening. The high fat feed blocks are suitable as free choice feed
supplements
for consumption by ruminant or non-ruminant animals. The hardened blocks have
good
palatability for animals such as ruminants, including cattle.
[021] The high fat feed blocks further provide a suitable medium or carrier
for a variety
of additional feed supplement materials. In some embodiments, the feed blocks
serve as
a medium or carrier for medicaments.
10221 Definitions
[023] As used herein, the term "pourable composition" means a blend including
at least
a sugar-containing component and a hardening agent. The hardening agent
includes
magnesium oxide, calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, ionic salts of magnesium or
calcium, or mixtures of two or more thereof The blend has a viscosity suitable
for
pouring.
[024] As used herein, the term "blend" means a mixture of two or more
components
wherein the components are present as a substantially homogeneous mixture, or
do not
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substantially separate in the absence of external force. The blend can be a
solution, a
dispersion, or a suspension. The components of a blend affect the gross
properties
thereof, including viscosity.
[025] As used herein, the term "high fat pellet" means a pellet containing at
least 40%
by weight fat content, wherein the pellet maintains a discrete form and does
not flow or
blend with the components of the pourable composition at a temperature at or
below
about 60 C (14017).
[026] As used herein, the term "admixture" means a mixture of two or more
components wherein at least one component forms or is present in the mixture
as a
substantially separate phase, or substantially retains its individual and
discrete properties.
An admixed component does not contribute to the gross properties of the
composition
into which the component is mixed, such as viscosity.
[027] As used herein, the term "pourable admixture" means a pourable
composition
containing high fat feed pellets, wherein the high fat feed pellets are
present as an
admixture in the pourable composition.
[028] As used herein, the term "feed block" or "pourable feed block" means a
water-
based sugar-containing composition hardened as a result of an exothermic
reaction of a
hardening agent with one or more components of the composition.
[029] As used herein, the term "high fat feed block" means a feed block having
a total
fat content of about 7 wt% to 33 wt%, wherein at least a portion of the total
fat content is
provided by high fat pellets.
[030] As used herein, the term "about" modifying, for example, the quantity of
an
ingredient in a composition, concentration, volume, viscosity, process
temperature,
process time, yield, flow rate, pressure, and like values, and ranges thereof,
employed in
describing the embodiments of the disclosure, refers to variation in the
numerical
quantity that can occur, for example, through typical measuring and handling
procedures
used for making compounds, compositions, concentrates or use formulations;
through
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inadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in the manufacture,
source, or
purity of starting materials or ingredients used to carry out the methods, and
like
proximate considerations. The term "about" also encompasses amounts that
differ due to
aging of a formulation with a particular initial concentration or mixture, and
amounts that
differ due to mixing or processing a formulation with a particular initial
concentration or
mixture. Where modified by the term "about" the claims appended hereto include
equivalents to these quantities.
[031] As used herein, the word "substantially" modifying, for example, the
type or
quantity of an ingredient in a composition, a property, a measurable quantity,
a method, a
position, a value, or a range, employed in describing the embodiments of the
disclosure,
refers to a variation that does not affect the overall recited composition,
property,
quantity, method, position, value, or range thereof in a manner that negates
an intended
composition, property, quantity, method, position, value, or range. Intended
properties
include, solely by way of non-limiting examples thereof, viscosity, amount, or
volume;
intended positions include uniformity of distribution. Where modified by the
te, __ m
"substantially" the claims appended hereto include equivalents to these
compositions,
methods, and positions.
10321 Compositions
[033] The pourable compositions are prepared by forming a liquid premix that
in some
embodiments, is a solution, dispersion, or suspension, then adding a hardening
agent and
optional dry ingredients. The pourable composition is then admixed with high
fat feed
pellets to form a pourable admixture. The pourable admixture is poured into a
container
and is allowed to harden to result in a high fat feed block. In this section,
components of
the pourable composition are described, wherein amounts of the components are
generally expressed as weight percentages of the pourable admixture unless
otherwise
indicated.
[034] The pourable compositions contain at least one sugar-containing
component. In
embodiments, the sugar-containing component is molasses. The molasses can be
any of
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the sugar-containing molasses such as those obtained as the byproducts of the
processing
of sugar beets, sugar cane, corn or wood. Examples of suitable molasses
include
blackstrap molasses, converted molasses, wood sugar molasses, hydrol syrup,
citrus
molasses and the like. Other suitable sugar-containing components include
honey,
sugarcane, corn syrup, sugar beet, fruit extracts, and the like. Mixtures of
two or more
sugar-containing components are suitably blended in the pourable compositions.
In
some embodiments, one or more C3 ¨ C7 sugars, or sugar alcohols, and
combinations
thereof are suitably included in the sugar-containing component. Examples of
suitable
sugars include fructose, glucose, galactose, sucrose, maltose, lactose, or two
or more
thereof. Examples of suitable sugar alcohols include adonitol, allitol,
altritol, arabinitol,
dulcitol, erythritol, galaxitol, glucitol, glycerol, iditol, inositol,
isomalt, lactitol,
maltitol, mannitol, perseitol, ribitol, rhamnitol, sorbitol, threitol, and
xylitol or two or
more thereof.
[035] The sugar-containing component, including any additional sugars or sugar
alcohols, is blended in the liquid premix at about 25 wt% to 95 wt% and in the
pourable
admixture at about 10 wt% to 85 wt% based on the final weight of the pourable
admixture, or about 10 wt% to 75 wt%, or about 10 wt% to 65 wt%, or about 10
wt% to
50 wt%, or about 10 wt% to 40 wt%, or about 15 wt% to 75 wt%, or about 20 wt%
to 75
wt%, or about 25 wt% to 75 wt%, or about 15 wt% to 50 wt%, or about 20 wt% to
40
wt% based on the final weight of the pourable admixture.
[036] The pourable compositions contain a hardening agent at about 1 wt% to 20
wt%
of the pourable admixture, or about 1 wt% to 15 wt%, or about 1 wt% to 10 wt%,
or
about 1 wt% to 7 wt%, or about 1 wt% to 5 wt%, or about 2 wt% to 10 wt%, or
about 3
wt% to 7 wt% of the pourable admixture. In some embodiments, the hardening
agent is
magnesium oxide, calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, ionic salts of magnesium or
calcium, or a combination thereof. In other embodiments, the hardening agent
is
magnesium oxide.
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[037] In some embodiments, the pourable compositions further contain a
blendable fat
component. The blendable fat forms a blend, in some embodiments, in the liquid
premix,
and remains a blend component of the pourable composition. Thus, the blendable
fat
component, where included, is different from the high fat pellets in one or
more of
processing history, melting point range, and source of fat. Blendable fats
have a melting
point range that is about 50 C (122 F) or less, for example between about -20
C and 50 C
(-4 F and 122 F), or about -10 C and 40 C (14 F and 104 F), or about 20 C and
35 C
(68 F and 95 F). The blendable fat includes a substantial amount of a liquid
phase at the
blending temperature, so that a substantially uniform blend is formed.
Suitable blendable
fat components include fats, greases, or oils from animal or plant sources.
Examples of
suitable blendable fat components include yellow grease, choice white grease,
vegetable
oils such as soybean oil, flaxseed oil, sunflower oil, or cottonseed oil, and
including
hydrogenated analogs of vegetable oils, nut oils, seed oils, fish oils, beef
fat, chicken fat,
and the like. Mixtures of two or more blendable fat components are suitably
blended in
the pourable compositions. The blendable fat is present in the liquid premix
at 0 wt% to
about 10 wt% and in the pourable compositions at 0 wt% to about 6 wt%, or
about 1 wt%
to 6 wt%, or about 1 wt% to 5 wt%, or about 2 wt% to 5 wt%, or about 3 wt% to
5 wt%.
[038] In some embodiments, the pourable compositions further contain one or
more
nitrogen sources. In some embodiments, the nitrogen source is, or includes,
protein. In
some such embodiments, the nitrogen source is a plant-based nitrogen source.
Suitable
plant-based nitrogen sources include processed soybeans, soy flakes,
dehydrated alfalfa,
corn steep liquor, dried distiller's grains, whole cottonseed, cottonseed
meal, wheat
midds (middlings), soybean meal, corn products, and blends of two or more
thereof. In
some embodiments, the nitrogen source is animal based. Suitable animal-based
nitrogen
sources include bone meal, meat meal, fish meal, feather meal, blood meal, and
mixtures
of two or more thereof. Additional nitrogen sources useful in the pourable
compositions
include one or more of urea, ammonium sulfate, ammonium polyphosphate, and
biuret.
Mixtures of two or more nitrogen sources are suitably blended in the pourable
CA 02933510 2016-06-17
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compositions. The nitrogen sources are present in the pourable admixture at 0
wt% to
about 25 wt%, or about 1 wt% to 20 wt%, or about 5 wt% to 15 wt%.
[039] In some embodiments, the pourable compositions further contain one or
more
clays. Clays may be useful as water absorbents in the pourable admixtures and
may also
function as stabilizer or suspension aids to prevent separation of the
pourable blend
components prior to hardening of the pourable admixture. Examples of suitable
clay
components include attapulgite clay, bentonite, kaolin and mixtures thereof
Mixtures of
two or more clays are suitably blended in the pourable compositions. Clay is
present in
the pourable admixture at 0 wt% to about 5 wt%, or about 0.2 to 5.0 wt%, or
about 0.4 to
4.0 wt%, or about 0.5 wt% to 3.0 wt%, or about 0.6 to 2.0 wt%.
[040] In some embodiments, the pourable compositions further contain one or
more
phosphorus sources. Suitable phosphorus sources include ammoni urn
polyphosphate,
dicalcium phosphate, defluorinated bone phosphorus, and tetrasodium
pyrophosphate.
Mixtures of two or more phosphorus sources are suitably blended in the
pourable
compositions. Phosphorus sources are present in the pourable admixture at 0
wt% to
about 5 wt%, or about 2 wt% to 4 wt%.
[041] In some embodiments, the pourable compositions further contain one or
more
calcium sources. Suitable calcium sources include calcium chloride, calcium
oxide,
calcium carbonate, dicalcium phosphate, bone meal, and calcium sulfate.
Mixtures of two
or more calcium sources are suitably blended in the pourable compositions.
Calcium
sources are present in the pourable admixture at 0 wt% to about 15 wt%, or
about 3 wt%
to 10 wt%.
[042] Additional components suitably included in the pourable compositions
include
sodium chloride, vitamins, trace mineral compounds or elements, fiber sources
such as
rice hulls, cottonseed hulls, and the like; pH adjusters or buffers, such as
sodium
hydroxide, calcium carbonate, and the like; and additive flavorings. The
amount of such
components incorporated into a pourable admixture is determined by the amount
needed
to reach a neutral pH, or for palatability, or both. Additionally, where
desired, one or
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more antibiotics, or insecticides for animals with ruminant or non-ruminant
digestive
systems are suitably included in the pourable compositions. The amount of such
components incorporated into a pourable admixture is dictated by suitable
levels of
animal consumption for the intended veterinary purpose.
[043] In embodiments, the high fat pellets are added to the pourable
composition after
formation of the pourable composition is completed and before pouring, to form
the
pourable admixture. The amount of high fat pellets added is between about 5
wt% and
50 wt% of the pourable admixture to yield a pourable admixture having a total
fat content
between about 7 wt% and 33 wt% of the admixture, depending on the fat content
of the
high fat pellets and the amount of blendable fat in the pourable composition.
While more
high fat pellets can be added to the pourable admixture without deleterious
effect to the
pouring and hardening of the feed blocks, it has been found that a total fat
content of
between 7 wt% and 33 wt% based on the weight of the pourable admixture is
desirable
for many animal feed purposes to provide a balance of desirable flavor, high
energy
content, and provision of additional nutrients.
[044] In some embodiments, up to about 6 wt% of the total fat content of the
pourable
admixture is supplied by the blendable fat component, discussed above, and the
balance
is supplied by the high fat pellets. In other embodiments, substantially all
of the fat
content of the pourable admixture is supplied by the high fat pellets. In
embodiments, the
total fat of the pourable admixture is about 7 wt% to 33 wt% wherein between 1
wt% to 6
wt% of the total fat content is a blendable fat component and the balance of
the fat
content is provided by the high fat pellets. In an exemplary embodiment, a
pourable
admixture includes about 4 wt% of blendable fat component and about 10 wt% of
a high
fat pellet. In various embodiments, the high fat pellets are present in the
pourable
admixture at about 5 wt% to 20 wt% of the admixture, or about 7 wt% to 15 wt%
of the
admixture. In various embodiments, the total fat content of the pourable
admixtures is
about 8 wt% to 20 wt%, or about 9 wt% to 15 wt%.
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[045] The high fat pellets generally include at least about 40 wt% total fat
based on the
weight of the pellets, for example, about 45 wt% to 60 wt% or about 50 wt% to
55 wt%
total fat. In some embodiments, the high fat pellets include a high melting
point fat,
wherein the melting point is at least about 60 C (140 F), for example, about
60 C to 75 C
(140 F to 167 F), or about 65 C to 72 C (149 F to 162 F). In some embodiments,
the high
fat pellets include two fat sources, a low melting point fat and a high
melting point fat,
wherein the high melting point fat is disposed substantially at the surface of
the pellets and
encapsulates the pellets. Such encapsulated pellets are obtained, for example,
using the
extrusion methods set forth in U.S. Publication No. 2010/0330251. Where the
high fat
pellets include both a high melting point fat and a low melting point fat, the
ratio of the fat
components is generally in the range of about 10:90 to 90:10 high melting fat
to low
melting fat. The fat sources are selected for melting point suitability,
energy content, and
palatability for the selected animal. Both animal and plant sources of fat are
used in various
embodiments, wherein plant fats include hydrogenated analogs thereof. In some
embodiments, the high fat pellets include one or more of animal fat, vegetable
fat, or
hydrogenated vegetable fat.
[046] The remaining material making up the high fat pellets is a carrier
material suitable
for infusing the fat therein, that are also edible by and palatable to the
targeted animal.
Suitable carrier materials include grain products and plant protein products.
Examples of
carrier materials include starches such as corn, wheat, barley, oats, sorghum,
tapioca, and
the like including isolated dry or wet milled starches, milled components
thereof and
combinations of two or more thereof. Additional suitable carrier materials for
the high fat
pellets include various proteins obtained from plant sources. Thus, soybean
meal,
cottonseed meal, corn gluten meal, and the like are suitable included in the
high fat pellets.
Examples of useful high fat pellets include supplement feeds sold by Purina
Animal
Nutrition, LLC of Shoreview, MN under the trade name PROPEL .
[047] In addition or as an alternative to the high fat pellets, a high fat-
containing seed
having at least about 20 wt% fat, such as ground flaxseed may be used in
combination
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with the pourable compositions. Flax contains omega fatty acids and may
provide
benefits to the animal. The amount of ground flaxseed added may be between
about 5
wt% and 50 wt% of the pourable admixture to yield a pourable admixture having
a total
fat content between about 7 wt% and 33 wt% of the admixture, depending on the
fat
content of the ground flaxseed, the amount of high fat pellets and/or and the
amount of
blendable fat in the pourable composition. Ground flaxseed is between about 40
wt%
and 43 wt% total =fat based on the weight of the ground flaxseed, and thus
provides a
source of fat, as well as fiber, which is present at about 27 wt% by weight of
the ground
flaxseed, and protein, which is present at about 18 wt% by weight of the
ground flaxseed.
The fat content of ground flaxseed is a mixture of saturated fat at 8 wt%-10
wt% of the
total fat, polyunsaturated fat at 68 wt%-73 wt% of the total fat, and
monounsaturated fat
at 18 wt%-21 wt% of the total fat. In some implementations, pellets may be
formed
using the ground flaxseed and used as a form of the high fat pellet. In
further
implementations, such high fat pellets may include a high melting point fat
encapsulant.
In other implementations, ground flaxseed may be used as a carrier material.
In yet
further implementations, the ground flaxseed may be provided in its ground
form. In
addition or alternatively, other high fat-containing seeds such as whole
cottonseed having
about 20 wt% fat, corn germ having about 20 wt% fat, processed soybeans having
about
20 wt% fat, and/or canola having about 43 wt% fat, may be used alone or in
combination
with the ground flaxseed and/or the high fat pellets as a source of fat.
[048] The pourable compositions, which exotherm upon blending due to the
addition of
the hardening agent, do not generally reach above about 60 C (140 F).
Therefore, high
fat pellets including either a high melting fat, or a low melting fat
encapsulated by a high
melting fat, provide a substantially separate phase, or substantially retain
their individual
and discrete properties within a pourable admixture formed by admixing the
pourable
composition with the high fat pellets during the exotherm period and prior to
hardening
of the pourable composition. In this manner, a pourable composition that
hardens to form
a high fat feed block without further processing is conveniently formed. The
high fat
14
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feed blocks retain hardness and other properties consistent with poured feed
blocks
having about 6 wt% or less of blendable fat.
[049] The viscosity of the pourable composition is adjusted to provide for
unifoini
distribution of the high fat pellets in the pourable admixture, while still
providing ease of
pouring. In embodiments, prior to addition of the high fat pellets, the
viscosity of the
pourable composition is adjusted to be at least about 1000 cP at 57 C (135 F)
when
measured by Brookfield rheometer (obtained from Brookfield Engineering
Laboratories
of Middleboro, MA) with an RV7 spindle at 10 rpm. In some embodiments, the
viscosity
of the pourable composition is adjusted to be about 1000 cP to 6500 cP, or
about 1500 cP
to 5000 cP, or about 2000 cP to 4000 cP. After the high fat pellets are mixed
into the
pourable composition to form the pourable admixture, the viscosity of the
pourable
admixture remains substantially the same as the viscosity of the pourable
composition. In
other embodiments, the hardening agent is highly reactive in the system, or
water is
rapidly absorbed by the dry ingredients, or both, and the viscosity of the
pourable
composition or the pourable admixture increases rapidly prior to pouring. In
some
embodiments, where the high fat pellets are added to the pourable composition
after
addition of the hardening agent, the viscosity increases substantially between
forming the
pourable composition and adding the pellets to form the pourable admixture. In
such
embodiments, the viscosity of the pourable admixture is, for example, about
2000 cP to
6500 cP. Above about 8000 cP, the admixture is no longer pourable. Thus, the
initial
viscosity of the pourable composition, nominally 1000 cP, is adjusted to
account for the
increase in viscosity attributable to the rate of reaction of the hardening
agent, rate of
absorption of water by any such composition components, or both. Optimization
is
suitably achieved by one of skill in the art of compounding.
[050] The viscosity of the pourable composition and/or the pourable admixture
is
adjusted either by addition of a viscosifier, where increased viscosity is
required, or by
controlling the water content of the pourable composition. Suitable
viscosifiers include
xanthan gum, locust bean gum, agar, carrageenan, alginic acid, sodium
alginate, calcium
alginate, gum Arabic, gum ghatti, gum tragacanth, karaya gum, guar gum, chicle
gum,
CA 02933510 2016-06-17
dammar gum, glucomannan, psyllium seed husks, spruce gum, tara gum, gellan
gum,
arrowroot, corn starch, P-glucan, various types of cellulose or methyl
cellulose, pectin,
potato starch, gelatin, chondrin, press cake from Irvingia gabonensis, gum
karaya,
gulaman, montmorillonite clays, bentonite clays, attapulgite clays, and the
like.
[051] It will be appreciated that different viscosifiers will be required at
different levels,
depending on efficacy in the particular combination of components in the
pourable
composition. The amount of viscosifier employed in the pourable composition is
limited
only as to the amount required to provide a suitable viscosity as discussed
above. In
some embodiments, the amount of viscosifier is between about 0.001 wt% to 5
wt% of
the pourable admixture, for example about 0.1 wt% to 3 wt% of the pourable
admixture.
[052] In some embodiments, the viscosity of the pourable composition, the
pourable
admixture, or both is adjusted by controlling the amount of free water present
in the
pourable composition. By "free water" it is meant that water is not
substantially
adsorbed or absorbed, including chemisorbed, by one or more components of the
pourable composition. Absorbed or adsorbed water is not available to
contribute to a
lower viscosity of the pourable composition or pourable admixture; only free
water
contributes to decrease the viscosity.
[053] Thus, in some embodiments, the amount of free water is reduced in order
to raise
the viscosity of the pourable composition or the pourable admixture. In some
such
embodiments, heavily cross-linked polyacrylate salts, which are
superabsorbents, are
added to absorb water from the pourable composition in order to adjust
viscosity; the
absorbed water is no longer free water and no longer contributes to lowering
the viscosity
of the pourable composition, pourable admixture, or both. Thus the viscosity
of the
pourable compositions is increased by addition of a superabsorbent. In
some
embodiments, the amount of free water is reduced by drying the sugar-
containing
component prior to addition to the pourable composition. In some embodiments,
the
pourable composition is maintained at an elevated temperature for a period of
time to
enable water to be driven off; in some such embodiments, convection or vacuum
is
16
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'
further applied to increase the rate of evaporation. In some embodiments, a
chemical is
added to the pourable composition that is known to complex with water. For
example, in
some embodiments fly ash or similar activated ash compositions, known to
include
calcium sulfate-based compounds that complex with 10 to 26 moles of water per
mole of
the compound, are added to the pourable compositions to reduce free water
therein.
[054] In other embodiments, it is desirable to lower the viscosity of the
pourable
compositions. In such embodiments, water is simply added to the pourable
composition
during formation thereof, or after the addition of the high fat pellets, in an
amount that
provides a suitable viscosity for maintaining uniform distribution of the high
fat pellets
but still provides for ease of pouring as described above. In some
embodiments, the
amount of water added to the pourable composition is between 0 wt% and about
20 wt%
of the pourable admixture, for example about 1 wt% to 15 wt%, or about 3 wt%
to 15
wt%, or about 5 wt% to 15 wt%, or about 10 wt% of the pourable admixture.
10551 Methods of Making
[056] As is briefly described above, the pourable compositions are prepared by
forming
a liquid premix that in some embodiments is a suspension or dispersion, then
adding a
hardening agent and optional dry ingredients to form the pourable composition,
wherein
the pourable composition is a blend. The pourable composition is then admixed
with
high fat feed pellets to form a pourable admixture. The pourable admixture is
poured into
a container and allowed to harden to result in a high fat feed block. The feed
block is
used as formed, or is divided further, e.g. by cutting. Described herein are
the methods
used to make the pourable compositions, the pourable admixtures, and the high
fat feed
blocks. The methods employed to form the pourable compositions are not
particularly
limited, and it will be appreciated that other methods are envisioned. The
methods
described below are intended to be representative examples of useful
embodiments
thereof.
[057] The liquid premix is formed by combining the sugar-containing component
and
any water soluble or readily water dispersible ingredients employed,
optionally with
17
CA 02933510 2016-06-17
added water; and the optional blendable fat component to finish the premix.
The premix
is blended with any desired dry ingredients and the hardening agent to form
the pourable
composition. The pourable composition is a blend. The high fat pellets are
added to the
pourable composition to form the pourable admixture.
[058] It is an advantage of the methods, compositions, and mixtures disclosed
herein
that the pourable admixture can be formed in single vessel, preferably
equipped with
mixing apparatus. In some embodiments, a source of heat is further employed;
in some
embodiments, additional components for evaporation of water, addition of
ingredients, to
facilitate pouring, etc. are further included. Suitable heating is applied,
for example, by
heated water jacket, inductive heating, infrared heating, microwave heating,
or any other
suitable means to incur substantially uniform heat throughout a mixing
operation for the
compositions and admixtures mixed and blended herein.
[059] In some embodiments, the mixing apparatus is a paddle mixer, blade
mixer,
planetary mixer, or double planetary mixer. The mixing apparatus must be
sufficient to
mix ingredients having a viscosity as high as about 6500 cP. The mixing
apparatus is
suitable for batch mode or continuous mixing operations, depending on the
desire of the
operator. For small batches, hand mixing may be sufficient. The shear level of
the
mixing should be sufficiently low, or adjustable to be sufficiently low in
order to avoid
shearing and breaking apart of the high fat pellets. The ingredients are added
either one
at a time, with some mixing between additions, or in embodiments, two or more
ingredients are added at one time. Two or more mixing apparatuses are employed
in
some embodiments, for example, a high shear mixer such as a blender blade type
mixer
or twin screw extruder to form the pourable composition and a lower shear
mixer such as
a planetary mixer or kneader to form the pourable admixtures from the pourable
compositions.
[060] In some embodiments, any sugar-containing components and a liquid source
of
nitrogen, such as corn steep liquor, are blended with any added water; then
water soluble
or readily dispersible ingredients, such as urea, sugars, sugar alcohols, ash,
calcium
18
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sulfate, calcium carbonate, clay, viscosifiers, water scavengers, medicaments,
trace
minerals or vitamins, pH adjuster compounds, phosphate compounds, palatants,
and the
like are added either one by one, followed by blending for a brief period of
time such as
seconds to 5 minutes, or as a single addition followed by a period of mixing.
In some
embodiments, it is desirable to add one or more such ingredients with the dry
ingredients,
as will be determined by one of skill in the art of blending.
[061] In some embodiments, a blendable fat is added to the liquid premix. The
blendable fat is dispersible in the liquid premix to form a blend. Up to 6 wt%
blendable
fat, based on the total weight of the pourable composition, is suitably
employed without
deleterious effects on pourability, viscosity, separation of fat from the
remainder of the
components, and block softness.
[062] In some embodiments, the liquid premix mixture is heated, for example to
between about 40 C and 60 C (104 F and 140 F), or about 45 C to 55 C (113 F to
131 F)
during a portion of the mixing or the entirety of the mixing. In some
embodiments, a
buffer or pH adjuster is added to produce a mixture having a p1-1 of about 5
to 8, or about
6 to 7. When all water soluble or dispersible ingredients and optional added
water are
blended, the premix is ready to be used to form the pourable composition.
[063] A hardening agent and any desired dry ingredients are then blended with
the
liquid premix to form the pourable composition. Dry sources of nitrogen or
phosphorus,
for example, wheat middlings, bone meal, meat meal, cottonseed meal, and the
like are
suitably blended with the premix if such ingredients are desired. In some
embodiments,
additional water is added or water is removed or absorbed/adsorbed to adjust
viscosity; or
viscosifier added during the blending. In some embodiments, the dry
ingredients are
added one by one, followed by blending for a brief period of time such as 10
seconds to 5
minutes, or as a single addition followed by a period of blending. In some
embodiments,
where dry ingredients are added, the hardening agent is added in a separate
addition
before or after the dry ingredients.
19
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[064] In some embodiments, the pourable composition is heated during a portion
or the
entirety of the blending, for example to between about 40 C and 70 C (104 F
and 158 F),
or about 50 C to 65 C (122 F to 149 F). In other embodiments, the components
of the
pourable blend are observed to exotherm during blending, wherein the heat
generated is
sufficient to raise the temperature of the composition to about 40 C to 60 C
(104 F to
140 F), or about 50 C to 60 C (122 F to 140 F) during blending. Where such an
exotherm occurs, generally no heating is necessary to form the pourable blend.
After all
additions are complete and all ingredients are fully blended, viscosity of the
pourable
composition is at least about 1000 cP when measured at 57 C (135 F) using a
Brookfield
rheometer (obtained from Brookfield Engineering Laboratories of Middleboro,
MA) with
an RV7 spindle at 10 rpm. In some embodiments, the viscosity of the pourable
composition is adjusted to be about 1000 cP to 6500 cP, or about 1500 cP to
5000 cP, or
about 2000 cP to 4000 cP at 57 C when measured by Brookfield rheometer using
an RV7
spindle at 10 rpm.
[065] As discussed above, viscosity control of the pourable composition is
generally
accomplished by adding water, reducing water by absorption, or by addition of
one or
more viscosifiers. Thus, in embodiments, water is added to the premix, the
pourable
composition, or both to reach the targeted range of pourable composition
viscosity of at
least 1000 cP, such as between 1000 cP and 5000 cP at 57 C (135 F) as
discussed above.
In other embodiments, water is removed the premix, the pourable composition,
or both by
absorption or adsorption to reach the targeted range of pourable composition
viscosity of
at least 1000 cP at 57 C (135 F). In still other embodiments, a viscosifier is
added to the
premix, the pourable composition, or both in order to reach the targeted range
of pourable
composition viscosity of at least 1000 cP at 57 C (135 F).
[066] Once a completely blended pourable composition having a viscosity of at
least
1000 cP at 57 C (135 F) is obtained, the high fat pellets are added to the
pourable
composition, generally in a single addition, and admixed with the pourable
composition
until substantially uniformly distributed to form the pourable admixture. If
desired, the
viscosity is remeasured using the same Brookfield measurement as above. In
some
CA 02933510 2016-06-17
. =
embodiments, the viscosity of the pourable admixture is substantially the same
as the
viscosity of the pourable composition, that is, at least 1000 cP. In other
embodiments,
the viscosity of the pourable admixtures is greater than the viscosity of the
pourable
compositions, as is discussed above. In such embodiments, the viscosity of the
pourable
admixtures will be between about 2000 cP and 6500 cP. Viscosity above 8000 cP
will be
difficult to pour, so optimization of process parameters is required by one of
skill.
[067] Once the pourable admixture is formed, it is poured into one or more
containers
suitable to meet the dimensional requirements of the user; there is no limit
on the size of
the containers and volume of the pourable admixture that is suitably employed
to
facilitate the hardening step that occurs after the pouring.
[068] It is an advantage of the methods described herein that the methods are
adaptable
for batch processes, continuous processes, and semi-continuous processes. The
order of
addition, mixing time, type and ratio of ingredients, and targeted viscosity
at a particular
point in the process are adjusted to result in a final pourable admixture that
has a
viscosity of about 1000 cP to 6500 cP, but at any rate does not exceed 8000 cP
at the final
stage where the admixture is poured into one or more containers for hardening.
[069] In some embodiments, the poured admixture is held at an elevated
temperature for
a period of time after pouring, to accelerate the hardening to form the high
fat feed block.
For example, in some embodiments, the poured admixture is maintained at a
temperature
between e.g. 40 C and 60 C (104 F and 140 F), or about 45 C to 55 C (113 F to
131 F)
for about 1 to 48 hours, or about 6 to 36 hours, or about 12 to 24 hours to
form a
hardened admixture, which is the high fat feed block. In some embodiments, the
poured
admixture is simply allowed to stand at ambient temperatures to harden and
form the feed
block. It is a feature of the pourable composition that the interaction of
hardening agent
with one or more additional components is exothermic, so the temperature will
typically
remain elevated over ambient temperatures in most manufacturing locations, for
a period
of time after pouring the admixture. The period of elevated temperature
maintenance is
followed by cooling to a temperature of between about ¨20 C and 40 C (-4 F and
104 F),
21
CA 02933510 2016-06-17
wherein the exact temperature depends on conditions in the storage area,
during use, or
both.
[070] Once hardened, the feed blocks are provided as formed for consumption or
are
further divided by cutting to form suitable size blocks for shipping and/or
consumption.
Cutting is accomplished using conventional equipment such as saws, slicing
machines, or
hot knives. While it is not necessary to form a literal block shape, cubic or
rectangular
shapes are often conveniently formed, in particular where blocks are divided
after
hardening. Alternatively, a container having virtually any shape used as a
receptacle for
the poured admixtures will result in a "block" complying with the shape of the
interior of
the container ¨ thus, cylindrical, frustoconical, or other shapes are easily
formed.
10711 Uses
[072] The high fat feed blocks are employed as free choice feed supplements
for one or
more animals. By "free choice" it is meant that the blocks are placed in an
open area
accessible at will by an animal. The blocks are sufficiently hard that the
animal cannot
bite off large sections and cannot lick substantial portions thereof In some
embodiments,
the blocks when licked by the animal are targeted to deliver a thin coating on
the animal's
tongue. In other embodiments, licking does not dissolve the block contents and
the
animal must nibble, bite, or scrape the block, for example with their tongue
and/or teeth.
In this way, the blocks are used in free choice feeding to supplement, rather
than
supplant, the animal's main source of feed.
[073] Additionally, the medicaments or other non-food supplements added to the
feed
blocks are targeted to deliver a selected level of the supplements to a sick
animal or an
animal in need of non-food supplements.
[074] The high fat feed blocks are employed in free choice feeding with one or
more
animals such as ruminants including cattle, sheep, goats, or deer; monogastric
animals
including pigs, or "pseudoruminants" (hind gut fermenters) such as horses. The
animals'
nibbling or scraping is sufficient to deliver the increased fat content from
the high fat
pellets to the animal.
22
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[075] Offering the feed blocks in free choice settings may deliver
supplemental
nutrients, including fat, to the ruminant. The supplemental nutrients may be
particularly
helpful to the animal in pasture where the animal ingests high levels of
roughage, which
is high in fiber but low in fat. However, offering feed blocks in free choice
settings can
present challenges due to the potential for the animal to uncontrollably or
over consume
the feed block.
[076] Uncontrolled or over-consumption of the feed block may result in the
animal
ingesting excessive levels of energy and protein as well as unhealthy amounts
of minerals
or vitamins typically present in the blocks. In addition, because feed blocks
are replaced
on a periodic basis, high consumption rates can result in the entire feed
block being
consumed quickly, for instance, in advance of a scheduled block drop-off,
resulting in
variable nutrient delivery which can be detrimental to the overall health of
the animal. In
addition or alternatively, the animals may engage in high consumption of the
blocks
when new ones are added to the pasture, particularly when the animal has been
without a
block for a time (e.g., a couple of days) before a new block is introduced.
[077] To control the level of intake of the feed blocks of the present
disclosure, calcium
chloride, the chloride ion, another intake modifier, or combinations is
present in the feed
block. Calcium chloride and chloride ions are known intake modifiers used in
no
roughage feed rations for animals fed in confinement. Implementations of
present
disclosure instead use chloride ions as an intake modifier in high fat feed
blocks placed
pasture where cattle freely graze on forage (i.e., a source of roughage) or
have free choice
access to hay or other forage sources. The intake modifier is effective to
control intake of
the feed block and may be present in the feed block at surprisingly low
levels.
Particularly, in contrast to prior approaches in which calcium chloride was
present in feed
blocks at levels of 4.1 wt% or higher, and in which chloride ion present at
about 2.65
wt%; the feed blocks of the present disclosure contain less calcium chloride,
such as
about 1.0 wt% to 3.5 wt% (e.g., with chloride present at about 0.65 to about
2.26 wt%).
Further, the feed blocks of prior approaches contained low levels of fat, such
as below 5
wt% as illustrated by the control feed blocks in the Examples of the present
disclosure.
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Moreover, it is surprising that the high fat feed blocks of the present
disclosure do not
require the same or higher levels of chloride ions compared to a feed block
with a lower
fat content to control ingestion by the ruminant. Particularly, soft feed
blocks result in
higher intakes, regardless of fat levels, and high fat blocks are usually
softer than low fat
blocks. Thus, the softer high fat blocks would be expected to result in more
intake.
However, it has been discovered that adding fat decreases the palatability of
the block.
Thus, while the animal should eat a softer block more readily, adding fat
decreases intake
to some extent. Consequently, it has been discovered that the intake modifier
at low
levels in combination with the fat facilitates intake control to desired
levels. More
specifically, it has been discovered that the ruminant does not over-consume
high fat feed
blocks containing low levels of calcium chloride or chloride ions as
illustrated by the
Feeding Examples of the present disclosure. The desired consumption levels of
the high
fat blocks may further be due to a portion of the fat content being imbibed in
the high fat
pellet, which can cause the block to have a harder consistency compared to
blocks having
the same fat level but where the fat is freely dispersed in the block, e.g.,
not imbibed in a
pellet. The presence of the intake modifier further does not negatively affect
the animal's
intake of forage or other sources of roughage. Rather, the high fat feed
blocks of the
present disclosure provide a source of energy that is in addition to grasses,
hay or other
forage or feed, which results in the animal experiencing improved performance.
Such
improved performance may include, but is not limited, to improved body
condition score,
increased weight gain, increased meat production, improved health, improved
milk
production, or combinations. In addition to chloride containing components,
other intake
modifiers may be effective to modify animal intake of the high fat feed blocks
while
resulting in improved animal performance and include but are not limited to:
ammonium
sulfate, calcium sulfate, salt, calcium chloride, sodium hydroxide, diammonium
phosphate, fish oil, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, meat meal, chlorinated fat
and acidulated
fats. Such intake modifiers may be present at relatively low levels due to the
presence of
the fat-imbibed nugget in the high fat feed block. For instance, the intake
modifier may
be present at 1.0 to 3.5 wt% of the block.
24
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=
[078] Properties
[079] The properties of the pourable admixtures and the feed blocks formed by
hardening the pourable admixtures provide many advantages over conventional
feed
blocks while avoiding drawbacks observed with previous efforts to make high
fat feed
blocks.
[080] A first advantage of the high fat feed blocks is that the increased
energy levels for
animals in free choice feeding compared to conventional feed blocks having
about 5 wt%
or less total fat content, without concomitant reduction in feed block
hardness.
Conventionally, the fat content of the feed blocks is limited to a maximum
inclusion of
about 5 wt% to 6 wt%. When a low-melting point fat ¨ that is, a fat that is a
liquid at
room temperature or below about 40 C (104 F) - is included in the product at a
higher
level, the finished feed block tends to be sufficiently soft that increased or
overconsumption results when fed free choice. The feed blocks are intended for
use at a
targeted level to supplement but not supplant an animals' main food source;
thus, the
target hardness is a hardness where the animal can lick, nibble or scrape the
feed block
but not bite chunks from it. By adding high fat pellets to the pourable
admixture, wherein
the pellets' melting point is sufficient to withstand at least the temperature
reached by the
pourable admixture as the exothermic hardening reaction occurs without
melting, the
pellets remain discrete in the feed block matrix. In this manner, the high fat
feed block is
obtained without incurring a substantial negative effect on the hardness of
the feed block.
The licking, nibbling or scraping by the animals is still sufficient to
deliver the increased
fat content to the animal.
[081] A second advantage of the high fat feed blocks is providing high fat
content in a
pourable admixture that retains the ease of pouring associated with the
pourable
compositions. Conventionally, when a low melting point fat is added to a
pourable
composition in levels over about 5 wt% to 6 wt%, the viscosity of the pourable
composition increases to the point where it is difficult to pour into the
containers for
hardening. The high fat pellets include a high melting point fat that does not
become
CA 02933510 2016-06-17
liquid or otherwise flow at temperatures at or below about 60 C (140 F). Thus,
during
the mixing of the pellets with the pourable composition, the pellets do not
blend with the
pourable composition, instead forming an admixture with the pellets retaining
their
discrete and individual identity within the admixture. As a
result, the pourable
admixtures do not suffer from undue increases in viscosity.
[082] A third advantage of the high fat feed blocks is that the fat does not
separate from
the remainder of the components of the block. In many embodiments, when a low
melting point fat is added to the pourable composition in levels over about 5
wt% to 6
wt%, the low-melting fat separates during the hardening process and results in
an oily
film on the top surface of the feed blocks. The viscosity of the pourable
composition is
adjusted to retain the high fat pellets in a uniform distribution within the
pourable
admixture. The uniformity is maintained after pouring and through the
hardening
process. Further, since the pellets do not melt during the exotherm caused by
the addition
of the hardening agent, separation due to melting and liquid phase formation
of the fat
does not occur. The pellets ¨ thus the fat content overall - remains uniformly
distributed
throughout the high fat feed blocks.
[083] Examples
[084] The following examples are exemplary of the invention, where "C" denotes
a
Control example.
[085] Examples Cl, C2, and C3
[086] The ingredients listed in Table 1 were mixed by addition of ingredients
to a
Waring Blender.
[087] Table 1. Premix ingredients used in Examples Cl, C2, and C3.
Premix Premix Premix
Ingredient
Cl, wt % C2, wt % C3, wt %
Cane molasses 44.75 40.35 40.35
Corn steep liquor 15.27 8.27 8.27
Water 9.55 12.27 12.27
26
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. . .
. .
Tetrasodium pyrophosphate 0.21 0.21
0.21
Attapulgite clay 1.45 1.45
1.45
Calcium chloride 0 0
3.58
Calcium sulfate 1.45 1.45
1.45
Yellow grease 6.12 14.80
14.80
Calcium carbonate, fine 2.91 2.91
2.91
Dicalcium phosphate, precipitated 4.78 4.78
4.78
Urea 8.33 8.33
8.33
Vitamin and trace mineral mix 0.33 0.33
0.33
Sodium hydroxide 3.58 3.58
0
TOTAL 100.00 100.00
100.00
[088] The premixes were not subjected to any viscosity measurements but
generally
were observed to have very similar or the same viscosity. Then each of the
premixes of
Table 1 were in turn transferred to a 5-quart KitchenAid planetary mixer, and
mixed with
additional ingredients listed in Table 2 to foul' final mixtures.
[089] Table 2. Ingredients of final mixtures of Examples Cl, C2, and C3.
[090]
Ex. Cl, Ex. C2, Ex. C3,
Ingredient
wt /o wt A wt /o
Premix Cl 68.83 0
0
Premix C2 0 68.83
0
Premix C3 0 0
68.83
Cracked corn 5.00 5.00
5.00
_
Dried distillers grains solubles 10.00 10.00
10.00
Wheat middlings 5.00 5.00
5.00
Cottonseed meal 0.10 0.10
0.10
Feather meal 1.57 1.57
1.57
Water 5.00 5.00
5.00
Magnesium oxide 4.50 4.50
_ 4.50
TOTAL 100.00 100.00
100.00
[091] The final mixture of Cl was poured into a 16 oz. cup. The viscosity of
Examples
C2 and C3 were so high they could not be poured; rather, they had to be
scraped out of
the mixer and scooped into the cups. The cups were covered with lids and
placed in an
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CA 02933510 2016-06-17
oven set of 49 C (120 F) overnight. Upon removing the cups and allowing them
to cool
to ambient temperature (20 C ¨ 23 C, or 68 F - 73 F), the hardness was tested
for each
finished mixtures using a fruit firmness tester equipped with a 7/16" probe.
The mixture
of Cl was 23, C2 was 17, and C3 was 23. Thus, the addition of calcium chloride
appeared to remedy the softness of the high fat mixture, but did not help
provide a
pourable mixture.
[092] Examples 1 and 2
[093] The ingredients listed in Table 3 were mixed in a Myers mixer (obtained
from
Myers Engineering, Inc. of Bell, CA) to form a liquid premix. The mixer was
heated
using a steam jacket wherein water jacket temperature was set to 60 C (140 F).
[094] Table 3. Premix ingredients used in Examples I and 2.
[095]
Ingredient Weight %
Cane molasses 42.53
Corn steep liquor 15.20
Water 9.50
Tetrasodium pyrophosphate 0.20
Attapulgite clay 1.40
Calcium chloride 6.10
Calcium sulfate 1.40
Choice white grease 6.10
Calcium carbonate, fine 2.90
Dicalcium phosphate, precipitated 4.77
Urea 8.30
Vitamin and trace mineral mix 0.30
50% Sodium hydroxide in water 1.30
TOTAL 100.00
[096] The premix was partitioned for further mixing with additional
ingredients as listed
in Table 4. The ingredients were mixed as indicated to form two pourable
admixtures.
PROPEL nuggets (high fat pellets). Then the PROPEL pellets were mixed in and
the
viscosity was remeasured just prior to pouring.
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[097] Table 4. Ingredients blended to form the pourable admixtures of Ex. 1
and 2.
[098]
Ingredient Ex. 1, Ex. 2,
wt % wt %
Premix from Table 3 68.80 68.80
Water 4.00 ___ 3.50
Magnesium oxide 4.50 4.50
Wheat middlings 6.10 6.60
Cottonseed meal 5.00 5.00
Feather meal 1.60 1.60
PROPEL Energy Nuggets 10.00 10.00
(obtained from Purina Animal
Nutrition, LLC of Shoreview, MN)
TOTAL 100.00 100.00
[099] Viscosities were measured using Brookfield rheometer (obtained from
Brookfield
Engineering Laboratories of Middleboro, MA) with an RV7 spindle at 10 rpm. The
mixture of Example 1 had a first viscosity (measured just prior to addition of
the nuggets)
of 800 cP and a second viscosity (just prior to pouring) of 4800 cP. The
mixture of
Example 2 had a first viscosity (measured just prior to addition of the
nuggets) of 2400
cP and a second viscosity (just prior to pouring) of 5600 cP.
[100] The two mixtures were easily poured into 102 liter (27 gallon)
containers and
placed in a room maintained at 49 C (120 F) for 24 hours. Then the mixtures
were
removed from the heated room and allowed to cool at ambient temperature (about
20 C ¨
23 C, or 68 F - 73 F) for several days. The resulting mixtures were hardened
to a good
quality feed block hardness level. The hardened mixtures were then cut in half
using a
cable saw. The hardness was tested for each finished blocks of Examples 1 and
2 using a
fruit firmness tester equipped with a 7/16" probe. Both blocks had a hardness
of 26.
[101] FIGS. 1 and 2 show the appearance of the cut hardened mixtures at the
saw cut
surfaces. FIG. 1 shows the cut surface of the hardened mixture of Example 1.
FIG. 2
shows the cut surface of the hardened mixture of Example 2. The light colored
areas/specks in the dark mixtures are the PROPEL pellets. It can be seen that
the
29
CA 02933510 2016-06-17
mixture of FIG. 2 has a substantially uniform distribution of pellets, while
the mixture of
FIG. 1 is not as uniform and a concentration of the pellets has migrated
toward what was
the top of the container during hardening.
[102] Feeding Examples
[103] The following feeding examples are exemplary in nature and not to be
construed
as limiting.
11041 Feeding Example 1
[105] Materials and Methods: To study the intake of high fat feed blocks
compared to
control blocks by grazing cows, 80 crossbred cows in late lactation/gestation
were
divided into two treatment groups, each treatment group being divided into six
pastures
with 6-7 cow-calf pairs per pasture. Both control and test blocks were
manufactured in
the same facility. Table 5 illustrates the components of the control feed
blocks.
[106]
Table 5
Ingredient Wt%
Molasses 26.4
Cracked Corn 5.0
Dried Distiller's Grains 10.0
Wheat Middlings 5.1
Cottonseed Meal 2.1
Clay 1.0
Dicalcium Phosphate 3.1
Salt 2.5
Urea 5.9
Yellow Grease 4.0
Corn Steep Liquor 10.5
Water 13.4
Calcium Chloride 4.2
Calcium Sulfate 1.0
Magnesium Oxide 4.5
Sodium Hydroxide 0.9
Tetra-sodium Pyrophosphate 0.1
Vitamins and Trace Minerals 0.3
Total 100.0
CA 02933510 2016-06-17
, =
[107] The control block contained 5 wt% fat mainly derived from yellow grease
(4 wt%). The test block contained 10 wt% fat with 4 wt% from yellow grease and
6 wt%
from a high fat nugget where the total weight of the nugget accounted for 10
wt% of the
test blocks. Cracked corn and a portion of molasses from the control block
formula was
replaced by the high fat nugget in the test blocks but otherwise the control
and test blocks
were formulated similarly and contained about 4.2 wt% calcium chloride. All
blocks
contained about 25 wt% protein.
[108] One block was always accessible on a free choice basis in pasture over
the course
of the 9 week trial. When blocks were completely consumed, they were removed
from
the pasture and a new block was added. Block hardness was measured on each
block as
they were placed in the pastures using a 3/8" diameter probe attached to the
30 pound
fruit tester. Mineral blocks were also placed in pasture and available free
choice. Hay
was provided if forage became less available. One tub of the respective
treatment was
placed in each pasture and staked down to prevent tipping during consumption.
Weights
of each of the blocks tested and the mineral blocks were recorded upon placing
in pasture
and upon removal. In addition, weights were recorded every week if the block
lasted
more than 7 days.
[109] Results: The control blocks were generally harder than the test blocks
(high 20s
to >30 compared to low to mid-20s using the fruit tester). Cows consumed less
of the
test block compared to the control. On average, cows in pasture with the test
block
consumed 1.1 lbs. per head per day, while cows in pasture with the control
block
consumed 2.5 lbs. per head per day. This lower intake occurred during all
weeks of the 9
week study as illustrated in Fig. 3. The results of Feeding Example 1 were
surprising
because it was expected that the softness of a higher fat content feed block
would result
in more rapid consumption compared to the lower fat control. Further, the
intake level of
the softer high fat block was depressed to 1.1 lbs. per head per day, which is
an
undesirable both from the standpoint of an intake level and because intake of
the soft
block was expected to be closer to that of the control block.
[110] Feeding Example 2
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, =
[111] Materials and Methods: Because it is desirable for high fat feed blocks
to be
consumed at above 1.1 lbs. per head per day, 30 steers in confinement were
subjected to
another study to determine whether reducing the level of calcium chloride in
the high fat
feed block would result in increased consumption by the animals. Three block
treatments
in 60-1b. tubs were manufactured in the same location. The control treatment
was a 5
wt% fat block, the first test block contained 10 wt% fat (derived from yellow
grease and
high fat nuggets) and 4.2 wt% calcium chloride, and the second test block
contained 10
wt% fat derived from the same fat sources with 2.1 wt% calcium chloride. Aside
from
the calcium chloride level in the second test block, the control and test
blocks were
otherwise formulated substantially the same as those in Feeding Example 1.
[112] The steers were housed in pens that contained individual feeding bunks
that are
designed to monitor consumption by each animal. The steers were fed grass hay
free
choice. Each steer was offered one 60 lb. tub for ten days, and each received
each of the
three blocks studied, resulting in a trial conducted over 30 days. Hardness
measurements
were taken at the beginning of each ten-day feeding period. For each tub,
three
measurements were taken and the average recorded.
[113] Results: The block hardness (P<.0001) was different among the three
block
treatments. The control block was the hardest as expected (-22) and the second
test
block (2.1% CaC1) block was the softest (-13.6). The first test block (4.2 wt%
CaC1) was
intermediate (-20) to these but closer in hardness to the control block.
Though there
were differences in hardness in the block treatments, intakes were similar
between the
control (3.7 lbs./day) and the first test block (3.8 lbs./day). Intake was the
greatest with
the second test block (2.1 wt% CaC1) with an average intake of 4.8 lbs./day,
but this
block was also the softest. The overall increased consumption of the blocks in
Feeding
Example 2 compared to Feeding Example 1 may be a function of feeding in a
small pen
vs. offering the blocks in a larger pasture setting. The steers in Example 2
were much
smaller than the cows in Example 1 so the steers should have eaten much less
but they
actually ate more because they were fed in confinement. However, the results
of Feeding
32
CA 02933510 2016-06-17
. =
Example 2 show that reducing the level of calcium chloride in the high fat
feed block to
below 4.2 wt% resulted in increased consumption by the animal.
[114] Feeding Example 3
[115] Materials and Methods: The trial conducted for Feeding Example 3 was
conducted on 16 steers in confinement and the materials and methods in this
Example
were otherwise substantially the same as that of Feeding Example 2. The same
stock of
control and test blocks were used.
[116] Results: Block hardness (P<.0001) was different among the three block
treatments. The control block (5% fat) was the hardest as expected (-20.5) and
the
second test block (2.1 wt% CaC1) was the softest (-13). The first test block
(4.2 wt%
CaC1) was intermediate (-19) but closer in hardness to the control block.
Though there
were differences in hardness in the block treatments, intakes tended to be
similar for the
control and first test blocks and the cattle ingesting the control block
averaged 6.63 lbs.
per head per day and the cattle ingesting the first test block averaged 6.62
lbs. per head
per day. The group ingesting the second test block exhibited an increase in
intake an
averaged 7.39 lbs. per head per day.
[117] Feeding Example 4
[118] Materials and Methods: The trial of Feeding Example 4 was conducted on
grazing cows to determine the effects on intake by reducing the level of
calcium chloride
in the high fat feed blocks. In this trial, 80 crossbred cows in mid-
lactation/early
gestation were divided into three treatment groups, each treatment group being
divided
into four pastures with 6-7 cow-calf pairs per pasture. Both the control and
two different
test blocks were manufactured in the same facility and were from the same
stock as
Feeding Examples 2 and 3.
[119] As in Feeding Example 1, one block was always accessible on a free
choice basis
in pasture over the course of the 15 week trial. When blocks were completely
consumed,
they were removed from the pasture and a new block was added. Block hardness
was
measured on each block as they were placed in the pastures. Mineral blocks
were also
placed in pasture and available free choice. Hay was provided if forage became
less
33
CA 02933510 2016-06-17
available. One tub of the respective treatment was placed in each pasture and
staked
down to prevent tipping during consumption. Weights of each of the blocks
tested and
the mineral blocks were recorded upon placing in pasture and upon removal. In
addition,
weights were recorded every week if the block lasted more than 7 days.
[120] Body condition scores (BCS) were taken at the beginning and at the end
of the
trial. BCS is a numeric measure ranging from 1 (emaciated) to 9 (extremely
obese) based
on a trained person's subjective evaluation of fat on an animal. A target
score is 6. For
this trial, three trained individuals scored each cow independently. The
training for BCS
scoring involves details of what to look for and what areas of the ruminant's
body
(typically BCS is assigned to cows, bulls, steers and heifers but generally is
associated
with breeding stock (cows, bulls, & replacement heifers)) to evaluate (top
line, ribs,
brisket, hindquarters, tail head area and front quarter). After visually
evaluating the fat
cover (or condition) at each of these areas, the animal is assigned a BCS.
After all three
people have scored the cows, the values are averaged for each animal and is
the reported
BCS. The difference in the ending BCS from the beginning BCS is how much the
animal
changed condition over the time period. A positive change means the animal has
more
condition and a negative change means the animal has lost condition.
[121] Results:
[122] Over the 15-week trial, the control blocks were the hardest (22). The
second test
blocks (2.1 wt% CaC1) were the softest (13) while the first test blocks (4.2
wt% CaC1)
were intermediate (19).
[123] Intake was similar among the three block treatment over the 15 weeks.
The
control and first test block were ingested at a rate of 1.7 and 1.8 lbs. per
head per day,
respectively. The second test blocks were ingested at a slightly elevated
level of 1.9 lbs.
per head per day.
[124] The animals consuming the high fat tubs tested improved perfoiniance
compared
to the control group. Body condition score (BCS) was similar among treatments
at the
beginning, with an average BCS of about 6.1 and at the end the study, with an
average
BCS of about 6.2. However, there was a numerical trend for the cows that
consumed the
34
CA 02933510 2016-06-17
'
two test blocks (e.g., with 10 wt% fat and either 2.1 or 4.2 wt% CaCI) to have
an increase
in BCS over the study than cows ingesting the control blocks.
[125] Consumption of mineral blocks was similar among the treatments at 2-3
oz./head/day. Similar intake was expected since tub intake was similar. Intake
trends of
the mineral were closely related to intake trends of the tubs. When tub intake
was low,
mineral intake was higher and vice versa.
[126] Feeding Example 5
[127] Materials and Methods: Feeding Example 5 was similar to Feeding Example
4
with the trial conducted on grazing cows. In this trial, 87 crossbred cows
were allocated
to two treatment groups, with each treatment group being divided into six
pastures with
6-7 cow-calf pairs per pasture. Cows were offered either a control block as in
Feeding
Examples 2 through 4 or a test block containing 10 wt% fat formulated the same
as the
test blocks of Examples 2 through 4 with the exception that the calcium
chloride level
was 3.1 wt% of the block. Otherwise, the materials and methods in this Example
were
otherwise substantially the same as that of Feeding Examples 1 and 4.
[128] Results: Block hardness differed (P<.05) among the two block treatments.
The
control block (5% fat) was the hardest as expected (26) and the test block
(3.1 wt% CaCI)
was the softest (24), however, compared to previous trials, the difference in
softness was
not as large. Though there were similarities in hardness in the block
treatments, intakes
significantly differed (P<.05) and the group ingesting the control block
averaged 3.0 lbs.
per head per day and the group ingesting the test block averaged 4.4 lbs. per
head per
day.
[129] The invention illustratively disclosed herein can be suitably practiced
in the
absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein. While the
invention is
susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof
have been
shown by way of examples, and are described in detail. It should be
understood,
however, that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments
described. On
the contrary, the intention is to cover modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling
within the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally each and every
embodiment of
CA 02933510 2016-06-17
the invention, as described here, is intended to be used either alone or in
combination
with any other embodiment described herein as well as modifications,
equivalents, and
alternatives thereof falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.
[130] The various embodiments described above are provided by way of
illustration
only and should not be construed to limit the claims attached hereto. It will
be
recognized that various modifications and changes may be made without
following the
example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and
without
departing from the true spirit and scope of the claims.
[131] In various embodiments, any of the claimed embodiments suitably
comprise,
consist essentially of, or consist of the elements described herein and
claimed according
to the claims.
36
