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ARS Home » Midwest Area » West Lafayette, Indiana » Livestock Behavior Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #145375
Title: ANIMAL FEED COMPOSITION AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME

Author
item Eicher, Susan
item JOHNSON, TIM - PURDUE UNIVERSITY
item MCKEE, CARRIE - PURDUE UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: Patent Application
Publication Type: Patent Application
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/9/2002
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Compositions comprising beta-glucan and ascorbic acid and methods of using the same to improve well-being of animals are provided. The combination of beta-glucan and ascorbic acid exhibited a synergistic effect on the well-being of animals. The weight gains of neonatal calves in an indoor raised calf crate environment (an environmental stressor) and of neonatal piglets (a time of high mortality and morbidity) both showed a synergistic effect of a beta-glucan containing yeast cell-wall derivative and ascorbic acid when delivered orally early in life. Piglets were fed the product beginning at 1 day-of-age and calves were fed the products beginning at 3 to 10 days-of-age. The synergistic effect was verified in calves with a neonatal calf transport as the stressor. By using another beta-glucan product with ascorbic acid, similar feed efficiencies were found. This demonstrated similar synergistic effects of the beta-glucans and ascorbic acid on feed efficiency in stressful environments. This composition will be useful in promoting well-being for neonatal animals on feeds without antibiotics. Patent Serial Number 10/192,762.