DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an animal feed additive composition for use in poultry industries. These compositions include extracts of Catharanthus and Allium in specific weight percentages. The present invention further relates to a process for the preparation of such compositions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] The global increase in demand for meat originating from poultry has led to massive changes in rearing or breeding practices of poultry. Therefore the emergence of large-scale farming operations aimed at securing a high- throughput rearing or breeding of animals, such as poultry, for food has been evident in 20th century. In such large-scale farming operations, the animals are typically reared in confinement or cages and fed defined feeds that are specifically formulated to increase growth rate and feed- conversion efficiency of the animals.
[0004] Feeds administered to animals can influence the growth rate, feed-conversion efficiency and other characteristics of the animals being reared. Currently available animal feeds typically include a wide variety of feed supplements (also known as feed additives) for enhancing the characteristics of the animal being reared.
[0005] The feed supplements or additives are generally selected for their advantageous or beneficial effects on the animals to which they are given. For example, feed supplements that help increase or enhance the growth rate, feed-conversion efficiency and immunity of animals are generally welcomed by animal breeders. It should be noted that animal producers have to purchase the feed supplements, and hence the feed supplements should enable tangible or monetary returns (i.e. be cost effective) to the animal breeders. The market for feed supplements with advantageous or beneficial effects is already significant, and is set to grow rapidly with the rising demand for meat and other foods of animal-origin.
[0006] Materials promoting growth, such as the so called "growth stimulants", are typically employed in animal feed for producing quicker growth and increased meat tissue production. Known growth promoting materials are categorized for examples as antibiotics, synthetic chemical growth promoters, or hormones, particularly sexual hormones.
[0007] U.S. Patent No. 5,017,560 discloses the administration of porcine prolactin (pPRL) to poultry in dosages of about 1-500 /xg/kg/day, preferably 10-100 /xg/kg/day, to promote growth by improving the rate of weight gain and/or increasing feed utilization efficiency.
[0008] Mineral feed supplements for poultry has also been disclosed as a means to improve weight gain. U.S. Patent No. 5,459, 162 discloses a copper feed supplement for chickens and method of using same. U.S. Patent No. 7,045,150 discloses a nutrient formulation containing tellurium for use in poultry, and a method of feeding it which improves subsequent viability, cumulative feed efficacy or weight gain.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 1,645,703 describes a supplemental poultry food composition comprising 50-51% calcium carbonate, 14% bone and meat meal, 12% bone meal, 5% vegetable charcoal, 4% ferrous sulfate, 4% sulfur, and 10% sodium chloride. The poultry food composition is distinguishable for containing ferrous sulfate and sulfur, but lacking potassium.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,729,894 describes a poultry feedstuff and drinking water additive for treating heat stress by reducing respiratory alkalosis and enhancing weight gain comprising 0.3 to 3 wt. % ammonium chloride or hydrochloric acid to provide hydrogen ions and 0.5 wt. % sodium bicarbonate in 100 parts of feed containing 48% ground corn grain, 35% of a 44% soybean meal, 6.0% corn oil, 5% meat and bone meal, 1.0% dicalcium phosphate, 0.9% calcium carbonate, 0.5% vitamin mix, 0.3% sodium chloride, 0.2% DL-methionine, 0.1% mineral, and 3.1% ground polyethylene. The feed additive and total feed composition are distinguishable for containing ammonium chloride or hydrochloric acid along with a vitamin mix.
[0011] It will therefore be appreciated that improvements or enhancements to feeds and feed supplements for animals, for example poultry, are increasingly important in light of the mounting pressure for their increased production and supply. Such improvements to animal feeds or feed supplements should not pose any significant problem to human health.
[0012] Saba Anwar et al. in their article titled “Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Catharanthus Roseus on Gross and Micro-Structures of Selected Internal Organs of Broilers” disclose the use of Catharanthus roseus as a growth promoter that can be used in feed supplement for broilers. Amino acid supplementation in poultry is considered as an essential part of poultry nutrition.
[0013] DL-Methionine is the first limiting essential amino acid in poultry important for optimum growth, feed conversion and immunity. The poultry industry uses 0.2 % to 0.5 % of DL-Methionine in the feed additive formulation depending on the phase of nutrition, strain and commercial viability. Feed forms about 70 percent of the investment for the farmer to produce meat or eggs. Raw material used in feed determines the price of final formulated feed. Globally feed prices range from 25 to 35 rupees per Kg. However, the price fluctuation of DL-Methionine and its supply chain discrepancies result in massive shift of feed prices and ultimately, reduce the farmers’ profit. Thus there is a need to develop a novel feed additive that can be a viable alternative to DL-Methionine and can exhibit improved growth processes in a cost effective way.
[0014] There is thus a need to develop new animal feed additive compositions that can greatly replace the use of Methionine from feed supplements and can also exhibit increased processing yield, high feed conversion and improved body weight.
[0015] The present invention satisfies the existing needs, as well as others, and generally overcomes the deficiencies found in the prior arts.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0016] It is an object of the present invention to provide an animal feed additive composition that includes extracts of Catharanthus and Allium.
[0017] A further object of the present invention is to provide a process for the preparation of said composition.
[0018] A further object of the present invention is to provide an animal feed additive composition capable of delivering increased processing yield, high feed conversion and improved body weight.
[0019] A further object of the present invention is to provide an animal feed additive composition capable of replacing Methionine as protein supplement from feed additive.
[0020] A further object of the present invention is to provide an animal feed additive composition capable of exhibiting immunostimulant and growth promoter properties.
[0021] A further object of the present invention is to provide an animal feed additive composition capable of reducing mortality rate in livestock animals.
[0022] A further object of the present invention is to provide an animal feed additive composition capable of exhibiting improved profitability for farmers.
[0023] A further object of the present invention is to provide an animal feed additive composition capable of exhibiting improved body weight of livestock animals.
[0024] Still another object of the present invention is to provide an animal feed additive composition capable for supplying a proper diet balance for poultry and livestock.
[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide an animal feed additive composition which obviates the disadvantages associated with known arts.
[0026] Another object of the present invention is to provide an animal feed additive composition which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.
[0027] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a process that is technically and commercially feasible.
[0028] Other objects of the present invention will be apparent from the description of the invention herein below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0029] As set forth in the detailed description, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, in an aspect, proposed animal feed additive composition for use in poultry industries includes extracts of Catharanthus and Allium in specific weight percentages. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the composition comprises of 1% to 5% by weight of an extract of Catharanthus roseus and 1% to 5% by weight of an extract of Allium cepa. In another embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises of 1% to 5% by weight of an extract of Catharanthus roseus, 1% to 5% by weight of an extract of Allium cepa and 1% to 5% by weight of an extract of Allium sativum. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the composition includes 1% to 5% by weight of an extract of Catharanthus roseus and 1% to 5% by weight of an extract of Allium sativum.
[0030] The present disclosure further relates to a process for the preparation of animal feed additive composition for poultry and livestock. The compositions provided by the present disclosure can be used as viable alternative for the use of Methionine in feed additives and can provide nutrient value that can enhance the growth and productivity of poultry and livestock. The compositions provided by the present disclosure when administered to animals result in larger lengths and widths of the villi of intestine as compared to the villi of intestines of animals that are administered DL-Methionine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0031] The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present invention, and wherein:
[0032] Figure 1 illustrates comparison of weekly weight gain after feeding formulation according to embodiment of the present disclosure to that after feeding control formulation. The figure gives comparison for six weeks.
[0033] Figures 2A-2F illustrate effect of the formulation according to embodiment of the present disclosure on the villi of intestine of the animals. In this exemplary embodiment, six number of animals were studied for measurement of lengths and widths of the villi. Measurements were done by Erma objective micrometer.
[0034] Figures 3A-3F illustrate effect of the formulation including DL-Methionine as additive on the villi of intestine of the animals. In this exemplary embodiment, six number of animals were studied for measurement of lengths and widths of the villi. Measurements were done by Erma objective micrometer.
[0035] Figures 4A-4F illustrate effect of the formulation not including DL-Methionine as additive on the villi of intestine of the animals. In this exemplary embodiment, six number of animals were studied for measurement of lengths and widths of the villi. Measurements were done by Erma objective micrometer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] The various aspects of the present disclosure and advantageous details thereof are explained more comprehensively with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein.
[0037] The present invention relates to an animal feed additive composition for use in poultry industries, wherein said composition includes extracts of Catharanthus and Allium in specific weight percentages.
[0038] The present invention further relates to a process for the preparation of animal feed additive composition for poultry and livestock.
[0039] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, term definitions may be included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention.
[0040] As used herein, the term "feed" broadly refers to any kind of material, liquid or solid, that is used for nourishing an animal, and for sustaining normal or accelerated growth of an animal including newborns and young developing animals for improving performances for example as to growth, egg production, and body weight. Preferably, the feed is poultry feed.
[0041] As used herein, the term “livestock”, as used herein and in the claims, is meant to include domestic ruminant and monogastric animals, including swine, horses, cattle, and domestic ungulates such as bison, sheep, lamb, deer, moose, elk, caribou and goats. The compositions of present disclosure can also be utilized for feeding pets including but not limited to dogs, cats, birds, chickens, hens, and cocks. As used herein, the term “additive” refers to an ingredient, additive, component or supplement, liquid or solid, suitable for incorporation in animal feed.
[0042] As used herein, the term “poultry” refers to domesticated birds kept by humans for the purposes of obtaining eggs, meat and/or feathers. Examples of poultry include but are not limited to chickens, broilers, layers, hens, roosters, turkeys, and ducks.
[0043] As used in the description herein, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0044] As used herein, the term “combination” refers to materials added together with or without substantial mixing towards achieving homogeneity.
[0045] As used herein, the term “mix” refers to adding materials together and achieving homogeneity, and the term “mixture” refers to mixed materials achieving homogeneity.
[0046] As used herein, the terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “include”, “includes”, and “including” are meant to be open ended i.e. non- limiting.
[0047] The terms “weight percent,” “wt-%,” “percent by weight,” “% by weight,” and variations thereof, as used herein, refer to the concentration of a substance as the weight of that substance divided by the total weight of the composition and multiplied by 100. It is understood that, as used here, “percent,” “%,” and the like are intended to be synonymous with “weight percent,” “wt-%,” etc.
[0048] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the composition comprises of 1% to 5% by weight of an extract of Catharanthus roseus and 1% to 5% by weight of an extract of Allium cepa. In another embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises of 1% to 5% by weight of an extract of Catharanthus roseus, 1% to 5% by weight of an extract of Allium cepa and 1% to 5% by weight of an extract of Allium sativum. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the composition includes 1% to 5% by weight of an extract of Catharanthus roseus and 1% to 5% by weight of an extract of Allium sativum.
[0049] In an embodiment, the extract of Catharathus can be obtained from parts such as leaves, flowers, fruits, rhizomes, roots, herbs, and mixtures thereof.
[0050] In another embodiment, the extract of Allium can be obtained from parts such as bulbs, bulb powder and mixtures thereof.
[0051] In another embodiment, the feed additive of present invention further comprises processed parts of Catharathus and Allium species wherein processing said parts comprises a step selected from drying, extracting, and ensiling; the process may comprise any known procedure suitable for improving the desired effects of the additive, such as pasteurization, or concentration by evaporation or ultrafiltration.
[0052] The plant extract of Catharathus used in the composition of the present disclosure has been used individually for growth promoting and varied other purposes. However, the feed composition of the present invention is a unique new combination of Catharathus and Allium that has been developed as an alternative for Methionine used in feed and provides improved poultry performances as to body weight, egg production and reduced mortality rate.
[0053] The feed additive composition described herein can be used as a viable alternative to conventional Methionine feed supplement and has been found to effectively improve body weight of poultry, high feed conversion and improved processing yield.
[0054] The compositions of the present disclosure can be used to supplement the diet of an animal.
[0055] In another embodiment of the present invention, the animal feed additive composition is fed directly to the animal.
[0056] In another embodiment of the present invention, the animal feed additive composition is fed in combination with water to the animal.
[0057] In another embodiment of the present invention, the animal feed additive may be a solid or liquid, and may further comprises a component selected from taste masking additive, sweetener and other additives.
[0058] The compositions provided by the present disclosure when administered to animals result in larger lengths and widths of the villi of intestine as compared to the villi of intestines of animals that are administered DL-Methionine.
[0059] Herb Catharanthus roseus, which is used in different embodiments of the present invention, is indigenous to Madagascar, India
[0060] Herb Allium sativum, which is used in different embodiments of the present invention, can be found in Nashik, Dhule district of Maharashtra, India
[0061] Herb Allium cepa, which is used in different embodiments of the present invention, can be found throughout India but most abundantly in Nashik district of Maharashtra, India.
[0062] The biological sources indicated herein are for only indication purposes. The plants obtained from other sources may also be used in the embodiments of the present disclosure as long as they provide desired effects.
[0063] The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present invention, and wherein:
[0064] Figure 1 illustrates comparison of weekly weight gain after feeding formulation according to embodiment of the present disclosure to that after feeding control formulation. The figure gives comparison for six weeks.
[0065] Figures 2A (200), 2B (210), 2C (220), 2D (230), 2E (240), and 2F (250) illustrate effect of the formulation according to embodiment of the present disclosure on the villi of intestine of the animals. In this exemplary embodiment, six number of animals were studied for measurement of lengths and widths of the villi. Measurements were done by Erma objective micrometer.
[0066] Figures 3A (300), 3B (310), 3C (320), 3D (330), 3E (340) and 3F (350) illustrate effect of the formulation including DL-Methionine as additive on the villi of intestine of the animals. In this exemplary embodiment, six number of animals were studied for measurement of lengths and widths of the villi. Measurements were done by Erma objective micrometer.
[0067] Figures 4A (400), 4B (410), 4C (420), 4D (430), 4E (440), and 4F (450) illustrate effect of the formulation not including DL-Methionine as additive on the villi of intestine of the animals. In this exemplary embodiment, six number of animals were studied for measurement of lengths and widths of the villi. Measurements were done by Erma objective micrometer.
[0068] While certain embodiments have been shown and described, various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Therefore, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been described by way of illustration and not limitations.

EXAMPLES:
[0069] The present invention is further explained in the form of following examples. However it is to be understood that the foregoing examples are merely illustrative and are not to be taken as limitations upon the scope of the invention. Various changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Example 1:
Formulation 1
Ingredient % (W/W)
Catharanthus roseus 1-5
Allium sativum 1-5
Allium cepa 1-5
Filler Q.S.

Example 2: Evaluation and Comparative study of composition of present composition and Methionine additive formulation
[0070] The efficacy of the present composition was evaluated with respect to Methionine formulation to study the efficiency of Methionine replacement composition in poultry diet. Two environmentally controlled sheds is selected from 10 sheds of capacity 13090 and 13310 broilers respectively for this evaluation test. The present composition (referred to as VM12 for experimental studies) was formulated based on Example 1 and Control formulation was formulated taking Methionine as additive. The growth of birds, weight gain, mortality, FCR and carcass parameters were evaluated in the test. Table 1 discloses the trial structure and design formulated for the experiment.
[0071] It was observed that the present composition (VM12) has improved the FCR and weight gain in birds as compared to 100 % DL-Methionine supplemented birds. Further, the mortality in the control group and other sheds in the farm was the result of strain source related gout occurrence, whereas the present composition (VM12) was able to reduce the same drastically. Further, it was also observed that the breast and leg of birds yield were unaffected by the use of present composition (VM12) as replacer for DL-Methionine. Table 2 discloses the study of performance parameters of both present composition and Methionine composition. Table 3 discloses the study of CARCASS evaluation where male and female birds five each were experimented with dressed skin.
Table 1: Trial Structure and Design

PARAMETER VM12 CONTROL
SHED NO 4 7
NUMBER OF BIRDS/ STRAIN 13090/ VENCOBB 400 13310/ VENCOBB 400
HATCHERY ON FARM ON FARM
STOCKING DENSITY (BIRDS/ SQ. FT.) 1.0 1.0
DL METHIONONE INCLUSION RATE
(KG PER METRIC TON) STARTER GROWER FINISHER STARTER GROWER FINISHER
0.7375 0.675 0.5525 2.950 2.700 2.210
VM12 INCLUSION RATE
(75 % REPLACEMENT)
2.2125 2.025 1.6575 -- -- --
RELATIVE HUMIDITY (%)/TEMP (DEGREE CELSIUS) NMT 70° C/ 83-90 ° FAHRENHEIT NMT 70° C/ 83-90 ° FAHRENHEIT
WATERING SYSTEMS AUTOMATED AUTOMATED
FEEDING LINES AUTOMATED WEIGHT BASED DISPENSING SYSTEMS AUTOMATED WEIGHT BASED DISPENSING SYSTEMS
INTEGRATED FARM YES, MANUAL SLAUGHTERING LINE YES, MANUAL SLAUGHTERING LINE
BEDDING RICE HUSK 3 CM DEPTH RICE HUSK 3 CM DEPTH
BROODING SAME HOUSE/ PARTITIONED/ LIGHT HOUSE BULBS SAME HOUSE/ PARTITIONED/ LIGHT HOUSE BULBS

Table 2: Evaluation of performance parameters

PARAMETER VM12
(13090) CONTROL
(13310)
FCR 1.30 1.36
TOTAL FEED CONSUMED 33020 33417
AVG FINAL WEIGHT AT 42 DAYS 1.977 1.885
MORTALITY 1.81 9.96

Table 3: Carcass Evaluation
PARAMETER
(CUMULATIVE) VM12
CONTROL

BREAST WEIGHT (KG) 5.95 5.45
LEG WEIGHT (KG) 5.05 4.55
LIVER WEIGHT (KG) 0.80 0.70
WING WEIGHT (KG) 1.80 1.75

[0072] VM12 maintains the dressing percentages of the price cuts in broilers thus, does not show amino acid deficiency symptoms of muscle wasting.
[0073] The effects of the formulation on the intestine of the feeded animal were studied. The procedure followed was as below:
After 42 days, broiler birds were sacrificed and ileal portions of small intestines were collected in 10 % buffered formalin. After 48 hours fixation, tissues were processed as per the standards protocol of histopathology. 20 sections of villi from 6 birds each from three groups, 1) VM12 2) DL-Methionine supplemented group 3) Negative control not containing any Methionine supplementation, were measured for their length and width with Erma objective micrometer (Made in Japan). Values from each group were measured and recorded. The observations are recorded below:

Group VM12 DLM Negative control
Section no Length Width Length Width Length Width
1 210 33 121 20 112 22
2 207 34 124 17 105 27
3 199 30 129 16 113 29
4 213 34 113 14 107 22
5 198 30 124 14 92 34
6 215 31 127 16 98 32
7 209 32 128 19 93 23
8 211 33 132 18 103 31
9 209 34 113 18 103 23
10 209 33 114 17 106 23
11 211 29 119 16 104 27
12 201 33 117 21 103 29
13 210 35 121 20 101 24
14 217 35 109 20 93 22
15 209 34 118 20 94 22
16 211 29 120 20 92 24
17 213 33 121 16 94 29
18 210 29 129 19 94 30
19 203 30 121 23 92 27
20 202 32 120 23 99 26
Average (Micrometer) 208.35 32.15 121 18.35 99.9 26.3

[0074] Lengths and widths of the villi of intestines of VM12 treated animals were larger than that of the villi of animals of the DL-Methionine supplemented group and lengths and widths of the villi of intestines of the DL-Methionine supplemented group were larger than that of the villi of the intestines of negative control not containing any Methionine supplementation.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0075] The present invention provides an animal feed additive composition including extracts of Catharanthus and Allium.
[0076] The present invention further provides a process for the preparation of such composition.
[0077] The present invention further provides an animal feed additive composition capable of delivering increased processing yield, high feed conversion and improved body weight.
[0078] The present invention further provides an animal feed additive composition capable of replacing Methionine as protein supplement from feed additive.
[0079] The present invention further provides an animal feed additive composition capable of exhibiting immunostimulant and growth promoter properties.
[0080] The present invention further provides an animal feed additive composition capable of reducing mortality rate in livestock animals.
[0081] The present invention further provides an animal feed additive composition capable of exhibiting improve profitability for farmers.
[0082] The present invention further provides an animal feed additive composition capable of exhibiting improved body weight of livestock animals.
[0083] The present invention further provides an animal feed additive composition capable for supplying a proper diet balance for poultry and livestock.
[0084] The present invention further provides an animal feed additive composition which obviates the disadvantages associated with known art.
[0085] The present invention further provides an animal feed additive composition which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.
[0086] The present invention further provides a composition, the process of preparation of which is technically and commercially feasible.
,CLAIMS:1. An animal feed additive composition comprising extracts of catharanthus and allium.
2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said composition comprises 1% to 5% by weight of an extract of catharanthus roseus and 1% to 5% by weight of an extract of allium cepa.
3. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said composition comprises 1% to 5% by weight of an extract of catharanthus roseus and 1% to 5% by weight of an extract of allium sativum.
4. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said composition comprises 1% to 5% by weight of an extract of catharanthus roseus, 1% to 5% by weight of an extract of allium cepa and 1% to 5% by weight of an extract of allium sativum.
5. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said composition may be administered to the animal directly or with water.
6. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said composition may be solid or liquid.
7. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said composition further comprising
component selected from the group comprising of taste masking additive and sweetener.
8. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said composition may be administered to
poultry and livestock.
9. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said composition may be used to replace
dl-methionine supplement.