Field of the Invention
This invention, in general, relates to the field of poultry farming and in particular, to poultry feeds. More specifically, but without restriction to the particular embodiments hereinafter described in accordance with the best mode of practice, this invention relates to an improved poultry feed where human friendly herbs have been mixed as per rasaayana effects of the ayurvedas with conventional poultry feed of the birds, and a method of administering the same to egg laying birds resulting in a low cholesterol non-fertilized herbal egg.
Background of the Invention Eggs are major sources of protein, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Vitamins such as A, E, K and B are found in significant amounts in the egg. In addition, the egg is an excellent source of Vitamin D and also provides phosphorus and trace minerals to the diet. Despite being a rich source of vitamins and proteins, people have concerns about the amount of cholesterol contained in eggs. Cholesterol is a sterol manufactured and needed by the human body. When the cholesterol level is increased it increases the risk of atherosclerotic disease.
Methods of administering poultry feeds to egg laying chicken aimed at bringing down the cholesterol contents of eggs have been known in the arts.
United States Patent No. 4,128,640, 4,197,293 and 4,197,294 to Klein disclose an improved feed supplement for poultry comprising vegetable materials containing a specified amount of iodine, niacin, hormones and trace amounts of calcium and magnesium which result in a lower cholesterol content of laid eggs. The vegetable materials used for the feed supplement are Capsicum pods, Powered licorice, Parsley, Elder flowers, Fenugreek, Rose hips, Dulse and Devil's apron, Linden flowers, Sarasaparilla, Burdock, Buffalo berry, Irish moss, Sargasso stems, Turmeric, Ginger, Mexican yams, Aletris, Nettle, Unicorn root, Blueberry, Stonewart.
United States Patent No. 4,394,376 to Kamimae et al. discloses an iodine-enriched egg obtained by feeding a high amount of an iodine compound and/or seaweed to egg-laying birds so as to transfer the iodine contained therein to eggs of them. Also disclosed is the use of iodine-enriched whole egg or egg yolk in the daily diet for preventing hypertriglyceridemia in humans.
United States Patent No. 5,091,195 to Havens discloses feed for hens made up of laying mash and dehydrated cabbage in a ratio of about three parts of laying mash to two parts of cabbage by weight, which serves to reduce the cholesterol content of eggs laid by the hens. It is believed that the enzymes in the dehydrated cabbage serve to induce cytochrome P-450 in the hen to break down the cholesterol in the body of the hen and, so, reduce the amount going into the eggs.
United States Patent No. 5,246,717 to Garwin discloses maintenance of egg laying chickens on a diet free of animal fat, wherein conventional feed is supplemented with controlled amounts of unsaturated fatty acid, iodine and vitamin E which provides eggs containing controlled amounts of vitamin E and iodine. It is disclosed in the patent that eggs may be eaten in the context of a standard low fat diet, without increasing the dieter's serum cholesterol concentration.
The present invention discloses an improved poultry feed, the systematic administration of which to egg laying chicken results in low cholesterol eggs. The current invention is directed at the poultry feed comprising essential and favorable herbs administrable along with normal diet to the fowls.
Summary of the Invention It is a principal aspect of the present invention to provide an improved poultry feed and a feeding method to egg laying birds wherein the feed is prepared by employing a synergistic combination of natural herbs mix with conventional poultry feed.
In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of systematically feeding egg laying chickens and fowls, the method aimed at substantially reducing the cholesterol content of the eggs laid by the chickens and fowls which were subjected to the feeding method.
In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a poultry feed, wherein the feed comprises extracts of herbs selected from a group comprising Linum ustiatissmmum (Alsi), Ptychotis ajowan (Ajwain), Azadirachta indica (Neem), Curcuma longa (Haldi), Trigonella foenum graecum (Methi) or in a combination thereof.
In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a poultry feed, the feed comprising extracts of herbs selected from a group comprising about 1.76% Linum ustiatissmmum (Alsi), about 0.64% Ptychotis ajowan (Ajwain), about 0.56% Azadirachta indica (Neem), about 0.24% Curcuma longa (Haldi), and about 0.80% Trigonella foenum graecum (Methi).
In one other embodiment, there is provided a poultry feed, the feed comprising extracts of herbs in different combinations selected from a group comprising Cassia angustifolia, Aegle marmelos, caesalpinia bonducella, Butea frondosa, pueraria tuberosa, Mucuna pruriens, Swertia chirata, Piper longum, Eclipta alba, Phyllanthus niruri, Boerhaavia diffusa, Mimosa pudina, Zingiber officinale, Emblica officinalis, Terminilia chebula, Terminilia balerica, Curuma longa, Trigonella foenum graecum, Linseed, Carum copticum, Azadirachata indica, Plantago ovata, Withania somnifera, Eugenic jumbolana, Chlorophytum arundinacem, Cassia fistula, Bacopa monniera, Terminallia arjuna, Cinnamum zeylanicum.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a process for preparing herbal feed mix, the method comprising, selecting essential and favorable herbs for human, mixing the same in a stainless steel mixer-grinder to make fine powder and admixing the resultant powder with the conventional poultry feed to produce herbal feed mix.
In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides for an improved poultry feed containing 3.5 to 6.5% by weight of powder of herbs mixed with conventional poultry feed.
In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides for an improved poultry feed containing conventional poultry feed mixed with powder of herbs in the ratio of 1:0.04.
In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides the feeding composition for each bird comprising 125 gm of feed-mix per day.
In still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a process for feeding the birds to produce low cholesterol containing herbal eggs, the process comprising mixing a group of selected herbs in a mixer-grinder to make a fine powder, adding the
powder to the normal feed of the fowls and using the resultant feed mix to feed such birds, which lay eggs for human consumption.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a low cholesterol non-fertilized herbal egg laid by an egg-laying bird, which is administered an effective amount of a herbal feed-mix, wherein, said herbal feed-mix consists essentially of a conventional poultry feed and selected herbs in the ratio of 1:0.04, and wherein, said herbal egg is characterized in that it has a cholesterol level of 70 to 100 mg/egg and high amount of essential antioxidant vitamins and proteins.
Further, said egg is characterized by vitamin E content of 7.8 mg/egg, proteins and minerals and having no eggy smell.
Detailed Description of the Invention Accordingly, disclosed herein is an improved poultry feed, the systematic administration of which to egg laying birds results in low cholesterol eggs. The improved poultry feed contains herb extracts and a plurality of ingredients typically used in the manufacture of poultry feeds.
"Ayurvedas" and multifactional action of Rasaayana has been exercised to a great extent to produce this feed. Herbs used in this feed mix have immense uses and their effects have been derived to produce herbal eggs. The administration of this herbal feed mix to egg laying birds reduces the cholesterol levels in the eggs laid, varying from 70-100 mg/egg. The different herbs used termed as "Rasaayana" can induce enzymes, hormones etc., which our body needs for adaptation and survival during health stress & diseases. The ingredients used are of plant origin with no side effects. The nutritional properties of the eggs thus produced can be seen from the reports enclosed. Such herbal eggs are not having "Eggy Smell" and are good in taste with low cholesterol. Eggs produced by using this herbal feed mix are devoid of any chemical/pesticides.
Linum ustiatissmmum used in the herbal feed mix increases the omega-3 fatty acid in the egg by 6 to 8 times. Further, this herb is established as per ayurveda in the uses for free flow of urine, piles, dyspepsia, increases semen, lowers blood cholesterol.
Herb ptychotis ajowan (Ajwain) used herein the present invention is the most powerful bitter in ayurved anthemintic and very effectively used in ayurvedic medicine for its antispasmodic, stimulant, tonic and carminative properties. The seeds of the herb are used to ease asthma and indigestion. It is also widely used to treat diarrhoea and flatulence.
According to ayurveda, a large number of medicinals, cosmetics, toiletries and pharmaceuticals are based on Azadirachta indica (Neem) derivatives because of it's unique properties. It is used for protection of skin, fever, as a blood purifier, in malaria, typhoid, leprosy, piles, against worms, antidandruff, antilice, as an antibiotic, antiectoper, astcide, etc.
Curcuma longa (Haldi) used herein the present invention is known to be the most beneficial in chronic illnesses with generalized weakness and in diseases like renal failure where toxins are released into the body. The said herb is considered as an important part of the range of herbal medicines and is used for upper respiratory infections, inflammation, abscesses, pyorrhea, skin whitening/conditioning/pigments conditioning, allergy.
Trigonella foenum graecum (Methi), used herein exhibits hypercholestemic, hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic activity in healthy and diabetic animals and humans. Most traditional uses of the said herb are likely attributable to its high fiber content. The mechanism is uncertain, but its activity is due to glactomannan fiber and saponin components present in defatted seed material, which may reduce gastrointestinal absorption of glucose and cholesterol and increase bile acid excretion.
As used herein the conventional poultry feed is normal vegetarian poultry feed consisting of Maize, Bazra, Marble Power, Deoiled Rice Bran, De-oiled Soya or De-oiled Sun Flower.
Egg laying birds used herein the present invention is defined as the birds that produce egg and the term "Fowls" refers all varieties of egg laying chickens, and all varieties of birds whose eggs are commonly consumed by humans.
The term "antioxidant vitamins" refers vitamins having the power to prevent diseases such as cancer, coronary heart disease and cataracts. Studies show that diets high in antioxidants or antioxidant supplements reduce cancer death rates, cold and flu infections and protect against atherosclerosis, heart disease and cataracts. Antioxidant vitamins may improve immune
system function and may even delay some of the effects of aging. This is probably due to their ability to intercept and extinguish free radicals.
The egg produced according to the present invention contains low cholesterol and low fat, which reduces the risk of obesity, diabetics, arteriosclerosis, hypertension and other vascular diseases. It reduces the chances of blood clotting and plays a vital role for the development of brain and eye tissues of foetus and infants. Also, said herbal egg improves skin texture, delays aging and keeps one physically fit.
Preferred embodiment is further illustrated in the following examples. These examples illustrate particular embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
Example 1
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Example 2
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Feed consumption per bird/day is 125 gms. (normal feed + herbs mixture) wherein normal feed is 120 gms and herbal mix is 5 gms.
Example 3
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Example 4
Amount of Vitamins and Minerals in Egg:
(Table Removed)
Example 5
Amount of Fat in Egg:
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Example 6
Amount of Cholesterol in Egg:
(Table Removed)
Certain modifications and improvements of the disclosed invention will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.

We Claim:
1. A herbal feed-mix for the egg laying birds consisting essentially of conventional poultry feed and selected herbs in the ratio of 1:0.04, wherein the feed-mix when administered to egg laying birds results in low cholesterol non-fertilized herbal egg.
2. The herbal feed-mix according claim 1, wherein the herbs are selected from a group comprising Cassia angustifolia, Aegle marmelos, caesalpima bonducella, Butea frondosa, pueraria tuberosa, Mucuna pruriens, Swertia chirata, Piper longum, Eclipta alba, Phyllanthus niruri, Boerhaavia diffusa, Mimosa pudina, Zingiber officinale, Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia balerica, Curcuma longa, Trigonella foenum graecum, Linseed, Carum copticum, Azadirachta indica, Plantago ovata, Withania somnifera, Eugenic jumbolana, Chlorophytum arundinacem, Cassia fistula, Bacopa monniera, Terminalia arjuna, Cinnamum zeylanicum.
3. The herbal feed-mix according to claim 1, wherein the herbs are selected from a group comprising Linum ustiatissmmum, Ptychotis ajowan, Azadirachta indica, Curcuma longa, Trigonella foenum graecum or a combination thereof.
4. The herbal feed-mix according to claim 3, wherein said Linum ustiatissmmum is mixed in an amount of 1.76% by weight of feed-mix.
5. The herbal feed-mix according to claim 3, wherein said Ptychotis ajowan is mixed in an amount of 0.64% by weight of feed-mix.
6. The herbal feed-mix according to claim 3, wherein said Azadirachta indica is mixed in an amount of 0.56% by weight of feed-mix.
7. The herbal feed-mix according to claim 3, wherein said Curcuma longa is mixed in an amount of 0.24% by weight of feed-mix.
8. The herbal feed-mix according to claim 3, wherein said Trigonella foenum graecum is mixed in an amount of 0.80% by weight of feed-mix.
9. The herbal feed-mix according to claim 1, wherein said conventional poultry feed of the birds is any normal vegetarian poultry feed.
10. The herbal feed-mix according to claim 9, wherein said normal vegetarian poultry feed consists of Maize, Bazra, Marble Power, Deoiled Rice Bran, De-oiled Soya or De-oiled Sun Flower.
11. The herbal feed-mix according to claim 1, wherein said amount of the feed mix is about 125 gm /bird /day.
12. The herbal feed-mix according to claim 1, wherein said egg is characterized by low cholesterol levels varying between 70 and 100 mg/egg.
13. A method for preparing a herbal feed-mix according to claim 1, comprising,
selecting essential and favorable herbs for human,
mixing the selected herbs in a stainless steel mixer to make fine powder, admixing the resultant powder with the poultry feed to produce herbal feed-mix.
14. A method of administering an effective amount of herbal feed-mix to the egg lying birds each day whereby the cholesterol content of eggs laid by the birds is reduced.
15. A low cholesterol non-fertilized herbal egg laid by an egg-laying bird which is administered an effective amount of a herbal feed-mix,
wherein, said herbal feed-mix consists essentially of a conventional poultry feed and selected herbs in the ratio of 1:0.04, and
wherein, said herbal egg is characterized in that it has a cholesterol level of 70 to 100 mg/egg and high amount of essential vitamins and proteins.
16. The non-fertilized herbal egg according to claim 15, wherein the egg comprises an amount of 92.38 mg cholesterol, per 50 to 60 gm of egg.
17. The non-fertilized herbal egg according to claim 15, wherein the egg comprises an amount of 95.77 mg cholesterol, per 50 to 60 gm of egg.
18. The non-fertilized herbal egg according to claim 15, wherein the egg comprises an amount of 78.96 mg cholesterol, per 50 to 60 gm of egg.
19. The non-fertilized herbal egg according to claim 15, wherein the egg comprises an amount of 7.8 mg vitamin E, per 50 to 60 gm of egg.