Feed withdrawal compositions and methods

Abstract

A feed withdrawal composition is described which includes at least 70% by weight of a low D.E. starch hydrolysate. Due to the high solubility and digestibility characteristics of the composition, the composition may be fed to the animal up to 1-2 hours prior to slaughter. The composition results in (1) improvement in live weight at slaughter; (2) increased product yield and / or quality; and (3) reduced risk of carcass contamination in comparison to conventional programs of total feed withdrawal prior to slaughter.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of copending, commonly assigned provisional applications Serial No. 60 / 117,068 filed Jan. 25, 1999, and Serial No. 60 / 096,074 filed Aug. 11, 1998, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVTION[0002] At the end of grow-out, feed is typically withdrawn from meat producing monogastric animals for a period of time prior to livehaul, in order to minimize feed wastage and empty the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of contents. The latter is of primary importance, in that failure to properly empty the GIT may result in contamination of the carcass from ingesta and / or fecal material during processing. During the feed withdrawal period, however, particularly if this period is prolonged, the yield of salable product is reduced, and negative effects on product quality due to tissue dehydration, etc. can result. In addition, as the period of withdrawal continues, progr...

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Problems solved by technology

The latter is of primary importance, in that failure to properly empty the GIT may result in contamination of the carcass from ingesta and / or fecal material during processing.

During the feed withdrawal period, however, particularly if this period is prolonged, the yield of salable product is reduced, and negative effects on product quality due to tissue dehydration, etc. can result.

In addition, as the period of withdrawal continues, progressive loss (breakdown) of the intestinal lining (mucosa) occurs, with thinning of the gut wall and liquification of its contents.

This dramatically increases the risk for microbial contamination during mechanical evisceration and subsequent steps in processing.

The process of feed withdrawal is a balancing act, with less than ideal results, even under the best circumstances.

With no feed withdrawal, the upper portion of the GIT is generally filled with feed particles that vary in consistency and moisture content, depending upon region of the tract and stage of digestion, with the upper portion of the tract particularly at risk for regurgitation of contents during handling and processing of the animal.

Once feed is withdrawn, the upper portion of the tract empties, however, emptying of the lower portion tends to decline beyond a certain time period.

This increases the risk for fecal contamination and "watery guts" syndrome, particularly if total time without feed extends beyond 12 hours, a situation that realistically does occur in commercial practice.

However, the issue of carcass contamination and related food safety issues are of paramount concern to the industry.

Also, because of the high solubility and digestibility of the formulated product, the time required to empty the upper portion of the gastrointestinal tract of composition is nominal in comparison to conventional feed withdrawal periods.