Use of dried chicory root to protect poultry and livestock against ectoparasites or as insect repellant

Abstract

The invention is situated in the field of animal feed supplements, more particularly in the field of feed supplements for diminishing ectoparasitic infestation of animals. The invention provides the use of such a feed supplement in farming of livestock and poultry. The invention also provides for a process of manufacturing such a feed supplement.

1 . A composition comprising dried chicory root, preferably from  Cichorium intybus  L., for use in reducing, treating or preventing ectoparasitic infestation of livestock, pets or poultry or as insect repellent in livestock, pets or poultry, wherein between 0.1 and 5% by weight of dried chicory root is added to the animal feed, preferably between 0.1 and 1% for poultry, between 1 and 5% for pigs, horses, or pets, and between 0.5 and 3% for livestock. 
     
     
         2 . The composition for use according to  claim 1 , which is administered to poultry, more particularly to laying poultry. 
     
     
         3 . The composition for use according to  claim 1 , for use in reducing, treating or preventing the presence of red mites in poultry. 
     
     
         4 . The composition for use according to  claim 1 , which is administered to livestock. 
     
     
         5 . The composition for use according to  claim 4 , for use in reducing, treating or preventing the presence of infestation with mites in livestock. 
     
     
         6 . The composition for use according to  claim 4 , for use as an insect repellent in livestock. 
     
     
         7 . The composition for use according to  claim 1 , comprising:
 at least 50 wt. % of inulin, preferably more than 60 wt. % of inulin, preferably having an average degree of polymerization by number of at least 3;   sesquiterpene lactones, preferably selected from lactucine, dihydrolactucine, lactucopicrine and dihydrolactucopicrine; and   pulp fraction comprising soluble and insoluble fibers.   
     
     
         8 . The composition for use according to  claim 1 , having a dry matter content of 88% w/w or more, preferably of 89% w/w or more, more preferably of 90% w/w or more. This is corresponding to a moisture content of between about 8 and 12% w/w, preferably of between 9 and 11% w/w. 
     
     
         9 . The composition for use according to  claim 1 , comprising dried chicory root particles having an average diameter of less than 2 mm, preferably of approximately 0.1 to 2 mm, preferably between about 0.5 to 1.5 mm, preferably of about 1 mm; or comprising dried chicory root flakes or shreds having an average size of between 1 cm and 15 mm. 
     
     
         10 . The composition for use according to  claim 1 , which consists essentially of a natural product, optionally further comprising from 0.5 to 1.5 wt. % calcium stearate. 
     
     
         11 . Use of a composition comprising dried chicory root as a feed additive in the production of a feed product or a feed supplement for treating, reducing, or preventing ectoparasitic infestation of livestock, pets or poultry, wherein said feed product comprises between 0.1 and 5% by weight of said dried chicory root feed supplement, preferably between 0.1 and 1% for poultry, between 1 and 5% for pigs, horses, or domestic animals and between 0.5 and 3% for livestock. 
     
     
         12 . Use according to  claim 11 , wherein the chicory root is fed to the animal daily. 
     
     
         13 . A method of producing a composition comprising dried chicory root comprising the following steps:
 a) washing of the raw chicory root material;   b) cutting the raw material into flakes, preferably having a size of between about 3 cm to 15 mm, more preferably of between 2 cm and 15 mm; and   c) drying the fresh chicory root flakes by direct or indirect heating.   
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 13 , additionally comprising the steps of:
 d) grinding, crushing or milling the dried flakes obtained in step c) into a fine powder having an average particle diameter of less than 2 mm, such as between 0.1 and 2 mm, preferably between 0.5 and 1.2 mm, more preferably of about 1 mm; and   e) additional drying the milled dried chicory root obtained in step d); and   f) optionally adding a silicate or calcium stearate to avoid water absorption.   
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein when the chicory root is dried by direct or indirect heating, the temperature of heating is performed at a temperature of between 50 and 80° C., preferably between 60 and 70° C. said drying step is typically done for at least 30 minutes. 
     
     
         16 . A dried chicory root composition comprising at least 50%, preferably at least 60% of inulin comprising between 0.3 and 0.5% by weight of sesquiterpene lactone and comprising a pulp fraction. 
     
     
         17 . The composition according to  claim 16 , wherein said dried chicory root composition has a dry matter content of at least 85% by weight, preferably at least 90% by weight. 
     
     
         18 . The composition according to  claim 16 , wherein the water activity of the composition is comprised between 0.3 and 0.5. 
     
     
         19 . The composition according to  claim 16 ,
 which is obtained by a method comprising the following steps:   a) washing of the raw chicory root material;   b) cutting the raw material into flakes, preferably having a size of between about 3 cm to15 mm, more preferably of between 2 cm and 15 mm; and   c) drying the fresh chicory root flakes by direct or indirect heating.   
     
     
         20 . Chicory leaves for use as a feed supplement for use in reducing, treating or preventing ectoparasitic infestation of livestock or poultry or for use as an insect repellent. 
     
     
         21 . A sesquiterpene lactone extract or concentrate obtained from chicory roots, for use as a feed supplement for use in reducing, treating or preventing ectoparasitic infestation of livestock or poultry or for use as an insect repellent.