NL2025638B1 - Dietary supplement for newborn livestock and method of husbandry of livestock - Google Patents

Abstract

Dietary supplement for newborn livestock and method of husbandry of livestock 5 The present invention relates to a dietary supplement for newborn livestock, particularly piglets, comprising an intestinal pre-biotic formulation of at least one of a group of active compounds. Said group of active compounds comprises curcuminoids, cinnamaldehyde and derivatives thereof and may further comprise butyrate and butyrate derivatives, particularly tributyrin. Said compounds are in the form of a stable inclusion complex, particularly a stable 10 inclusion complex of cyclodextrin. The formulation is particularly provided as a dietary supplement during the initial weeks following the third day after parturition.

Description

Dietary supplement for newborn livestock and method of husbandry of livestock The present invention relates to a dietary supplement for newborn livestock, particularly piglets, comprising an intestinal pre-biotic formulation of at least one compound of a group of active compounds. The invention further relates to a method of husbandry of livestock. More specifically, the present invention is about a dietary supplement for improving a gut functionality and feed intake by young animals and to promote an lactobacilli enriched intestinal micro-flora to thereby modulate inflammatory responses and reduce an overal! antibiotic use in animal farming.

The competitive husbandry industry resulted in an increased farm size and number of animals taken care of per worker. Simultaneously, the performance of the animals has increased due to genetic selection. The high productivity of the mother, number of offspring and the reduced period for recovery have a negative impact on the viability of the offspring. The birth weight and development of the organs is below average for a significant number of the newborn animals. Furthermore the intake of sufficient volume of colostrum and milk is indispensable to newborn animals for providing antibodies, hormones, energy and heat. Competition with siblings reduces the access of less vital animals to colostrum and milk. All these factors create a situation with endemic sub-populations of pathogens on farms, animals under high physiological stress and limited possibilities for individual animal care-taking. This has a significant impact on animal welfare and health, production and economical losses and provides a potential health risk for humans due to a proliferation of antibiotics and the incidence of zoonotic diseases.

Hitherto, it has been most common to administer drugs to the offspring, particularly antibiotics, in an attempt to provide additional resistance against diseases. However, as a result, many drug-resistant bacteria have been developed. Furthermore, by administrating antibiotics, toxins can be released from resistant bacteria that proliferated in the intestines, causing a rapid increase of a number of side-effects. Counteracting these, often subject the young animals to over-prescription of medications which lead to weaker animals and a weaker business results. It is an aim of the present invention, inter alia, to support the offspring in a more natural way, particularly by boosting their natural immune system and resistance.

-2- In order to attain said object, the present invention offers a dietary supplement as described in the opening paragraph, wherein said group of active compounds comprises curcuminoids, cinnamaldehyde and derivatives thereof, and wherein said formulation comprises a stable inclusion complex of said at least one active compound of said group of active compounds.

Curcuminoids, more specific curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and demethoxycurcumin, are poly-phenolic compounds that can be found in nature, particularly in turmeric. Curcuminoids that are found in Curcuma longa Linn, a spice widely used in Asia, are poly-phenols. These natural occurring poly-phenols are antioxidants that protect the intestinal cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. This is done in several ways. The presence of poly-phenols reduces the oxygen concentration, prevents a formation of peroxides, interferes with auto-oxidation, chelates metal ions to prevent formation into reactive species and will lead to scavenging per-oxidation species.

Curcumin, furthermore, has shown to modulate pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-a and COX, attributing anti-inflammatory properties to this compound. Moreover, curcumin appears to have an antimicrobial effect and shows a positive effect on the intestinal barrier, the villi length and the feed conversion ratio. By encapsulating curcumin by a stable inclusion complex its palatability, stability, uptake by cells and water solubility are improved, leading to an improved bio-availability such that it may be administered with an increased efficacy.

Cinnamaldehyde, which is an active ingredient of natural cinnamon, has been shown to give an antibacterial activity in vitro. To translate such in vitro results of cinnamon into an in vivo effect, cinnamon is encapsulated by a stable inclusion complex to take into account several physiological aspects related to a gastro-intestinal route of administration. The strong taste and flavour of cinnamon and it derivates would normally limit the usable concentration. Furthermore in the stomach cinnamaldehyde will be inactivated. Encapsulating cinnamon or its derivatives in a stable inclusion complex will mask the otherwise strong flavour and protect it against the acidic climate of the stomach. As a consequence sufficiently high dosages may be employed that will effectively reach the gastro-intestinal tract to express their natural anti-bacterial activity.

-3- In a preferred embodiment, the dietary supplement according to the invention is characterized in that said group of active compounds further comprises butyrate and butyrate derivatives, particularly tributyrin. Butyrates (Short Chain Fatty Acid, SCFA) have many positive effects on the metabolism of offspring, particularly piglets, especially on the development of the organs.

Butyrates are produced by the butyrate producing bacteria {Bacteriodetes and Firmicutes) that are part of the micro-flora in the colon. The growth of bacteria, primarily Lactobacillus spp., is stimulated by the presence of short chain fatty acids. As such butyrate is responsible for various beneficial health effects, including improvement of the intestinal structure of piglets and decreasing an incidence of diarrhea.

In enterocytes, i.e. cells of the small intestines, butyrate enhances proliferation, i.e a rapid development of small intestines, differentiation and maturation, i.e. an improved functioning of small intestines, while it reduces apoptosis (reduced turnover and thus reducing energy cost for renewing destructed enterocytes). Butyrate, moreover, is an energy source for colonocytes, i.e.

cells of the large intestines. At the height of the colonocytes, butyrate increases the depth of the crypts, enhances secretion of growth factors by the goblet cells and reduces apoptotic activity. Early supplementation with butyrates shows a significant improvement in the development of piglets which are underdeveloped at birth {Intra Uterine Growth Restriction, IUGR} due to malnutrition during pregnancy. The muscle thickness, mucosa thickness and villus surface of the duodenum, ilium and jejunum appear to improve compared to non-treated animals. Butyrates also delay the gastric emptying and reduce the flow of the ingesta, which is beneficial for digestion and a better resorption of nutrients. Moreover, butyrates have a positive impact on the immune system. The spleen and mesenteric lymfenodes are heavier when treated with butyrates. They also have an effect on the micro-biota. Adding butyrate particularly improves the ratio between lactobacilli and coliforms. With an increase of the lactobacilli and a concurrent decrease of the coliforms, the piglets gain an increased resistance to intestinal disorders.

Butyrates can be given as tributyrin that is a natural component of many dairy items and generally regarded as safe. Tributyrin is compound that contains butyric acid; a naturally produced short chain fatty acid related to the maintenance of intestinal health and associated

-A- with the improvement of some intestinal disease states. Tributyrin is a triglyceride that contains three moles of butyric acid per mole of tributyrin. Administering tributyrin, hence, provides a highly efficient additional source of butyric acid. Tributyrin is rapidly absorbed by the colon, where it is converted into butyric acid by intracellular lipases to elicit its beneficial effects.

Although the smell of butyric acid and related compounds, like tributyrin, is generally perceived by people as exceptionally unpleasant, these inherent organoleptic properties can be hidden very effectively by wrapping also this compound in a suitable inclusion complex.

Taking into account the beneficial properties of curcuminoids, cinnamaldehyde and butyric acid, as described hereinbefore, a further preferred embodiment of the dietary supplement according to the invention is characterized in that said pre-biotic formulation comprises a stable inclusion complex of any of said group of active compounds or a derivative thereof. Said inclusion complex may be different for each of said compounds or may have a same chemical structure. A specific embodiment of the dietary supplement according to the invention is characterized in this regard in that said stable inclusion complex is a complex of said active compound, or a derivative thereof, with one or more oligosaccharides, particularly with cyclodextrin. Cyclodextrin is a oligosaccharide complex consisting of cyclic linked glucose subunits.

Encapsulation of ingredients with oligosaccharides, particularly with cyclodextrin, has a number of favourable aspects. It improves a palatability of the included compound. Tributyrin, for instance, can give palatability problems when used in higher concentrations as butyrate has an unpleasant odour, limiting the application due to reduced feed intake. Forming an inclusion complex with cyclodextrin further improved a solubility of otherwise non-water soluble products and, moreover, protects the active compound to gastric inactivation. Additionally the complex structure of cyclodextrin-tributyrin complex is easily fermented by a-amylase providing additional butyrate in the small intestines and colon. An encapsulation by cyclodextrin can be applied to essential oils, like those containing curcuminoids and/or cinnamaldehyde, and to tributyrin, thus rendering these compounds readily water soluble and targeting them to be highly effective as nutraceutical ingredients on the intestinal tract of young animals.

-5- A further specific embodiment of the food-supplement according to the invention is characterized in that said pre-biotic formulation further comprises betaine or a derivative thereof.

Young animals often have periods of diarrhoea with a severe risk of dehydration.

Betaine has an osmoregulatory effect protecting the cells in case of dehydration in an energy neutral manner.

Another mechanism to protect the cells is the Na/K-pump, but this requires energy.

Using betaine enables the saved energy to be used for different processes, such as growth of the intestinal cells.

In still another specific embodiment, the dietary supplement according to the invention is characterized in that said pre-biotic formulation further comprises an umami compound, particularly one that comprises one or more amino acids, like L-arginine, isoleucine or methionine, or a derivative thereof, more particularly L-arginine or a derivative thereof.

One of the limiting factors of initial growth by animals is a sufficient intake of nutrients.

In contrast to animals at a more mature stage, having a feed intake capacity exceeding the maximal protein deposit that will result in fat deposit, at early life the young animals have a tendency for feed intake below this maximal level.

As a result the maximal optimal growth, which is maximal protein growth is not reached.

Increasing intake will lead to a better feed-gain ratio.

Furthermore, an increased weight at weaning will result in an improved life performance.

Stimulating the appetite with an umami compound, like L-arginine, will specifically stimulate the appetite for protein intake, which can be from milk, delivering proteins, hormones and antibodies, and/or from the feed.

A number of amino acids have been proven to have these effects on animals.

Depending on the species (pigs, poultry, ruminants) there might be a differentiation in the selection of amino acids that will give optimal umami properties.

L-Arginine is an amino acid that piglets perceive as umami and, moreover, appears to have a beneficial effect for the gut development of Intra Uterine Growth Restricted (IUGR) piglets.

Supplementing with nucleotides improves the enzyme activity of maltase and lactase and also will increase the villus height, resulting in an improved feed conversion ratio.

As feed intake is limited in young animals an improved digestion of the nutrition that was given to the piglets, will result in additional growth, an improved feed conversion ratio, an enhanced robustness and, as a consequence, healthier young animals.

-6- The invention further relates to a husbandry method of livestock, particularly pigs, wherein the offspring, particularly piglets, are received on a floor of said farrowing area, wherein a dietary supplement according to this invention is administered daily to the offspring, particularly starting day three after parturition and preferably for up to at least three to four weeks.

The invention will hereinafter be explained in further detail with reference to a specific embodiment that describes a method according to the present invention of husbandry of pigs during several consecutive stages prior and after parturition.

Stage 1 - Around parturition: Already prior to parturition a probiotic composition is dispersed over the floor of the farrowing area. As a result the piglet will come to nature in a probiotic rich environment. This composition comprises a probiotic formulation of for instance Enterococcus Faecium as a probiotic agent mixed with clinoptilolite, providing drying and detoxification properties. Clinoptilolite is a natural occurring zeolite composed of a microporous arrangement of silica and alumina tetrahedra. The composition further comprises a tasty wheat flour that is added to induce the piglets eating the formulation once they are born. During parturition the newborn animal is exposed to a variety of foreign micro-organisms. The microbiota in-utero as well as these micro-organisms have a negative impact on the gut microflora of the neonatal and young animal. By having a tasty initial probiotic formulation, spread out over the floor of the farrowing area, the young piglets are seduced to start eating right from the start, thus developing their gut flora with positive micro-organisms, such as Enterococcus Faecium. This treatment is continued throughout the initial days after parturition, for instance up to and including day three, in order to quarantee a sufficient supply and intake of probiotics. Directly after parturition, weaker animals are treated with an energy boosting formulation, containing an umami agent and glycerin, to avoid risk of hypothermia and insufficient colostrum intake. This formulation stimulates appetite (umami) and simultaneously gives a sugar rush {glycerine}; it gives the piglet both the appetite and the strength to drink a lot of colostrum. A weak newborn piglet would normally lack energy to suckle vigorously. This boosting formulation provides a unigue combination of quickly available energy and appetite

-7- stimulation. A single administration of a few millilitre, particularly of 3 ml, of concentrate provides sufficient energy and appetite making the piglet suckle quickly after treatment for a high colostrum intake. All piglets thus receive sufficient colostrum during their initial days, particularly already at their first day of life.

Stage 2 - The initial days: A proper intake of colostrum, milk, water and feed is essential. To enhance this intake, a balanced combination of umami and electrolyte powder is added to the drinking water in the first week of life to cause an extra intake of milk and less risk of dehydration. Both the young animals and the sow benefit as it will induce extra appetite and provide re-hydration; a hungry pig with a good moisture balance. A high milk consumption together with selected electrolytes provide the essential nutrients that will promote a proper colonisation of the micro-flora as well as the development of antibodies and hormones by the offspring.

Stage 3 - After day-3 and during three to four weeks: The newborn piglets enterocytes {fetal type, high endocytotic capacity) are renewed with mature enterocytes (lower capacity for endocytosis) during first three weeks of fife with changing from lactase (lactose digestion from milk} to maltase and sucrase digestive capacity. Colostrum and milk, containing bio-active and nutritional substances, facilitate gut closure and the development, maturation and growth of the intestinal epithelium and mucosa. Whereas the development of the intestinal structure of more mature pigs is from the crypt towards the villi respectively with proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. In neonatal piglets apoptotic cells are found along in the crypts as well as the villi, but this apoptosis and the mitosis stops few days after birth.

During partus the newborn piglet drops on the slats where the sows faeces. Despite efforts of many farmers, often the first contact is with the faeces of the sows. Even visually cleaned slats, appear still heavily contaminated with the maternal micro-flora. At partus the neonate is orally colonised with the maternal micro-biota and post-partum with the environmental micro-flora.

During early life there is also an intensive contact with littermates, which results in a dispersion of the micro-biota to all the littermates.

-8- The gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) is an important, fragile structure in the early life of young piglets. The fundus (acid secretion) of the stomach grows rapidly between ten to twenty days after birth. As a result the young piglet's stomach has a limited acidifying capacity with an increased risk of passage of bacteria to the intestinal tract, both positively, such as Enterococcus faecium, and negatively, such as Clostridia spp. and Escherichia coli, influencing the intestinal microbiota, which has a major role in the development of the neonatal GIT. The intake of feed before weaning increases the secretion of gastric acid, which is beneficial for increasing the stomach acidity, and proteases that are enzymes needed for proteolysis, i.e. the breakdown, of amino acids.

The composition of the intestinal microbiota of pigs at an older age is influenced by the colonisation of the neonatal pig's microflora perpartum and the subsequent first three to four weeks of life. On the other hand, also external events happening during early life, such as antibiotic treatments, stress, the feeding strategy and the environment in the farrowing house, have an effect on the development and final constituents of the intestinal microbiota. A change from an all-milk diet to a feed diet enriches the microbiota, particularly if supported by a dietary supplement in accordance with this invention. Particularly, a diverse and dense microbiota population may help to prevent post weaning diseases, such as post weaning diarrhea.

There are several favourable micro-organisms that may be stimulated by administering a dietary supplement of an intestinal pre-biotic formulation according to the present invention. In this embodiment this formulation has the following composition: Active Compound: Amount: {mg/kg body weight] Butyrate 135 Cinnamaldehyde 15 Curcuminoids 4,5 Betaine 40 L-arginine 15 Further amino acids with umami effect 4

9- This formulation is being administered orally during three to four weeks after parturition and preferably contains a stable inclusion complex of some of the active compounds, namely of curcumin, cinnamon and tributyrin.

These compounds are particularly provided in the form of a cyclodextrin inclusion complex to enhance their water solubility.

A fat coated sodium butyrate may alternatively be included as butyrate compound.

Those inclusion complexes will mask the natural organoleptic character of these compounds.

As a result a relatively high dose of these compounds may be delivered without the animal experiencing such.

This stable inclusion complex, moreover, protects the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) against the acidic conditions of the stomach, thereby preventing de-activation.

Tributyrin is also applied in the form of a cyclodextrin inclusion complex in order to render also this compound olfactorily and gustorialy neutral.

Various types of cyclodextrin may be used with structural differences, like for instance a-, B- and y-cyclodextrin and modified cyclodextrins.

The formulation is additionally enriched with L-arginine and/or other amino acids to provide umami.

Betaine is added for osmoregulation, while several essential vitamins may be added for nutritional purposes, particularly omega-3 fatty acid, Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E‚ or a combination thereof.

The dietary supplement may further comprise one or more of the following ingredients: natural flavours, sweeteners (sugar), proteins, carbohydrates, minerals (calcium), vitamins and/or selected organic acids and edible fats.

Administering such pre-biotic formulation during the initial weeks after parturition contributes to the following functions: - competitive exclusion: an abundance of non-pathogenic, beneficial bacteria will reduce or prevent an overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria (such as clostridio and E. coli); - digestive function: improve the absorption of nutrients of colostrum, milk and feed; ~ organ development: development and differentiation of intestinal cells, thereby improving gut functionality and integrity (‘leaky gut’) and limiting the risk of toxin resorption; and - immune organs development: improving the immune response when challenged during life;

-10- The above formulation according to the invention may be provided in the form of a powder or a fluid that is suitable for oral administration and may readily be added to the feed or drinking water of the raising offspring. The offspring, thus treated, have shown to gain weight at an increased pace and appear particularly strong and healthy during their entire initial life, showing a reduced incidence of disease.

Although the invention has been described in further detail with reference to merely a single embodiment, it will be appreciated that the present invention is by no means limited to that example. On the contrary, many more variations and embodiments are feasible to a skilled person within the scope of the present invention without requiring him to exercise any inventive skill as encompassed by the following claims. Particularly also other offspring than merely pigs may be treated with the supplement and method according to the invention and the supplement may contain many additional ingredients to favour the health and feed intake of the animals, particularly of young animals without undue delay upon partition.

-11- Embodiments:

1. Dietary supplement for newborn livestock, particularly piglets, comprising an intestinal pre-biotic formulation of at least one compound of a group of active compounds, wherein said group of active compounds comprises curcuminoids, cinnamaldehyde and derivatives thereof, and wherein said formulation comprises a stable inclusion complex of said at least one active compound of said group of active compounds.

2. Dietary supplement according to claim 1, wherein said group of active compounds further comprises butyrate and butyrate derivatives, particularly tributyrin

3. Dietary supplement according to claim 2, characterized in that said pre-biotic formulation comprises a stable inclusion complex of any of said group of active compounds.

4. Dietary supplement according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein said stable inclusion complex is a complex of said active compound, or a derivative thereof, with one or more oligosaccharides, particularly with cyclodextrin.

5. Dietary supplement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said pre-biotic formulation further comprises betaine or a derivative thereof.

6. Dietary supplement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said pre-biotic formulation further comprises an umami compound, particularly one that comprises one or more amino acids, like L-arginine, isoleucine or methionine, or a derivative thereof, more particularly L-arginine or a derivative thereof.

7. Method of husbandry of livestock, particularly pigs, wherein the offspring, particularly piglets, are received on a floor of said farrowing area, wherein a dietary supplement according to anyone of the preceding claims is administered daily to the offspring, particularly starting day three after parturition and preferably for up to at least three to four weeks.

8. Method according to claim 7, wherein a probiotic composition is dispersed over said floor of said farrowing area prior to parturition of said offspring.

-12-

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that said dispersion of said probiotic composition over said floor of said farrowing area is continued during one or more initial days after parturition, particularly during the first three days.

10. Method according to claim 7, 8 or 9, characterized in that, upon parturition, a supplemental energy source is administered daily to the offspring, said energy source containing glycerin and an umami agent, particularly one containing one or more amino acids, like L-arginine, isoleucine or methionine, or a derivative thereof, and more particularly L- arginine or a derivative thereof,

11. Method according to claim 7, 8, 9 or 10, characterized in that an initial dietary supplement is administered to the offspring during at least three initial days after parturition, said initial dietary supplement containing electrolytes, betaine and L-arginine.

Claims (11)

-13- Conclusies:-13- Conclusions: 1. Voedingssupplement voor pasgeboren vee, in het bijzonder biggen, omvattende een intestinale pre-biotische formulering van ten minste één verbinding uit een groep actieve verbindingen, waarbij genoemde groep actieve verbindingen curcuminoiden, cinnamaldehyde en derivaten daarvan omvat, en waarbij genoemde formulering een stabiel insluitingscomplex omvat van de ten minste één actieve verbinding van de genoemde groep actieve verbindingen.A food supplement for newborn livestock, in particular piglets, comprising an intestinal prebiotic formulation of at least one compound from a group of active compounds, said group of active compounds comprising curcuminoids, cinnamaldehyde and derivatives thereof, and wherein said formulation comprises a stable inclusion complex of the at least one active compound of said group of active compounds. 2. Voedingssupplement volgens conclusie 1, waarbij de groep van actieve verbindingen verder butyraat en butyraatderivaten omvat, in het bijzonder tributyrineA food supplement according to claim 1, wherein the group of active compounds further comprises butyrate and butyrate derivatives, in particular tributyrin 3. Voedingssupplement volgens conclusie 2, met het kenmerk, dat de pre-biotische formulering een stabiel insluitingscomplex omvat van elke verbinding van de groep actieve verbindingen.Food supplement according to claim 2, characterized in that the pre-biotic formulation comprises a stable inclusion complex of any compound of the group of active compounds. 4. Voedingssupplement volgens één of meer van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het stabiele inclusiecomplex een complex is van de actieve verbinding, of een derivaat daarvan, met één of meer oligo-sachariden, in het bijzonder met cyclodextrine.Food supplement according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the stable inclusion complex is a complex of the active compound, or a derivative thereof, with one or more oligosaccharides, in particular with cyclodextrin. 5. Voedingssupplement volgens één of meer van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de pre-biotische formulering verder betaine of een derivaat daarvan omvat.A food supplement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pre-biotic formulation further comprises betaine or a derivative thereof. 6. Voedingssupplement volgens één of meer van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de pre-biotische formulering verder een umami-verbinding omvat, in het bijzonder één die één of meer aminozuren omvat, zoals L-arginine, isoleucine of methionine, of een derivaat daarvan, meer in het bijzonder L-arginine of een derivaat daarvan.A food supplement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pre-biotic formulation further comprises an umami compound, in particular one comprising one or more amino acids, such as L-arginine, isoleucine or methionine, or a derivative thereof, more particularly L-arginine or a derivative thereof. 7. Werkwijze voor het houden van vee, in het bijzonder varkens, waarbij de nakomelingen, in het bijzonder biggen, worden opgevangen op een vloer van de kraamruimte, waarbij dagelijks een voedingssupplement volgens één van de voorgaande conclusies aan de nakomelingen wordt toegediend, in het bijzonder vanaf dag drie vanaf partus en bij voorkeur gedurende ten minste drie tot vier weken vanaf partus.A method for rearing livestock, in particular pigs, wherein the offspring, in particular piglets, are collected on a floor of the farrowing room, wherein a nutritional supplement according to any one of the preceding claims is administered to the offspring daily, in the especially from day three from parturition and preferably for at least three to four weeks from parturition. -14--14- 8. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 7, waarbij een pro-biotische samenstelling wordt gedispergeerd over de vloer van het kraamgebied voorafgaand aan de geboorte van de één of meer nakomelingen.The method of claim 7, wherein a probiotic composition is dispersed over the floor of the maternity area prior to the birth of the one or more offspring. 9. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 8, met het kenmerk, dat de dispersie van de probiotische samenstelling over de vloer van het kraamgebied wordt voortgezet gedurende één of meer eerste dagen vanaf partus, in het bijzonder gedurende de eerste drie dagen.Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the dispersion of the probiotic composition over the floor of the maternity area is continued for one or more first days after parturition, in particular during the first three days. 10. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 7, 8 of 9, met het kenmerk, dat vanaf partus dagelijks een aanvullende energiebron aan de nakomelingen wordt toegediend, waarbij de energiebron glycerine en een umami-middel bevat, in het bijzonder één die één of meer aminozuren bevat, zoals L-arginine, isoleucine of methionine, of een derivaat daarvan, en meer in het bijzonder L-arginine of een derivaat daarvan.A method according to claim 7, 8 or 9, characterized in that from parturition an additional energy source is administered to the offspring daily, the energy source containing glycerine and an umami agent, in particular one containing one or more amino acids, such as L-arginine, isoleucine or methionine, or a derivative thereof, and more particularly L-arginine or a derivative thereof. 11. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 7, 8, 9 of 10, met het kenmerk dat gedurende ten minste drie eerste dagen vanaf partus een initieel voedingssupplement aan de nakomelingen wordt toegediend, welk initieel voedingssupplement elektrolyten, betaïne en L-arginine bevat.Method according to claim 7, 8, 9 or 10, characterized in that an initial nutritional supplement is administered to the offspring for at least the first three days after parturition, which initial nutritional supplement contains electrolytes, betaine and L-arginine.