COMPRISING A STABLE, BIOAVAILABLE SILICON COMPLEX

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to poultry feed and drinking water composition, methods of breeding poultry by feeding liquid compositions and compounds for such uses.

More specifically, the present invention relates to the field of compounds and compositions for the im provement of growth profile of poultry in breeding farms, as well as the improvement of bone strength in pou ltry.

INTRODUCTION

Poultry farming is the process of raising domesticated birds such as chickens, ducks, turkeys and geese for the purpose of farming meat or eggs for food. Pou ltry - mostly chickens - are farmed in great numbers. Farmers raise more than 50 billion chickens annually as a source of food, both for their meat and for their eggs. Chickens raised for eggs are usually called layers while chickens raised for meat are often called broilers.

Meat chickens, commonly called broilers, are floor-raised on litter such as wood shavings, peanut shells, and rice hulls, indoors in climate-controlled housing . Under modern farming methods, meat chickens reared indoors reach slaughter weight at 5 to 9 weeks of age, as they have been selectively bred to do so. In the first week of a broiler's life, it ca n grow up to 300 percent of its body size. A nine- week-old broiler averages over 9 pounds in body weight.

Broilers are raised in large, open structures known as g row-out houses. A farmer receives the birds from the hatchery at one day old . A g row-out consists of 5 to 9 weeks according to how big the kill plant wants the chickens to be. These houses are equipped with mechanical systems to deliver feed and water to the birds. Chicken feed consists primarily of corn and soybean meal with the addition of essential vitamins and minerals. No hormones or steroids are allowed in raising chickens. Two kilograms of grain must be fed to pou ltry to produce 1 kg of weight gain, much less than that required for pork or beef. Because dry bedding helps maintain flock health, most g row-out houses have enclosed watering systems ("nipple drinkers") which reduce spillage.

Efficiency of farming of poultry, especially chickens, is of utmost importance, and is mainly achieved by feeding essential vitamins and minerals. EP 1 176 875 relates to the use of creatine or creatine salts as a fat substitute to be given to breeding animals and feeder animals. The creatine or creatine salts are used as a substitute for flesh meal, fish meal and/or antimicrobial performance enhancers, growth hormones as well as anabolic agents. EP0103206 relates to a feed composition containing a dithia derivative. It was made clear that, by adding the dithia derivative to a feed and administering the feed composition to livestock, poultry, fish, etc., fat deposit particularly abdominal fat can be reduced with the whole body weight not being reduced, namely, carcass effectiveness can be enhanced and further, in poultry such as chicken or quail, strength of eggshell can be increased. WO 2005/120246 relates to the use of guanidino acetic acid and/or the salts thereof as an animal food additive, wherein in predominantly vegetarian diets, salts with hydrochloric acid, hydrogen bromide acid and phosphoric acid are particularly used. The use thereof takes places, particularly, in individual doses of 0.01 to 100 g/kg of animal food in the form of powder, granulates, pellets or capsules, and the animal food additive can also be taken with other physiologically active valuable substances. EP 0 125 322 describes a process for the use of ergotropic agent combinations in the breeding and the fattening of poultry, pigs and cattle, whereby 6-methyluracil and N-guanidino-IN'-thioureido-p- benzoquinone-diimide are used as agents, the combinations of both the said agents containing each individual agent in amounts of 2 to 100 ppm in the feed, the total quantity of both agents not exceeding 125 ppm. EP 0 585 514 describes an animal feed and an additive thereto or to drinking water containing an antibiotic combination of 1 part by weight of gentamicin and 5 to 60 parts by weight of lincomycin or clindamycin, preferably in the form of pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof, for the prophylaxis and the thera py of infections and, consequently, for the increase of the gain in body weight in fattening animals. For the increase of the gain in body weight in poultry, the combination of gentamicin sulfate and lincomycin hydrochloride is very effective. WO 96/08977 discloses an agent for increasing the production of/ in breeding and production animals in the poultry industry, which agent consists of at least one type of zanthophylles, is described. The preferred xanthophyll is astaxanthin. Also, a method of increasing the production of/in breeding and production animals in the poultry industry by administering an agent which consists of at least one type of xanthophylles, preferably astaxanthin, in the feed to animals is disclosed .

Additionally the use of the agent, preferably astaxanthin, for increasing the production of/ in breeding and production animals in the poultry industry by administering said agent in the feed to said animals is disclosed .

The present invention aims to provide new methods and compositions for breeding poultry which methods and compositions envision improved health and enhanced growth profile, as determined by enhanced weight profile.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The current invention provides in a solution for at least one of the above mentioned problems by providing a poultry feed and drinking water composition comprising a stable, bioavailable silicon complex.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a poultry feed or drinking water composition comprising a stable, bioavailable silicon complex formed between silicic acid having free hydroxyl grou ps and at least one stabilizing agent based on phenol or polyphenol, stabilizing at least part of said free hydroxyl groups of silicic acid . The inventors have surprisingly found that feeding of said silicon complex induces an improved growth profile in the treated poultry.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a poultry feed or drinking water composition according to the first aspect of the invention, for medical use, preferably for improving bone strength in poultry. The inventors have surprisingly found that in addition to improved weight gain, the treated poultry population shows improved bone strength.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method of breeding poultry by feeding to said poultry a feed or drinking water composition comprising a stable, bioavailable silicon complex formed between silicic acid having free hydroxyl groups and at least one stabilizing agent based on phenol or polyphenol, stabilizing at least part of said free hydroxyl groups of silicic acid . The inventors have surprisingly found that feeding of said silicon complex induces an improved growth profile in the treated poultry. This is observed by means of improved weight gain per day. In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides in a use of a stable, bioavailable silicon complex formed between silicic acid having free hydroxyl groups and at least one stabilizing agent based on phenol or polyphenol for breeding pou ltry. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Unless otherwise defined, 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 fu rther guidance, term definitions are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention.

As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings : "A", "an", and "the" as used herein refers to both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, "a compartment" refers to one or more than one compartment.

"About" as used herein referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of +/-20% or less, preferably +/-10% or less, more preferably +/-5% or less, even more preferably +/- 1% or less, and still more preferably +/-0.1% or less of and from the specified value, in so far such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosed invention. However, it is to be understood that the value to which the modifier "about" refers is itself also specifically disclosed .

"Comprise," "comprising," and "comprises" and "comprised of" as used herein are synonymous with "include", "including", "includes" or "contain", "containing", "contains" and are inclusive or open-ended terms that specifies the presence of what follows e.g . component and do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional, non-recited components, features, element, members, steps, known in the art or disclosed therein.

The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsu med within that range, as well as the recited endpoints. All percentages are to be understood as percentage by weight and are abbreviated as "%wt", unless otherwise defined or unless a different meaning is obvious to the person skilled in the art from its use and in the context wherein it is used.

The terms "additional therapeutically active compound" or "additional therapeutic agent", as used in the context of the present disclosure, refers to the use or administration of a compound for an additional therapeutic use for a particular injury, disease, or disorder being treated. Such a compound, for example, could include one being used to treat an unrelated disease or disorder.

As use herein, the terms "administration of" and or "administering" a compound should be understood to mean providing a compound of the disclosure or a prodrug of a compound of the disclosure to a subject in need of treatment.

The term "antimicrobial agents" as used herein refers to any naturally-occurring, synthetic, or semi-synthetic compound or composition or mixture thereof, which is safe for human or animal use as practiced in the methods described herein, and is effective in killing or substantially inhibiting the growth of microbes. "Antimicrobial" as used herein, includes antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agents.

The term "silicic acid" is to be understood as is the general name for a family of chemical compounds containing the element silicon attached to oxide and hydroxyl groups. This family of compounds has the general formula [SiO _x (OH) _4.2x ] _n . Examples include metasiUcic acid (H ₂ Si0 ₃ ), i.e. the chain or cyclic [SiO(OH) ₂ ] _n , orthosilicic acid (H ₄ Si0 ₄ , i.e. Si(OH) ₄ with calculated pK _al =9.84, p/C _a2 =13.2 at 25 °C), disilicic acid (H ₂ Si ₂ 0 ₅ ), i.e. the polymer [SiOi _.5 (OH)] _n , and pyrosilicic acid (H ₆ Si ₂ 0 ₇ ), i.e. 0(Si(0H) ₃ ) ₂ . Preferably, said silicic acid is orthosilicic acid. The inventors have found that in the context of the present invention orthosilicic acid provides the best performance in the medical uses.

The term "improve," as used herein, refers to the ability of a compound, agent, or method to improve a condition, i.e. weight of poultry or bone strength, based on the context in which the term "improve" is used. Preferably, improvement is by at least 1%, more preferably by at least 2%, even more preferably by at least 5%, and most preferably, the condition is improved by at least 10%.

As used herein, "additional ingredients" include one or more of the following : excipients; surface active agents; dispersing agents; inert diluents; granulating and disintegrating agents; binding agents; lubricating agents; sweetening agents; flavouring agents; colouring agents; preservatives; physiologically degradable compositions such as gelatine; aqueous vehicles and solvents; oily vehicles and solvents; suspending agents; dispersing or wetting agents; emulsifying agents, demulcents; buffers; salts; thickening agents; fillers; emulsifying agents; antioxidants; antibiotics; antifungal agents; stabilizing agents; and pharmaceutically acceptable polymeric or hydrophobic materials. Other "additional ingredients" which may be included in the pharmaceutical compositions are known in the art and described, for example in Genaro, ed. (1985, Remington’s Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa.).

Other components such as preservatives, antioxidants, surfactants, absorption enhancers, viscosity enhancers or film forming polymers, bulking agents, diluents, flavouring agents, pH modifiers, sweeteners or taste-masking agents may also be incorporated into the composition. Suitable flavouring agents include mint, raspberry, licorice, orange, lemon, grapefruit, caramel, vanilla, cherry grape flavours and combinations thereof. Suitable pH modifiers include, but are not limited to, citric acid, tartaric acid, phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, maleic acid and sodium hydroxide. Suitable sweeteners include, but are not limited to, aspartame, acesulfame K and thaumatin. Suitable taste-masking agents include, but are not limited to, sodium bicarbonate, vanilla, ion-exchange resins, cyclodextrin inclusion compounds and adsorbates.

Poultry feed or drinking water composition

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a poultry feed or drinking water composition comprising a stable, bioavailable silicon complex formed between silicic acid having free hydroxyl groups and at least one stabilizing agent based on phenol or polyphenol, stabilizing at least part of said free hydroxyl groups of silicic acid. Without being bound to any mechanistic studies, it is assumed that said silicic acid is stabilized by hydrogen bonding and optionally further interactions. The inventors have surprisingly found that feeding of said silicon complex induces an improved growth profile in the treated poultry. This is observed by means of improved weight gain per day. This means that i.e. chickens reach higher ta rget weights for slaughter. Also, this means that i.e. chickens reach the expected weight for slaughter much earlier, i.e. after 40 days instead of 50 or even 60 days. Also, it was found that the weight growth of the poultry enhanced much faster compared to pou ltry which was not fed with the silicon complex composition of the invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a poultry drinking water composition according to the first aspect of the invention. A drinking water is preferred since a concentrated solution of the silicone complex can easily be added to a drinking water supply. The complex is easily and homogeneously mixed in a liquid, aqueous solution to the desired concentration, as outlined below.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a poultry feed or drinking water composition according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein said composition comprises silicon in an amount of at least 10 pg per kg of composition as determined by ICP-AES, preferably at least 20 pg per kg, at least 30 pg per kg, at least 40 pg per kg, at least 50 pg per kg, at least 60 pg per kg, at least 70 pg per kg, at least 80 pg per kg, at least 90 pg per kg, or even at least 100 pg per kg . Such minimal amount yield the preferred growth im provement in poultry. Preferably, said composition comprises silicon in an amount of at most 1.000.000 pg per kg of composition, preferably at most 1.000.000 pg per kg, at most 900.000 pg per kg, at most 800.000 pg per kg, at most 700.000 pg per kg, at most 600.000 pg per kg, at most 500.000 pg per kg, at most 400.000 pg per kg, at most 300.000 pg per kg, at most 200.000 pg per kg, or even at most 100.000 pg per kg of composition. Higher concentrations do not provide for fu rther enhanced weight growth profiles, thus resulting in lower efficiency of the consumed silicon complex.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a poultry feed or drinking water composition according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein said composition comprises silicon in an amount of 100 pg per kg of composition to 100.000 pg per kg of composition as determined by ICP-AES. Preferably, said composition comprises silicon in an amount of at least 100 pg per kg of composition, at least 125 pg per kg, at least 150 pg per kg, at least 200 pg per kg, at least 250 pg per kg, at least 300 pg per kg, at least 350 pg per kg, at least 400 pg per kg, or even at least 500 pg per kg . Preferably, said composition comprises silicon in an amount of at most 100.000 pg per kg of composition, preferably at most 100.000 pg per kg, at most 90.000 pg per kg, at most 80.000 pg per kg, at most 70.000 pg per kg, at most 60.000 pg per kg, at most 50.000 pg per kg, at most 40.000 pg per kg, at most 30.000 pg per kg, at most 20.000 pg per kg, at most 10.000 pg per kg, at most 50.000 pg per kg of composition. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a poultry feed or drinking water composition according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein said composition comprises silicon in an amount of 500 pg per kg of composition to 2.500 pg per kg of composition as determined by ICP-AES. Preferred concentrations are 500 pg per kg composition, 600 pg per kg composition, 700 pg per kg composition, 800 pg per kg composition, 900 pg per kg composition, 1.000 pg per kg composition, 1.100 pg per kg composition, 1.200 pg per kg composition, 1.300 pg per kg composition, 1.400 pg per kg composition, 1.500 pg per kg composition, 1.600 pg per kg composition, 1.700 pg per kg composition, 1.800 pg per kg composition, 1.900 pg per kg composition, 2.000 pg per kg composition, 2.100 pg per kg composition, 2.200 pg per kg composition, 2.300 pg per kg composition, 2.400 pg per kg composition or 2.500 pg per kg composition, or any concentration there in between.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a poultry feed or drinking water composition according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein said silicic acid is orthosi licic acid having four free hydroxyl groups. The inventors have found that orthosilicic acid provides improved results. In this complex, the orthosi licic acid carries four free hydroxyl groups, which excludes any presence of organic radical and therefore of organosilanes. The orthosilicic acid is complexed with at least one phenolic or polyphenolic compound comprising at least one aromatic ring and one or more hydroxyl groups. Preferably it could further contain one or more carbonyl groups (C=0). The aromatic, and therefore sterically hindered, structure of phenolic or polyphenolic compounds and the presence of hydroxyl and optionally carbonyl groups play a fundamental role in the stabilization process. Hydrogen bonds characteristic of weak electrostatic bonds are established between the hydroxyl groups of orthosilicic acid and the hydroxyl and carbonyl groups of the phenolic compounds. Although not being bound by any mechanistic theories, it is assumed that an esterification reaction between the orthosilicic acid and the phenolic compound (polyphenolic) is excluded. These bonds prevent the polymerization of orthosilicic acid and the formation of Si-O-Si bonds.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a poultry feed or drinking water composition according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein said stabilizing agent is selected from the group comprising phenolic acids, phenols, aldehyde derivatives of phenolic acids, cinnamic aldehydes, coumarins, naphthoquinones, fiavonoids, stilbenes and mixtures of one or more of the aforementioned, preferably wherein said stabilizing agent is 4-hydroxy-3- methoxybenzaldehyde. The stabilizer is preferably a phenolic or polyphenolic compound and the following compounds, not limited thereto, may be exemplified : phenolic acids, such as 3-4-5-trihydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxy-3- acid; methoxybenzoic acid, 3-4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxy-3,5- dimethoxybenzoic acid, 2-hydroxy benzoic acid, 2-5-dihydroxy benzoic acid, 3-(4- hydroxyphenyl) acid 2-pro penoic acid, 3-(3,4-dihydroxy phenyl) prop-2-enoic acid, 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy phenyl) prop-2-enoic acid, 3-(4-hydroxy-3,5- dimethoxyphenyl)-prop-2-enoic acid, (R)-a- [ [3-(3,4-di hydroxy pheny l)-l-oxo-2E- propenyl]-oxy]-3,4-dihydroxybenzenepropanoic acid, etc.; simple phenols, such as benzene-1, 2-diol, benzene-1, 3-diol, 2-isopropyl-5- methyl phenol; phenylbutanone, such as l-(4- hydroxy phenyl) -3-butanone; aldehyde derivatives of phenolic acids, such as 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde, etc.; cinnamic aldehydes, such as 4- allyl-2-methoxy phenol, 2-methoxy-4-propenylphenol, etc.; coumarins, such as 7- hydroxychromen-2-one, 6,7-dihydroxychromen-2-one, etc.; naphthoquinones, such as 5- hydroxy- 1,4-naphthoqui none, etc. ; fiavonoids, such as catechin (2-(3,4- dihydroxyphenyl) chroma n-3, 5, 7-triol) and epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), kaempferol, quercetol, luteolin, etc.; stilbenes, such as resveratrol, pinosylvin, piceatannol, pterostilbene, etc. Preferred stabilizers are 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde, 1- (4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-butanone, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, and (2-(3,4- dihydroxyphenyl)-chromane-3, 5, 7-triol). In a more preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a composition according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein said stabilizing agent is 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a poultry feed or drinking water composition according to the first aspect of the invention, further comprising one or more therapeutic agents, preferably selected from the group consisting of vitamins, antimicrobial agents, disinfectants, fungicides, anti inflammatories, pla nt extracts, antibacterial agents, antifungal agents, antiviral agents, antibiotics.

Poultry feed or drinking water compositions for medical use

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a poultry feed or drinking water composition according to the first aspect of the invention, for medical use, preferably for improving bone strength in poultry. The inventors have surprisingly found that in addition to improved weight gain, the treated poultry population shows improved bone strength. This is advantageous to prevent breaking of the legs due to the enhanced weight.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a poultry feed or drinking water composition according to the second aspect of the invention, whereby said poultry is chicken. Preferably, said chicken is between 1 a nd 60 days of age, preferably between 1 and 40 days.

Preferred compositions

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a composition according to the first or second aspect of the invention, whereby said composition is a drinking water composition and whereby said composition has a pH of less than 6, preferably less than 4, and equal to or greater than 2, preferably of between 2.5 and 3.5; and a Si content of between 300 ppm and 1400 ppm by weight per volume of the composition and a ratio between the content of Si (wt./vol .-% of said composition) and the content of stabilizing agent (wt./vol.-% of said composition) of between 0.1 and 1. Preferably, said composition has a Si content between 0.4 ppm and 1.2 ppm by weight per volume of preparation, more preferably between 0.5 ppm and 1.1 ppm by weight per volume of preparation, even more preferably between 0.6 ppm and 1.0 ppm by weight per volume of preparation and most preferably between 0.7 ppm and 0.9 ppm by weight per volume of preparation. The Si content of the preparation and the ratio % of Si (wt./vol .)-% of stabilizing agent (wt./vol .) indicated above must be respected for the preparation to contain enough bioavailable silicon com plex and this without risk of polycondensation. More preferably, the ratio of Si ( wt./vol . )-% of stabilizing agent (wt./vol .) is between 0.5 and 0.9, in particular between 0.6 and 0.8.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a composition according to the first or the second aspect of the invention, fu rther comprising one or more therapeutic agents. Preferably, said additional therapeutic agent is selected from the grou p consisting of vitamins, antimicrobial agents, disinfectants, fu ngicides, anti-inflammatories, wou nd care products, wound healing agents, plant extracts, animal extracts, cell extracts, antibacterial agents, antifungal agents, antiviral agents, antibiotics. Several preferred embodiments include use of any therapeutic molecule including any pharmaceutical or drug . Examples of pharmaceuticals include sedatives and sleep inducers, antiallergics, antiarthritics, appetite suppressants, muscle relaxants, vitamins, antimicrobial agents, antacids, antiseptics, diuretics, disinfectants, fungicides, ectoparasiticides, antiparasitics, antioxidants, vitamins, cosmetics, anti-inflammatories, wound care products, wound healing agents, plant extracts, emollients, antibacterial agents, antifungal agents, antiviral agents, antibiotics. A list of the types of drugs, and specific drugs within categories which are encompassed within the invention is provided below and are intended be non-limiting examples. Antimicrobial agents include: silver sulfadiazine, Nystatin, Nystatin/triamcinolone, Bacitracin, nitrofurazone, nitrofurantoin, a polymyxin (e.g., Colistin, Surfactin, Polymyxin E, and Polymyxin B), doxycycline, antimicrobial peptides (e.g., natural and synthetic origin), Neosporin (i.e., Bacitracin, Polymyxin B, and Neomycin), Polysporin (i . e. , Bacitracin and Polymyxin B). Additional antimicrobials include topical antimicrobials (i.e., antiseptics), examples of which include silver salts, iodine, benzalkonium chloride, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and chlorhexidine. Anti inflammatory: Alclofenac; Alclometasone Dipropionate; Algestone Acetonide; Alpha Amylase; Amcinafal; Amcinafide; Amfenac Sodium; Amiprilose Hydrochloride; Anakinra; Anirolac; Anitrazafen; Apazone; Balsalazide Disodium; Bendazac; Benoxaprofen; Benzydamine Hydrochloride; Bromelains; Broperamole; Budesonide; Carprofen; Cicloprofen; Cintazone; Cliprofen; Clobetasol Propionate; Clobetasone Butyrate; Clopirac; Cloticasone Propionate; Cormethasone Acetate; Cortodoxone; Deflazacort; Desonide; Desoximetasone; Dexamethasone Dipropionate; Diclofenac Potassium; Diclofenac Sodium; Diflorasone Diacetate; Diflumidone Sodium; Diflunisal; Difluprednate; Diftalone; Dimethyl Sulfoxide; Drocinonide; Endrysone; Enlimomab; Enolicam Sodium; Epirizole; Etodolac; Etofenamate; Felbinac; Fenamole; Fenbufen; Fenclofenac; Fenclorac; Fendosal; Fenpipalone; Fentiazac; Flazalone; Fluazacort; Flufenamic Acid; Flumizole; Flunisolide Acetate; Flunixin; Flunixin Meglumine; Fluocortin Butyl; Fluorometholone Acetate; Fluquazone; Flurbiprofen; Fluretofen; Fluticasone Propionate; Fura profen; Furobufen; Halcinonide; Halobetasol Propionate; Halopredone Acetate; Ibufenac; Ibuprofen; Ibuprofen Aluminum; Ibuprofen Piconol; Ilonidap; Indomethacin; Indomethacin Sodium; Indoprofen; Indoxole; Intrazole; Isoflupredone Acetate; Isoxepac; Isoxicam; Keto profen; Lofemizole Hydrochloride; Lornoxicam; Loteprednol Etabonate; Meclofenamate Sodium; Meclofenamic Acid; Meclorisone Dibutyrate; Mefenamic Acid; Mesalamine; Meseclazone; Methyl prednisolone Suleptanate; Momiflumate; Nabumetone; Naproxen; Naproxen Sodium; Naproxol; Nimazone; Olsalazine Sodium; Orgotein; Orpanoxin; Oxaprozin; Oxyphenbutazone; Paranyline Hydrochloride; Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium; Phenbutazone Sodium Glycerate; Pirfenidone; Piroxicam; Piroxicam Cinnamate; Piroxicam Olamine; Pirprofen; Prednazate; Prifelone;

Prodolic Acid; Proquazone; Proxazole; Proxazole Citrate; Rimexolone; Romazarit; Salcolex; Salnacedin; Salsalate; Sanguinarium Chloride; Seclazone; Sermetacin; Sudoxicam; Sulindac; Su profen; Talmetacin; Talniflumate; Talosalate; Tebufelone; Tenidap; Tenidap Sodium; Tenoxicam; Tesicam; Tesimide; Tetrydamine; Tiopinac; Tixocortol Pivalate; Tolmetin; Tolmetin Sodium; Triclonide; Triflumidate; Zidometacin; Zomepirac Sodium.

Suitable solvents for the composition according to the first or second aspect of the invention, may be selected from water, aliphatic and aromatic alcohols, sulfoxides, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, polyols, amides, surfactants, terpenes, alkanones, organic acids and mixtures thereof. Suitable alcohols include, without limitation, ethanol, propanol, butanol, pentanol, hexanol, octanol, nonanol, decanol, 2- butanol, 2-pentanol, benzyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, caprylic alcohol, decyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, 2-lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, linolyl alcohol, linolenyl alcohol and mixtures thereof. Volatile aliphatic alcohols having 2 to about 8 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to about 5 carbon atoms, can provide a dual function of serving both as volatile carrier and penetration enhancer. The aromatic alcohols, such as benzyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, and the like can provide a dual function of serving both as a substantially non-volatile, permeation enhancer and auxiliary anti-infective. Preferred alcohols are ethanol and benzyl alcohol. Suitable sulfoxides include dimethylsulfoxide, decylmethylsulfoxide, and mixtures thereof. Suitable fatty acids include valeric, heptanoic, pelargonic, caproic, capric, lauric, myristic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, linolenic, caprylic, isovaleric, neopentanoic, neoheptanoic, neononanoic, trimethyl hexanoic, neodecanoic and isostearic acids, and mixtures thereof. Suitable fatty acid esters include isopropyl n-butyrate, isopropyl n- hexanoate, isopropyl n-decanoate, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, octyidodecyl myristate, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, methyl acetate, methylvalerate, methylpropionate, diethyl sebacate, ethyl oleate, ethyl la urate and mixtures thereof. Suitable polyols include propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, glycerol, propanediol, sorbitol, dextrans, butanediol, pentanediol, hexanetriol, and mixtures thereof. Suitable amides include urea, dimethylacetamide, diethyltoluamide, dimethylformamide, dimethyloctamide, dimethyldecamide, pyrrolidone derivatives, l-alkyl-4-imidazolin-2-one, cyclic amides, hexamethylenelauramide and its derivatives, diethanolamine, triethanolamine and mixtures thereof. Suitable pyrrolidone derivatives includel-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 2-pyrrolidone, l-lauryl-2- pyrrolidone, l-lauryl-4-carboxy-2-pyrrolidone, l-methyl-4-carboxy-2-pyrrolidone, l-hexyl-4-carboxy-2-pyrrolidone, l-decylthioethyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-cyclohexyl- pyrrolidone, l-methyl-4-methoxy carbonyl-2- pyrrolidone, l-hexyl-4-methoxy- carbonyl-2- pyrrolidone, l-lauryl-4-methoxycarbonyl-2- pyrrolidone, N- dimethylamino-propyl-pyrrolidone, N-cocoyl pyrrolidone, IN-tallowylpyrrolidone, fatty acid esters of N-(2-hydroxymethyl)-2-pyrrolidone, and mixtures thereof. Suitable cyclic amides include, l-dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one, 1- geranylazacycloheptan-2-one, l-farnesylazacycloheptan-2-one, 1-geranyl-geranyl- azacycloheptan-2-one, l-(3,7-dimethyloctyl) azacycloheptan-2-one, l-(3, 7, 11- trimethyl-octyl) azacycloheptan-2-one, l-geranylazacyclohexan-2-one, 1-geranyl- azacyclopentan-2,5-dione, l-farnesylazacyclopentan-2-one, and mixtures thereof.

Suitable surfactants include anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants and lecithin. Suitable anionic surfactants include sodium laurate, sodium lau ryl sulfate, and mixtures thereof. Suitable cationic surfactants include cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, tetradecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide, benzalkonium chloride, octadecyltri methyl ammonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride, hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, and mixtures thereof. Suitable nonionic surfactants include alpha-hydro-(D-hydroxy poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxypropyl) poly(oxyethylene) block copolymers, polyoxyethylene ethers, polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters, polyethylene glycol esters of fatty alcohols, and mixtures thereof. Suitable a lpha-hydro-co-hydroxy-poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxy propyl) poly (oxyethylene) block copolymers include Poloxamers 182, 184, 231, and mixtures thereof. Suitable polyethylene glycol esters of fatty acids include polyoxyethylene, polyoxyethylene monostearate, the polyoxyethylene monostearate and mixtures thereof. Suitable amphoteric surfactants include, without limitation thereto, lauramidopropyl betaine, cocamidopropyl betaine, lau ryl betaine, cocobetaine, cocamidopropyl-hydroxy-sultaine, aminopropyl laurylglutamide, sodium cocoa m phoacetate, sodium lauro-amphoacetate, disodium lauroamphodiacetate, disodium cocoa m phod iacetate, sodium-cocoa mphopropionate, disodium la uroamphodi propionate, disodiu m cocoa mpho-dipropionate, sodium- la uriminodipropionate, disodiu m-cocoampho-carboxy- methyl hydroxy - propylsulfate, and the like. Suitable terpenes include D-limonene, a-pinene, b- enrene, a-terpineol, terpinen-4-ol, carvol, carvone, pulegone, piperitone, menthon, menthol, geraniol, cyclohexene oxide, limonene oxide, a-pinne oxide, cyclopentene oxide, 1,8-cineol, ylang ylang oil, anise oil, chenopodiu m oil, eucalyptus oil, and mixtures thereof. Suitable alkanones include N-heptane, N- octane, N-nonane, N-decane, N-undecane, N-dodecane, N-tridecane, IM- tetradecane, N-hexadecane, and mixtures thereof. Suitable organic acids include citric acid, succinic acid, salicylic acid, salicylates (including the methyl, ethyl and propyl glycol derivatives), tartaric acid, and mixtures thereof.

Method for breeding poultry

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method of breeding poultry by feeding to said poultry a feed or drinking water composition comprising a stable, bioavailable silicon complex formed between silicic acid having free hydroxyl groups and at least one stabilizing agent based on phenol or polyphenol, stabilizing at least part of said free hydroxyl groups of silicic acid. Without being bound to any mechanistic studies, it is assumed that said silicic acid is stabilized by hydrogen bonding and optionally further interactions. The inventors have surprisingly found that feeding of said silicon complex induces an improved growth profile in the treated poultry. This is observed by means of improved weight gain per day. This means that i.e. chickens reach higher target weights for slaughter. Also, this means that i.e. chickens reach the expected weight for slaughter much earlier, i.e. after 40 days instead of 50 or even 60 days. Also, it was found that the weight growth of the poultry enhanced much faster compared to poultry which was not fed with the silicon complex composition of the invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides method according to the third aspect of the invention, wherein said silicon complex is comprised in drinking water. A drinking water is preferred since a concentrated solution of the silicone complex can easily be added to a drinking water supply. The complex is easily and homogeneously mixed in a liquid, aqueous solution to the desired concentration, as outlined below.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides method according to the third aspect of the invention, wherein said composition comprises silicon in an amount of at least 10 pg per kg of composition per kg of composition as determined by ICP-AES, preferably at least 20 pg per kg, at least 30 pg per kg, at least 40 pg per kg, at least 50 pg per kg, at least 60 pg per kg, at least 70 pg per kg, at least 80 pg per kg, at least 90 pg per kg, or even at least 100 pg per kg. Such minimal amounts yield the preferred growth improvement in poultry. Preferably, said composition comprises silicon in an amount of at most 1.000.000 pg per kg of composition, preferably at most 1.000.000 pg per kg, at most 900.000 pg per kg, at most 800.000 pg per kg, at most 700.000 pg per kg, at most 600.000 pg per kg, at most 500.000 pg per kg, at most 400.000 pg per kg, at most 300.000 pg per kg, at most 200.000 pg per kg, or even at most 100.000 pg per kg of composition. Higher concentrations do not provide for further enhanced weight growth profiles, thus resulting in lower efficiency of the consumed silicon complex.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides method according to the third aspect of the invention, wherein said composition com prises silicon in a n amount of 100 pg per kg of composition to 100.000 pg per kg of composition as determined by ICP-AES. Preferably, said composition comprises silicon in an amount of at least 100 pg per kg of composition, at least 125 pg per kg, at least 150 pg per kg, at least 200 pg per kg, at least 250 pg per kg, at least 300 pg per kg, at least 350 pg per kg, at least 400 pg per kg, or even at least 500 pg per kg . Preferably, said com position comprises silicon in an a mount of at most 100.000 pg per kg of composition, preferably at most 100.000 pg per kg, at most 90.000 pg per kg, at most 80.000 pg per kg, at most 70.000 pg per kg, at most 60.000 pg per kg, at most 50.000 pg per kg, at most 40.000 pg per kg, at most 30.000 pg per kg, at most 20.000 pg per kg, at most 10.000 pg per kg, at most 50.000 pg per kg of composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides method according to the third aspect of the invention, wherein said composition com prises silicon in a n amount of 500 pg per kg of composition to 2.500 pg per kg of composition as determined by ICP-AES. Preferred concentrations are 500 pg per kg composition, 600 pg per kg composition, 700 pg per kg composition, 800 pg per kg composition, 900 pg per kg composition, 1.000 pg per kg composition, 1.100 pg per kg composition, 1.200 pg per kg composition, 1.300 pg per kg composition, 1.400 pg per kg composition, 1.500 pg per kg composition, 1.600 pg per kg composition, 1.700 pg per kg composition, 1.800 pg per kg composition, 1.900 pg per kg composition, 2.000 pg per kg composition, 2.100 pg per kg composition, 2.200 pg per kg composition, 2.300 pg per kg composition, 2.400 pg per kg composition or 2.500 pg per kg composition, or any concentration there in between.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides method according to the third aspect of the invention, wherein said poultry is chicken and wherein said chicken is between 1 and 60 days of age, preferably between 1 and 40 days. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides method according to the third aspect of the invention, wherein said silicic acid is orthosilicic acid having four free hydroxyl groups. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides method according to the third aspect of the invention, wherein said stabilizing agent is selected from the group comprising phenolic acids, phenols, aldehyde derivatives of phenolic acids, cinnamic aldehydes, coumarins, naphthoquinones, flavonoids, stilbenes and mixtures of one or more of the aforementioned, preferably wherein said stabilizing agent is 4-hydroxy-3- methoxybenzaldehyde. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides method according to the third aspect of the invention, further comprising the step of feeding one or more therapeutic agents, preferably selected from the group consisting of vitamins, antimicrobial agents, disinfectants, fungicides, anti inflammatories, plant extracts, antibacterial agents, antifungal agents, antiviral agents, antibiotics.

Use

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides in a use of a stable, bioavailable silicon complex formed between silicic acid having free hydroxyl groups and at least one stabilizing agent based on phenol or polyphenol for breeding pou ltry.

EXAMPLES

In the following examples are intended to further clarify the present invention, and are nowhere intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

EXAMPLE 1. Poultry drinking water comprising Stabilized Complex of Orthosilicic Acid and 4-Hydroxy-3-Methoxybenzaldehyde (Vanillin)

Extra pure vanillin with purity guaranteed to 99.9% is used . The alternatives "Fine Mesh" or "Free flow" will be preferred. 76 g of vanillin powder is dissolved with stirring at 40°C in 100 ml of 40% ethanol. The homogeneous mixture obtained is diluted slowly with osmosis demineralized water so that the final volume ratio of the solution per volume of sodium orthosilicate introduced is equal to 225. The pH is then adjusted between 1.5 and 2.5 with a solution of phosphoric acid 14.5 N Sodium orthosilicate (428 g, density : 1.35) is then added to the mixture, dropwise, with stirring . The solution is kept under constant stirring . Upon addition of the sodium orthosilicate, the temperature is maintained in a range of 10 to 15°C. The pH is adjusted between 2.5 and 3.5 with 30% (w/w) phosphoric acid solution, upon which the solution is diluted by adding 999 L of water per 1 L of solution. The resulting solution is clear and colourless. It has a Si content of 860 mg/L and a % Si (w/v)/% vanillin (w/v) ratio of 0.8.

The solution is fed as a drinking water solution to chickens over a period of day 1 to day 40 in regular feeding a mou nts. The chickens exhibited a n im proved growth rate as of about an additional growth of 100 grams of weight per day, when compared to a control population of chickens fed without the silicon complex according to the invention. As a fu rther beneficial effect, chicken bone strength was significantly improved .

EXAMPLE 2. Poultry drinking water comprising Stabilized Complex of Orthosi licic Acid and l-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-butanone (Frambinone)

410 g of frambinone are dissolved with stirring at 40°C in 467 g of 40% ethanol. When the solution containing the phenolic compound is clear, it is diluted in an aqueous phase representing 223 times the volume of the precursor. The solution is then acidified using an 85 wt.% solution of phosphoric acid to reach a pH of between 1.5 and 2.5. 1794 g of potassium metasilicate (density : 1.35) are then added to the mixture, dropwise, with stirring . The solution is stirred until complete hydrolysis of the precursor. Upon addition of the potassium metasilicate, the temperature is maintained in a range of 10 to 15°C. The pH is controlled and, if necessary, adjusted between 2.5 and 3.5, upon which the solution is diluted by adding 999 L of water per 1 L of solution . The resu lting solution is translucent and colourless. It has a Si content of 270 mg/L and a % Si (w/v) / % stabilizer (w/v) ratio of 0.2.

The solution is fed as a drinking water solution to chickens over a period of 1 to 40 days in regu lar feeding amounts. The chickens exhibited an improved growth rate as of about an additional growth of more tha n 50 grams of weight per day, when compared to a control population of chickens fed without the silicon complex according to the invention. As a fu rther beneficial effect, chicken bone strength was significantly improved . EXAMPLE 3. Poultry drinking water comprising Stabilized Complex of Orthosilicic Acid and 2-Hydroxybenzoic Acid

1.1 mole of a crystalline powder of 2-hydroxybenzoic acid is dissolved with stirring at 40°C in 200 g of 40% ethanol. After solubilization of the phenolic compound, osmosis water is added slowly, with stirring, so that the ratio of final volume/volume of introduced precursor is equal to 225. The pH is adjusted between 1.5 and 2.5 with a solution of phosphoric acid 14.5 N. 4.5 moles of potassium orthosilicate are then added to the mixture, dropwise, with stirring. The hydrolysis process begins. Upon addition of the silicon compound, the temperature is maintained in a range of 10 to 15°C. The pH is adjusted between 2.5 and 3.5, upon which the solution is diluted by adding 999 L of water per 1 L of solution. The solution has a Si content of 660 mg/L and a % Si (w/v) / % stabilizer (w/v) ratio of 0.9.

The solution is fed as a drinking water solution to chickens over a period of day 1 to day 40 in regular feeding amounts. The chickens exhibited an improved growth rate as of about an additional growth of about 100 grams of weight per day, when compared to a control population of chickens fed without the silicon complex according to the invention. As a further beneficial effect, chicken bone strength was significantly improved.

EXAMPLE 4. Poultry drinking water comprising Stabilized Complex of Orthosilicic Acid and (Q-2- (3, 4-Dihydroxy phenyl) Chromane-3,5,7-Triol) (Catechin)

30.83 g of catechin are dissolved with stirring at 40°C in 288 ml of 40% ethanol. A volume of osmosis water representing 225 times the volume of the precursor is then slowly added to the solution and the pH is adjusted between 1.5 and 2.5 with a solution of phosphoric acid 14.5 N. 56 g of metasilicate of sodium are then added to the mixture, dropwise, with stirring. When adding the sodium metasilicate, the temperature is maintained in a range of 10 to 15°C. The pH is controlled and, if necessary, adjusted between 2.5 and 3.5, upon which the solution is diluted by adding 999 L of water per 1 L of solution. The obtained solution has a Si content of 1370 mg/L and a % Si (w/v) / % stabilizer (w/v) ratio of 0.4.

The solution is fed as a drinking water solution to chickens over a period of day 1 to day 40 in regu lar feeding amounts. The chickens exhibited an improved growth rate as of about an additional growth of about 100 grams of weight per day, when compared to a control population of chickens fed without the silicon complex according to the invention. As a fu rther beneficial effect, chicken bone strength was significantly improved .

EXAMPLE 5, Poultry drinking water comprising Stabilized Complex of Orthosilicic Acid and (Q-2-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl) Chroma n-3, 5, 7-Triol)

30,83 g of catechin are dissolved with stirring at 40°C in 288 ml of 40% ethanol. Osmosis water is then slowly added to the solution, so that the ratio of final volume/volume of introduced precu rsor is equal to 225, then the pH is adjusted between 1.5 and 2,5 with a solution of phosphoric acid 14.5 N. 96 g of tetraethoxysilane (density : 0,93) are then added to the mixture, dropwise, with stirring . Upon addition of the tetraethoxysilane, the temperature is maintained in a range of 15 to 18°C. The pH is controlled and, if necessary, adjusted between 2.7 and 3.0, upon which the solution is diluted by adding 999 L of water per 1 L of solution . The obtained solution has a Si content of 550 mg/L and a % Si (w/v) / % stabilizer (w/v) ratio of 0.4.

The solution is fed as a drinking water solution to chickens over a period of day 1 to day 40 in regular feeding a mou nts. The chickens exhibited a n im proved growth rate as of about an additional growth of about 100 grams of weight per day, when compared to a control population of chickens fed without the silicon complex according to the invention. As a fu rther beneficial effect, chicken bone strength was significantly improved .

EXAMPLE 6. Poultry feed comprising Stabilized Complex of Orthosilicic Acid and 4- Hydroxy-3-Methoxybenzaldehyde (Vanillin)

Extra pure vanillin with purity guaranteed to 99.9% is used . The alternatives "Fine Mesh" or "Free flow" will be preferred . 76 g of vanillin powder is dissolved with stirring at 40°C in 100 ml of 40% ethanol. The homogeneous mixture obtained is diluted slowly with osmosis demineralized water so that the final volume ratio of the solution per volu me of sodiu m orthosilicate introduced is equal to 225. The pH is then adjusted between 1.5 and 2.5 with a solution of phosphoric acid 14.5 N. Sodium orthosilicate (428 g, density : 1.35) is then added to the mixture, dropwise, with stirring . The solution is kept under constant stirring . Upon addition of the sodium orthosilicate, the temperature is maintained in a range of 10 to 15°C. The pH is adjusted between 2.5 and 3.5 with 30% (w/w) phosphoric acid solution. The resulting solution is clear and colourless. It has a Si content of 860 mg/L and a % Si (w/v)/% vanillin (w/v) ratio of 0.8.

The solution is then sprayed onto 1000 kg of corn and soybean meal and the mixture is homogenized. The poultry feed is fed to chickens over a period of day 1 to day 40 in regular feeding amounts. The chickens exhibited an improved growth rate as of about an additional growth of 100 grams of weight per day, when compared to a control population of chickens fed without the silicon complex according to the invention. As a further beneficial effect, chicken bone strength was significantly improved.

EXAMPLE 7. Poultry feed comprising Stabilized Complex of Orthosilicic Acid and 1- (4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-butanone (Frambinone)

410 g of frambinone are dissolved with stirring at 40°C in 467 g of 40% ethanol. When the solution containing the phenolic compound is clear, it is diluted in an aqueous phase representing 223 times the volume of the precursor. The solution is then acidified using an 85 wt.% solution of phosphoric acid to reach a pH of between 1.5 and 2.5. 1794 g of potassium metasilicate (density : 1.35) are then added to the mixture, dropwise, with stirring . The solution is stirred u ntil complete hydrolysis of the precursor. Upon addition of the potassium metasilicate, the temperature is maintained in a range of 10 to 15°C. The pH is controlled and, if necessary, adjusted between 2.5 and 3.5. The resulting solution is translucent and colourless. It has a Si content of 270 mg/L and a % Si (w/v) / % stabilizer (w/v) ratio of 0.2.

The solution is then sprayed onto 1000 kg of corn and soybean meal and the mixture is homogenized . The poultry feed is fed to chickens over a period of day 1 to day 40 in regu lar feeding amounts. The chickens exhibited an improved growth rate as of about an additional growth of more than 50 grams of weight per day, when com pared to a control population of chickens fed without the silicon complex according to the invention. As a fu rther beneficial effect, chicken bone strength was significantly improved . EXAMPLE 8. Poultry feed comprising Stabilized Complex of Orthosilicic Acid and 2-

Hydroxybenzoic Acid

1.1 mole of a crystalline powder of 2-hydroxybenzoic acid is dissolved with stirring at 40°C in 200 g of 40% ethanol. After solubilization of the phenolic compound, osmosis water is added slowly, with stirring, so that the ratio of final volume/volume of introduced precursor is equal to 225. The pH is adjusted between 1.5 and 2.5 with a solution of phosphoric acid 14.5 N. 4.5 moles of potassium orthosilicate are then added to the mixture, dropwise, with stirring. The hydrolysis process begins. Upon addition of the silicon compound, the temperature is maintained in a range of 10 to 15°C. The pH is adjusted between 2.5 and 3.5. The solution has a Si content of 660 mg/L and a % Si (w/v) / % stabilizer (w/v) ratio of 0.9.

The solution is then sprayed onto 1000 kg of corn and soybean meal and the mixture is homogenized. The poultry feed is fed to chickens over a period of day 1 to day 40 in regular feeding amounts. The chickens exhibited an improved growth rate as of about an additional growth of about 100 grams of weight per day, when compared to a control population of chickens fed without the silicon complex according to the invention. As a further beneficial effect, chicken bone strength was significantly improved.

EXAMPLE 9. Poultry feed comprising Stabilized Complex of Orthosilicic Acid and (Q-2- (3, 4-Dihydroxy phenyl) Chroma ne-3, 5, 7-Triol) (Catechin)

30.83 g of catechin are dissolved with stirring at 40°C in 288 ml of 40% ethanol. A volume of osmosis water representing 225 times the volume of the precursor is then slowly added to the solution and the pH is adjusted between 1.5 and 2.5 with a solution of phosphoric acid 14.5 N. 56 g of metasilicate of sodium are then added to the mixture, dropwise, with stirring. When adding the sodium metasilicate, the temperature is maintained in a range of 10 to 15°C. The pH is controlled and, if necessary, adjusted between 2.5 and 3.5. The obtained solution has a Si content of 1370 mg/L and a % Si (w/v) / % stabilizer (w/v) ratio of 0.4.

The solution is then sprayed onto 1000 kg of corn and soybean meal and the mixture is homogenized. The poultry feed is fed to chickens over a period of day 1 to day 40 in regular feeding amounts. The chickens exhibited an improved growth rate as of about an additional growth of about 100 grams of weight per day, when compared to a control population of chickens fed without the silicon complex according to the invention. As a fu rther beneficial effect, chicken bone strength was significantly improved .

EXAMPLE 10. Poultry feed comprising Stabilized Complex of Orthosi licic Acid and

(Q-2-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl) Ch roman-3, 5, 7-Triol)

30.83 g of catechin are dissolved with stirring at 40°C in 288 ml of 40% ethanol. Osmosis water is then slowly added to the solution, so that the ratio of final volume/volume of introduced precu rsor is equal to 225, then the pH is adjusted between 1.5 and 2.5 with a solution of phosphoric acid 14.5 N. 96 g of tetraethoxysilane (density : 0.93) are then added to the mixture, dropwise, with stirring . Upon addition of the tetraethoxysilane, the temperature is maintained in a range of 15 to 18°C. The pH is controlled and, if necessa ry, adjusted between 2.7 and 3.0. The obtained solution has a Si content of 550 mg/L and a % Si (w/v) / % stabilizer (w/v) ratio of 0.4.

The solution is then sprayed onto 1000 kg of corn and soybean meal and the mixture is homogenized . The poultry feed is fed to chickens over a period of day 1 to day 40 in regular feeding a mou nts. The chickens exhibited a n im proved growth rate as of about an additional growth of about 100 grams of weight per day, when compared to a control population of chickens fed without the silicon complex according to the invention. As a fu rther beneficial effect, chicken bone strength was significantly improved .

EXAMPLE 11. Poultry drinking water comprising Stabilized Complex of Orthosi licic Acid and 4-Hydroxy-3-Methoxybenzaldehyde (Vanillin)

The solution is fed to turkeys. The solution of Example 1 is fed as a drinking water solution to turkeys over a period of day 1 to day 60 in regular feeding amounts. The turkeys exhibited an improved growth rate, when compared to a control population of turkeys fed without the silicon complex according to the invention.

EXAMPLE 12. Poultry feed comprising Stabilized Complex of Orthosi I icic Acid and 2-Hydroxybenzoic Acid

The solution as obtained in Example 3 is then sprayed onto 1000 kg of corn and soybean meal and the mixture is homogenized. The poultry feed is fed to turkey over a period of day 1 to day 60 in regular feeding amounts. The turkeys exhibited an improved growth rate, when compared to a control population of turkey fed without the silicon complex according to the invention. It should be understood that the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described above and that many modifications may be made thereto within the scope of the appended claims. Similar results can be expected for other types of poultry, also when deviating feeding regimen are applied.