CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of European Application No. 22164147.5, filed March 24, 2022 and European Application No. 22204558.5, filed October 28, 2022, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to an encapsulated medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) composition and to a method for producing such a composition. Furthermore, it relates to an animal feed comprising said composition. The invention also relates to the use of said encapsulated MCFA composition as a digestible anti-microbial agent in animals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) are fatty acids with a carbon chain length from 6 to 12 carbon atoms in other words free fatty acids with a carbon chain length from 6 to 12 carbon atoms. They have been found to have a beneficial antimicrobial effect. This is considered a key attribute in the field of animal husbandry where controlling levels of micro-organisms in the animals' digestive tract is a priority.

[0004] Animals may be exposed to bacteria, viruses, parasites, yeast and fungi through the rearing environment and feed products. These microorganisms can cause significant disruption to the animals' digestive system and an imbalance in the microbial ecosystem of their gastrointestinal tract. This can result in less efficient digestion and nutrient absorption which, in turn, will affect growth rates. It could also lead, in some cases, to disease and, potentially, to the loss of the animal. In any event, it is clear that being able to control microbial populations has a significant effect on profitability.

[0005] Since the addition of low-dose antibiotics to animal feed products for controlling the microbial populations in the digestive tract of the animals has been banned in many countries, MCFAs may be added to feed compositions as natural alternatives to benefit the animal or promote growth.

[0006] However, MCFAs are not easy to handle. They need to be kept in liquid form at a temperature above 35°C in order to allow a proper dosage into the animal feed. This requires dedicated equipment for melting and maintaining the MCFAs in melted state. Alternatively, MCFA compositions exist in powder form that can be dosed to the animal feed at room temperature. However, in such powders, the MCFAs are present as a coating onto a carrier material that is not or only poorly digestible. Examples of such carrier material are silica or fully hydrogenated hard fat. These non or poorly digestible carrier materials are considered a loss since they do not bring any nutritional value to the animal feed.

[0007] There is thus a need for an improved MCFA composition that is easy to handle and to dose into animal feed, while being substantially fully digestible. The present invention provides such an MCFA composition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention relates to an encapsulated MCFA composition comprising 30 to 70wt.% of a medium chain fatty acid- (MCFA) source and 70 to 30 wt.% of a wall material, wherein

• the wall material is comprising an emulsifier in an amount of at least 0.5 wt.% expressed on total weight of the encapsulated MCFA composition, and

• the MCFA source has a content of MCFA having a carbon chain length of C6 to C 12 in a range of from 25 to 80 wt.%, and

• the encapsulated MCFA composition has a content of MCFA in a range of from 7.5 to 56.0 wt.%.

[0009] The invention also relates to a process for preparing an encapsulated MCFA composition according to the present invention, and the process is comprising a step of spraydrying an emulsion comprising water, 30 to 70 wt.% of an MCFA source and 70 to 30 wt.% of a wall material, expressed on total dry weight of the emulsion, wherein the wall material is comprising an emulsifier in an amount of at least 0.5 wt.% expressed on total weight of the encapsulated MCFA composition. | ()() 101 The invention is further related to an animal feed comprising the encapsulated MCFA composition according to the invention and at least one other nutrient that is not comprising MCFA.

[0011] Finally, the invention relates to the use of the encapsulated MCFA composition according to the present invention as digestible anti-microbial ingredient in animal feed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The encapsulated MCFA composition

[0012] The present invention relates to an encapsulated MCFA composition comprising 30 to 70wt.% of a medium chain fatty acid- (MCFA) source and 70 to 30 wt.% of a wall material, wherein

• the wall material is comprising an emulsifier in an amount of at least 0.5 wt.% expressed on total weight of the encapsulated MCFA composition, and

• the MCFA source has a content of MCFA having a carbon chain length of C6 to C 12 in a range of from 25 to 80 wt.%, and

• the encapsulated MCFA composition has a content of MCFA in a range of from 7.5 to 56.0 wt.%.

[0013] In other words, it should be noted that in the present invention MCFA are medium chain free fatty acids having a carbon chain length of C6 to C12.

[0014] The encapsulated MCFA composition according to the invention is in the form of a powder, i.e. a dry bulk solid composed of fine particles that may flow freely when shaken or tilted.

[0015] The encapsulated MCFA composition according to the present invention is obtained by means of spray -drying. It is a spray-dried powder.

[0016] The term "MCFA" or “MCFAs” in the context of the present invention is referring to free fatty acids with a carbon chain length from 6 to 12 carbon atoms (i.e. caproic acid (C6), caprylic acid (C8), capric acid (CIO) and lauric acid (C12)), as well as to salts and mixtures thereof. | ()() 171 The MCFAs are originating from sources of MCFA having a content of free fatty acids (FFA) of more than 50 wt.%, more than 65 wt.%, or more than 75 wt.%, expressed on total weight of the MCFA source. The FFA content may be measured using the standard method AOCS Ca 5a-40. The FFAs in the MCFA source having a carbon chain length of C6 to C12 may be in a range of from 25 to 80 wt.%, from 30 to 75 wt.%, or from 35 to 70 wt.% on total weight of the MCFA source.

[0018] The free fatty acids (FFAs) in the MCFA source having a carbon chain length of C6 to C12 are in a range of from 25 to 80 wt.%, from 30 to 75 wt.%, or from 35 to 70 wt.% on total weight of the MCFA source and the encapsulated MCFA composition is comprising 30 to 70wt.% of a medium chain fatty acid- (MCFA) source. Consequently, the encapsulated MCFA composition has a content of MCFA of 30 to 70% times 25 to 80 % MCFA, which is corresponding to a content of MCFA in a range of from 7.5 to 56.0 wt.%.

[0019] The encapsulated MCFA composition according to the present invention is comprising MCFAs in an amount of from 7.5 to 56.0 wt.%, preferably from 10.5 to 48.8 wt.%, more preferably from 14.0 to 42.0 wt.%, expressed on total weight of the encapsulated MCFA composition.

[0020] The MCFA source may be from any available source. Preferably the MCFA source is obtained from a vegetable lauric oil. The term “vegetable lauric oil” is encompassing vegetable oils having a content of C6 to C12 fatty acids of more than 50%. Examples of such an oil include coconut oil, palm kernel oil, babassu oil, cohune oil, tacum oil and cuphea oil or any mixture of two or more thereof. For the purposes of the present invention, the MCFA source will preferably be obtained from coconut oil, palm kernel oil, or mixtures thereof. Means for obtaining the MCFA source from a vegetable oil may be for example splitting or distillation, and obtaining free fatty acids.

[0021] The MCFA source may be a split lauric oil, a lauric acid oil, a fatty acid distillate (FAD) of a lauric oil or a mixture of two or more thereof.

[0022] Split lauric oils may be obtained by means of fat splitting. Fat splitting is a process wherein fats or oils can be hydrolysed or split into their corresponding fatty acids and glycerol. There are at least four known methods of fat splitting: the Twitchell process, the batch autoclave process, the continuous counter-current process (also known as the Colgate-Emery process), and the enzymatic process (using lipase enzymes such as those from Candida Rugosa, Aspergillus niger or Rhizopus arrhizus). Preferably, splitting will be achieved through chemical hydrolysis under high pressure and at high temperatures.

[0023] Lauric acid oils are FFA-rich compositions obtained by means of soap stock splitting. “Soap stock” is a term commonly applied to dilute aqueous mixtures of soap, oil, and various other components in minor quantity, which are obtained as a by-product in the alkali refining of crude vegetable and animal glyceride oils or fats. During the alkaline refining process, free fatty acids present in the lauric crude oils are neutralized by the alkaline medium and are forming a soap which, together with some other impurities present in the crude oil, is separated in an aqueous layer from the refined oil, i.e. the soap stock. This soap stock is subsequently split by stirring it with inorganic acid, in particular concentrated sulphuric acid. Free fatty acids are liberated from the aqueous phase into an acid oil. These lauric acid oils are recovered by separation and after removal of residual glycerides may be further purified, e.g. by distillation.

[0024] Fatty acid distillates of lauric oil are obtained during the refinery process of lauric oils (degumming, bleaching and deodonzation). At deodorization, involving steam distillation under vacuum, the volatile odorous compounds, including FFAs, are removed and condensed separately as a low value by-product, i.e. the fatty acid distillate of the lauric oil.

[0025] The fatty' acids obtained from the various processes may be further purified and separated into fractions or even individual fatty acids by means of distillation, molecular distillation and/or fractionation.

[0026] In one aspect of the invention, the MCFA source is a split palm kernel oil having an FFA content of at least 90 wt.%, at least 92 wt.%, or at least 95 wt.% expressed on total weight of the split palm kernel oil. The FFAs in the split palm kernel oil having a carbon chain length of C6 to C12 may be more than 50 wt.%, more than 55 wt.%, or more than 60 wt.% on total weight of the split palm kernel oil.

[0027] The MCFA source is present in the encapsulated MCFA composition according to the invention in a range of from 30 to 70 wt.%, from 35 to 65 wt.%, or from 40 to 60 wt.%.

[0028] The MCFA source of the present invention may comprise, by weight:

• 0-5 wt.%, preferably 0-1 wt.%, C6 fatty acids;

• 1-15 wt.%, preferably 2-10 wt.%, C8 fatty acids;

• 1-15 wt.%, preferably 1-8 wt.%, CIO fatty acids; and

• 35-70 wt.%, preferably 40-55 wt.%, C12 fatty acids. [0029J The MCFAs in the encapsulated MCFA composition according to the present invention may consist of, expressed by weight on the encapsulated MCFA composition:

• 0 to 3.5 wt.%, preferably 0 to 0.7 %, C6 fatty acids;

• 0.3 to 10.5 wt.%, preferably 0.7 to 6.5 wt.%, C8 fatty acids;

• 0.3 to 10.5 wt.%, preferably 0.4 to 5.2 wt.%, CIO fatty acids; and

• 10.5 to 49.0 wt.%, preferably, 14.0 to 35.8 wt.%, C12 fatty acids.

[0030] The encapsulated MCFA composition according to the invention is comprising a wall material in a range of from 30 to 70 wt.%, from 35 to 65 wt.%, or from 40 to 60 wt.% on total weight of the encapsulated MCFA composition.

[0031] The term “wall material” according to the present invention, also called “support phase” or “carrier material”, is the material that encloses the MCFA source in the encapsulated MCFA composition.

[0032] The wall material of the encapsulated MCFA composition of the present invention is water soluble. The wall material is digestible for at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90%, preferably at least 90% or more.

[0033] The wall matenal of the encapsulated MCFA composition of the present invention is comprising an emulsifier, and carbohydrates and/or proteins.

[0034] The carbohydrates in the wall material of the encapsulated MCFA composition according to the present invention may be an oligosaccharide, a polysaccharide or a combination thereof.

[0035] Oligosaccharides may be amongst others lactose, maltose, sucrose, trehalose, or a combination of 2 or more thereof. Lactose may be sourced from whey powder.

Suitable polysaccharides may be selected from any polysaccharide being water soluble and being digestible. Examples of suitable polysaccharides are, but are not limited to, starches, modified starches, hydrolysed starches such as maltodextrins and glucose syrups, or combinations of two or more thereof. Glucose syrup and maltodextrin are starch hydrolysates, i.e. poly- or oligosaccharides obtained by partial hydrolysis of starch. They are classified by their dextrose equivalent (DE). The term “maltodextrin” is encompassing starch hydrolysates having a DE of from 3 to 20. The term “glucose syrup” is encompassing starch hydrolysates having a DE of more than 20. [0036J In one aspect of the invention, the carbohydrate is selected from the group consisting of lactose, sucrose, glucose syrup, maltodextrin, and combinations of two or more thereof. Preferably, the carbohydrate is a starch hy drolysate having a DE in a range of from 5 to 40, from 10 to 35, or from 15 to 30.

[0037] Proteins in the wall material of the encapsulated MCFA composition according to the present invention may be from animal or vegetable origin. Examples of proteins are amongst others whey proteins, sodium caseinate, gelatine, soy proteins, pea proteins, hydrolysed pea proteins, hydrolysed gluten and combinations of two or more thereof. Preferably the proteins in the wall material of the encapsulated MCFA composition according to the present invention is from vegetable origin, such as, but not limited to, soy proteins, pea proteins, hydrolysed pea proteins and combinations of two or more thereof.

[0038] In one aspect of the invention, the wall material of the encapsulated MCFA composition is substantially free from proteins.

[0039] The emulsifier in the wall material of the encapsulated MCFA composition according to the present invention may be from carbohydrate origin, from protein origin, from any other origin, or a combination of two or more thereof. Examples of emulsifiers from carbohydrate origin are amongst others gum Arabic, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and modified starches such as n-C8-C12 alkenyl-succinic anhydride starch, preferably n-octenyl-succinic anhydride (n- OSA) starch. Examples of emulsifiers of protein origin are whey proteins, soy proteins, sodium caseinate or the like. Other emulsifiers may be, but are not limited to, polysorbates (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitane of monooleate, monostearate of monopalmitate), mono- and/or diglycerides of fatty acids, sodium stearoyl lactylate (SSL), lecithin, egg yolk. Preferably, the emulsifier in the wall material is an n- C8-C12 alkenyl-succinic anhydride starch, preferably, the n-C8-C12 alkenyl-succinic anhydride starch is a n-OSA starch (= n-octenyl-succinic anhydride starch)

[0040] The emulsifier in the wall material of the encapsulated MCFA composition according to the present invention is present in an amount of at least 0.5 wt.%, in an amount of from 1.0 to 20.0 wt.%, from 1.5 to 15 wt.%, or from 2.0 to 10.0 wt.% expressed on total weight of the encapsulated MCFA composition.

[0041] The encapsulated MCFA composition according to the present invention may further comprise pH regulating agents such as acids, bases or salts. Examples of acids are, but are not limited to, hydrochloric acid, citric acid, acetic acid. Examples of bases are, but are not limited to, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide. Examples of salts are, but are not limited to, sodium or potassium bicarbonate. pH regulating agents may be comprised in the encapsulated MCFA composition for ensuring optimal pH conditions for the emulsifier. This may result in optimal conditions for emulsifying the MCFA source with the wall material prior to spray-drying.

[0042] The encapsulated MCFA composition according to the present invention may further comprise flowing agents, also known as anti-caking agents, such as, but not limited to calcium or magnesium silicate, silicon dioxide, calcium phosphate, clays or any combination of 2 or more thereof.

[0043] The encapsulated MCFA composition according to the present invention is a powder having good product characteristics such as density, flowability and particle size. These characteristics allow an easy handling and dosing of the MCFAs. Furthermore, the wall material of the encapsulated MCFA composition according to the invention is digestible. As a result, said encapsulated MCFA composition provides a higher nutritional value compared to the existing MCFA compositions in powder form. In these existing MCFA compositions in powder form, the MCFAs are coated onto a non or poorly digestible carrier such as silica or fully hydrogenated fat that provides no or little nutritional value.

[0044] In one aspect of the invention, the encapsulated MCFA composition according to the present invention may further comprise liposoluble vitamins, essential oils having antimicrobial activity, butyric acid or a combination of 2 or more thereof. Liposoluble vitamins may be for example vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin K, and ascorbyl palmitate (as derivative of vitamin C). Examples of essential oils having anti-microbial activity are, but are not limited to, thymol, carvacrol, eugenol, cinnamaldehyde or a combination of 2 or more thereof.

[0045] The encapsulated MCFA composition according to the present invention is not only a convenient way for storing and handling of the MCFAs. The encapsulated MCFA composition may also protect ingredients such as vitamins and essential oils against oxidation.

[0046] In another aspect of the invention, the emulsifier in the wall material of the encapsulated MCFA composition according to the present invention is an n-alkenyl-succinic anhydride starch. The n-alkenyl-succinic anhydride starch has an alkenyl group with a carbon chain length in a range of from C8 to C12, i.e. an n-C8-C12 alkenyl-succinic anhydride starch. Examples of n-C8-C12 alkenyl-succinic anhydride starches are n-octenyl-succinic anhydride (n- OSA) starch and n-dodecyl succinic anhydride (n-DDSA) starch. The n-C8-C12 alkenyl-succinic anhydride starch starch may be present in an amount of from 2 to 10 wt.%, from 3 to 9 wt.%, or from 4 to 8 wt.% expressed on total weight of the encapsulated MCFA composition. Preferably, the n-C8-C12 alkenyl-succinic anhydride starch is a n-OSA starch.

[0047] In a preferred aspect of the invention, the n-OSA starch is a n-OSA starch having a viscosity, when it is dissolved in an aqueous solution at a concentration of 25% dry substance, of less than 1100 cP (centipoise cP, equivalent to mPa.s), in a range from 100 to 1100 cP, from 200 to 1000 cP, or from 400 to 900 cP, whereby the viscosity is measured at 25°C in a RVA (Rapid Visco Analyser, PerkinElmer) after 4 minutes at 250rpm.

The n-OSA starch may be an acid thinned n-OSA starch or enzyme thinned n-OSA starch (also called n-OSA dextrines), or a combination thereof.

[0048] In comparison to triglycerides, the MCFA source is acidic. The acidity can be as low as about pH 3. This acidity may be challenging when emulsifying the MCFA source with the wall material prior to spray-drying. It was found that the n-alkenyl-succinic anhydride starch, and preferably n-OSA starch, is particularly suitable as emulsifier in the encapsulated MCFA composition. The n-alkenyl-succinic anhydride starch, and preferably n-OSA starch, has good emulsification properties in the presence of the acidic MCFA.

[0049] In another aspect of the invention, the encapsulated MCFA composition is comprising:

• 7.5 to 56.0 wt.%, or from 10.5 to 48.8 wt.%, or from 14.0 to 42.0 wt.% MCFAs, and

• 70 to 30 wt.%. or from 65 to 35 wt.%, or from 60 to 40 wt.% of a wall material, and the wall material is comprising: o 28 to 68 wt.%, 32 to 62 wt.%, or from 36 to 56 wt.% of a carbohydrate that is selected from the group consisting of lactose, sucrose, glucose syrup, maltodextnn, and combinations of two or more thereof, and o 2 to 10 wt.%, 3 to 9 wt.%, or from 4 to 8 wt.% of an n-C8-C12 alkenyl-succinic anhydride starch, preferably a n-OSA starch, expressed on total weight of the encapsulated MCFA composition.

[0050] In a preferred aspect of the invention, the encapsulated MCFA composition is comprising:

7.5 to 56.0 wt.%, or from 10.5 to 48.8 wt.%, or from 14.0 to 42.0 wt.% MCFAs, and

70 to 30 wt.%, or from 65 to 35 wt.%, or from 60 to 40 wt.% of a wall material, and the wall material is comprising: o 28 to 68 wt.%, 32 to 62 wt.%, or from 36 to 56 wt.% of a carbohydrate that is a starch hydrolysate having a DE in a range of from 5 to 40, and o 2 to 10 wt.%, 3 to 9 wt.%, or from 4 to 8 wt.% of a n-OSA starch, expressed on total weight of the encapsulated MCFA composition.

[0051 ] In a more preferred aspect of the invention, the encapsulated MCFA composition is comprising:

• 7.5 to 56.0 wt.%, or from 10.5 to 48.8 wt.%, or from 14.0 to 42.0 wt.% MCFAs , and

• 70 to 30 wt.%, from 65 to 35 wt.%, or from 60 to 40 wt.% of a wall material, and the wall material is comprising: o 28 to 68 wt.%, 32 to 62 wt.%, or from 36 to 56 wt.% of a carbohydrate that is a starch hydrolysate having a DE in a range of from 5 to 40, and o 2 to 10 wt.%, 3 to 9 wt.%, or from 4 to 8 wt.% of a n-OSA starch, expressed on total weight of the encapsulated MCFA composition, and wherein the n-OSA starch has a viscosity, when dissolved in an aqueous solution at a concentration of 25% dry substance, of less than 1100 cP, whereby the viscosity is measured at 25°C in a RVA after 4 minutes at 250rpm.

The process for preparing the encapsulated MCFA composition

[0052] The invention also relates to a process for preparing the encapsulated MCFA composition according to the present invention. The process is comprising a step of a spray-drying of an emulsion comprising water, 30 to 70 wt. % of an MCFA source and 30 to 70 wt.% of a wall material, expressed on total dry weight of encapsulated MCFA composition, wherein the wall material is comprising an emulsifier in an amount of at least 0.5 wt.% expressed on total weight of the.

[0053] It relates to the process of the present invention, wherein

• the MCFA source has a content of MCFA (I.e. free fatty acids) having a carbon chain length of C6 to C 12 in a range of from 25 to 80 wt.%.

[0054] The emulsion in the process according to the invention has a total solids content in a range of from 40 to 70 wt.%, from 45 to 65wt.% or from 50 to 60 wt.%, expressed on total weight of the emulsion. The total solids content refers to the percentage of wall matenal and MCFA-rich material in the emulsion calculated, expressed on total weight of the emulsion.

The animal feed composition

[0055] The invention is further related to an animal feed comprising the encapsulated MCFA composition according to the invention and at least one other nutrient.

[0056] An animal feed is a composition that, when fed to animals, may nourish and more in particular may promote the growth and development of animals.

[0057] The animal feed according to the present invention is used for companion or farmed animals and in pet food. Typically, the animal feed for companion or farmed animals is used for animals such as, but not limited to, cattle (dairy or beef), pig, horse, goat, sheep, rodents, chicken, goose, duck or turkey. Pet food is more dedicated to dogs or cats. The animal feed according to the invention is preferably feed for broiler chicken or feed for piglets. Most preferably, the animal feed is a feed for broiler chicken.

[0058] The animal feed according to the present invention further comprises at least one other nutrient, other than the encapsulated MCFA composition according to the present invention. The at least one other nutrient may be selected from the group consisting of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, triglycerides, and any combination of two or more thereof. The specific amounts of at least one other nutrient in the animal feed is adjusted based on the individual needs of the animal being fed with the animal feed.

[0059] The term “proteins” relates to all kinds of proteins, both of animal and vegetable origin. The term “proteins” further comprises all kinds of enzymes, peptides and single amino acids. Peptides that may be used in the animal feed may preferably be such that promote the growth and/or health of certain animals. Examples for such peptides may be peptides derived from gelatin or collagen. Single amino acids in the animal feed are preferably such that cannot be synthesized in vivo by the animal itself that are fed with the animal feed.

[0060] Enzymes may be added to the animal feed to increase the digestibility of certain ingredients of the animal feed by the animal that is fed with the animal feed. Examples of such enzymes are hydrolases or phytases. In addition, other enzymes may be used that allow the removal of certain toxins in the animal feed, such as the removal of mycotoxins. 10061 J The term “carbohydrates” relates to all kinds of mono-, di-, oligo-, and polysaccharides. This may include polysaccharides derived from cereals, such as wheat, com, rice, tapioca, barley or oat. Further examples of polysaccharides are all kinds of starches including modified starches.

[0062] The selection of specific minerals and/or vitamins as well as their amounts in the animal feed are adjusted based on the individual needs of the animal being fed with the animal feed. Examples for minerals in the animal feed are magnesium, manganese, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, iron, copper, zinc, selenium, iodine and molybdenum.

Due to the high lipid content in the animal feed, preferably lipid- soluble vitamins are added to the animal feed, such as that belonging to the group of vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E or vitamin K. Water-soluble vitamins may also be present in the animal feed, such as that belonging to the group of vitamin B or vitamin C.

[0063] The term “triglycerides” encompasses oils and/or fats from any vegetable, animal or microbial source. The triglycerides may be oils and/or fats that are occurring in nature or that have been further subjected to a refining process, such as, but not limited to, degumming, bleaching, and/or deodorization. The triglycerides may also be oils and/or fats that have been further subjected to a process for modifying the structure of the oils and/or fats, such as, but not limited to, fractionation, hydrogenation, interesterification or a combination of two or more processes. The triglycerides may include oils and/or fats from a single origin or blends of two or more oils and/or fats from different sources or with different characteristics.

[0064] In one aspect of the invention, at least one other nutrient in the animal feed is selected from the group consisting of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, triglycerides, and any combination of two or more thereof.

[0065] In one aspect of the invention, the animal feed further comprises one or more nonnutrient components. Non-nutrient components that may be added to the animal feed that can potentially affect animal health but are not identified as nutrients. Examples of a non-nutrient that may be added to the animal feed are biologically active ingredients, such as, but not limited to, a therapeutically or prophylactically active component, a vaccine, a pigment, a hormone, live microbial cells, and feed additives that may affect aspects such as texture, color, taste or smell of the animal feed, or a combination of two or more thereof. The one or more non-nutrient components may be present in a total amount of up to 2%, in a range of from 0. 1 to 1.8 wt%, from 0.2 to 1.5 wt%, or from 0.4 to 1.0 wt%, on total weight of the animal feed. [0066J The animal feed according to the present invention is comprising:

• an encapsulated MCFA composition comprising 7.5 to 56.0 wt. % of MCFAs and 70 to 30 wt.% of a wall material, wherein the wall material is comprising an emulsifier in an amount of at least 0.5 wt.%, expressed on total weight of the encapsulated MCFA composition, and

• at least one other nutrient.

[0067] In an aspect of the invention, animal feed is comprising:

• an encapsulated MCFA composition comprising 7.5 to 56.0 wt. % of MCFAs and 70 to 30 wt.% of a wall material, wherein the wall material is comprising an emulsifier in an amount of at least 0.5 wt.%, expressed on total weight of the encapsulated MCFA composition, and

• at least one other nutrient wherein the wall material is comprising:

- 28 to 68 wt.% of a carbohydrate that is selected from the group consisting of lactose, sucrose, glucose syrup, maltodextrin, and combinations of two or more thereof, and

2 to 10 wt.% of a n-OSA starch, expressed on total weight of the encapsulated MCFA composition.

[0068] In a preferred aspect of the invention, animal feed is comprising:

• an encapsulated MCFA composition comprising 7.5 to 56.0 wt. % of MCFAs and 70 to 30 wt.% of a wall material, wherein the wall material is comprising an emulsifier in an amount of at least 0.5 wt.%, expressed on total weight of the encapsulated MCFA composition, and

• at least one other nutrient wherein the wall material is comprising:

- 28 to 68 vrt.% of a carbohydrate that is a starch hydrolysate having a DE in a range of from 5 to 40, and

2 to 10 wt.% of a n-OSA starch, expressed on total weight of the encapsulated MCFA composition, and the animal feed is a broiler feed.

[0069] The broiler feed according to the invention may be very well digested and well tolerated by the broiler without causing any diarrhoea. The use of the encapsulated MCFA composition

[0070] Finally, the invention relates to the use of the encapsulated MCFA composition according to the present invention as digestible anti-microbial ingredient in animal feed.

[0071] In one aspect, the current invention relates to the use wherein the encapsulated MCFA composition is digestible for at least 79%, at least 86%, or at least 93%.

CLAUSES

1. An encapsulated MCFA composition comprising 30 to 70 wt.% of a medium chain fatty acid- (MCFA) source and 70 to 30 wt.% of a wall material, wherein

• the wall material is comprising an emulsifier in an amount of at least 0.5 wt.% expressed on total weight of the encapsulated MCFA composition, and

• the MCFA source has a content of medium chain free fatty acids having a carbon chain length of C6 to Cl 2 in a range of from 25 to 80 wt.%, and

• the encapsulated MCFA composition has a content of medium chain free fatty acids in a range of from 7.5 to 56.0 wt.%.

2. An encapsulated MCFA composition comprising based on the total weight of the encapsulated MCFA composition an emulsifier in an amount of at least 0.5 wt.% as part of a wall material present in the encapsulated MCFA composition, and the encapsulated MCFA composition is further comprising medium chain free fatty acids having a carbon chain length of C6 to C12 in a range of from 7.5% to 56 wt.%, and

• the wall material is present in an amount of 30 to 70 wt. % based on the total weight of the encapsulated MCFA composition.

3. The encapsulated MCFA composition according to clause 2 wherein the medium chain free fatly acids are present in the form of a MCFA source that is present in an amount of 30 to 70 wt.% based upon the total weight of the encapsulated MCFA composition. The encapsulated MCFA composition according to anyone of the preceding clauses , wherein the encapsulated MCFA composition is a spray-dried encapsulated MCFA composition. The encapsulated MCFA composition according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the MCFAs are consisting of, expressed by weight on the encapsulated MCFA composition:

• 0 - 3.5 wt.% C6 fatty acids;

• 0.3 - 10.5 wt.% C8 fatty acids;

• 0.3 - 10.5 wt.% CIO fatty acids; and

• 10.5 - 49.0 wt.% C12 fatty acids. The encapsulated MCFA composition according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the wall material is comprising an emulsifier, and carbohydrates and/or proteins. The encapsulated MCFA composition according to clause 4, wherein the wall material is comprising a carbohydrate that is selected from the group consisting of lactose, sucrose, glucose syrup, maltodextrin, and combinations of two or more thereof. The encapsulated MCFA composition according to clause 4 or clause 5, wherein the emulsifier is an n-C8-C12 alkenyl-succinic anhydride starch. The encapsulated MCFA composition according to any one of clauses 4 to 6, wherein the wall material is comprising, expressed on total weight of the encapsulated MCFA composition:

• 28 to 68 wt.% of a carbohydrate that is a starch hydrolysate having a DE in a range of from 5 to 40, and

• 2 to 10 wt.% of an n-C8-C12 alkenyl-succinic anhydride starch. The encapsulated MCFA composition according to clause 6 or clause 7, wherein the n- C8-C12 alkenyl-succinic anhydride starch is an n-octenyl-succinic anhydride (n-OSA) starch. An encapsulated MCFA composition prepared by adding 70 to 30 wt.% of a wall material to 30 to 70 wt.% of a medium chain free fatty acid- (MCFA) source and, wherein

• the wall material is comprising an emulsifier in an amount of at least 0.5 wt.% expressed on total weight of the encapsulated MCFA composition, and

• the MCFA source has a content of medium chain free fatty acids having a carbon chain length of C6 to C 12 in a range of from 25 to 80 wt.%, and

• the encapsulated MCFA composition has a content of medium chain free fatty acids in a range of from 7.5 to 56.0 wt.%. The encapsulated MCFA composition according to clause 11, wherein the encapsulated MCFA composition is spray-dried. The encapsulated MCFA composition according to clause 11 or 12, wherein the MCFAs are consisting of, expressed by weight on the encapsulated MCFA composition:

• 0 - 3.5 wt.% C6 fatty acids;

• 0.3 - 10.5 wt.% C8 fatty acids;

• 0.3 - 10.5 wt.% CIO fatty acids; and

• 10.5 - 49.0 wt.% C12 fatty acids. The encapsulated MCFA composition according to anyone of clauses 11 to 13, wherein the wall material is comprising an emulsifier, and carbohydrates and/or proteins. The encapsulated MCFA composition according to clause 14, wherein the wall material is comprising a carbohydrate that is selected from the group consisting of lactose, sucrose, glucose syrup, maltodextrin, and combinations of two or more thereof. The encapsulated MCFA composition according to clause 14 or clause 15, wherein the emulsifier is an n-C8-C12 alkenyl-succinic anhydride starch. The encapsulated MCFA composition according to any one of clauses 14 to 16, wherein the wall material is comprising, expressed on total weight of the encapsulated MCFA composition: • 28 to 68 wt.% of a carbohydrate that is a starch hydrolysate having a DE in a range of from 5 to 40, and

• 2 to 10 wt.% of an n-C8-C12 alkenyl-succinic anhydride starch.

18. The encapsulated MCFA composition according to clause 16 or clause 17, wherein the n- C8-C12 alkenyl-succinic anhydride starch is an n-octenyl-succinic anhydride (n-OSA) starch.

19. The encapsulated MCFA composition according to anyone of clauses 11 to 18 prepared by adding 70 to 30 wt.% of a wall material to 30 to 70 wt.% of a medium chain free fatty acid- (MCFA) source and, wherein the wall material is comprising, expressed on total weight of the encapsulated MCFA composition:

• 28 to 68 wt.% of a carbohydrate that is a starch hydroly sate having a DE in a range of from 5 to 40, and

• 2 to 10 wt.% of an n-C8-C12 alkenyl-succinic anhydride starch, and the encapsulated MCFA composition has a content of medium chain free fatty acids in a range of from 7.5 to 56.0 wt.% and wherein the MCFAs are consisting of, expressed by weight on the encapsulated MCFA composition:

• 0 - 3.5 wt.% C6 fatty acids;

• 0.3 - 10.5 wt.% C8 fatty acids;

• 0.3 - 10.5 wt.% CIO fatty acids; and

• 10.5 - 49.0 wt.% C12 fatty acids

20. A process for preparing an encapsulated MCFA composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and the process is comprising a step of spray-drying an emulsion comprising water, 30 to 70wt.% of an MCFA source and 70 to 30 wt.% of a wall material, expressed on total dry weight of the emulsion, wherein the wall material is comprising an emulsifier in an amount of at least 0.5 wt.% expressed on total weight of the encapsulated MCFA composition.

21. The process according to clause 20, wherein • the MCFA source has a content of MCFA (i.e. medium chain free fatty acids) having a carbon chain length of C6 to C12 in a range of from 25 to 80 wt.%. An animal feed comprising the encapsulated MCFA composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 19 and at least one other nutnent. The animal feed according to clause 22, wherein the at least one other nutrient is not comprising a source of MCFA having a content of medium chain free fatty acids in a range of from 25 to 80 wt.%. The animal feed according to clause 22 or 23 wherein the wall material is comprising, expressed on total weight of the encapsulated MCFA composition:

• 28 to 68 wt.% of a carbohydrate that is a starch hydrolysate having a DE in a range of from 5 to 40, and

• 2 to 10 wt.% of a n-OSA starch, expressed on total weight of the composition. The animal feed according to anyone of clause 22 to 24 and the animal feed is a broiler feed. The animal feed according to any one of clauses 22 to 25, wherein the at least one other nutrient is selected from the group consisting of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, triglycerides, and any combination of two or more thereof. An animal feed prepared by adding the encapsulated MCFA composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 19 to at least one other nutrient wherein the at least one other nutrient is not comprising a source of MCFA having a content of medium chain free fatty acids in a range of from 25 to 80 wt.%. A broiler feed prepared by adding the encapsulated MCFA composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 19 to at least one other nutrient wherein the at least one other nutrient is not comprising a source of MCFA having a content of medium chain free fatty acids in a range of from 25 to 80 wt.%. 29. The use of an encapsulated MCFA composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 19 as digestible anti-microbial ingredient in animal feed.

30. The use of an encapsulated MCFA composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 19 as digestible anti-microbial ingredient in broiler feed.

31. The use according to anyone of clauses 29 to 30 wherein the encapsulated MCFA composition is digestible for at least 79%, at least 86%, or at least 93%.

32. The use according to anyone of clauses 29 to 31 wherein the encapsulated MCFA composition is not causing diarrhoea in broilers.

EXAMPLES

1. Ingredients of the encapsulated MCFA composition

[0072] Split palm kernel oil fatty acids (SPKFA) (Grolux™ Lauri from Cargill) were used as MCFA source. This MCFA source had at least 94% free fatty acids on total weight of the MCFA source. Typically, 55% on total weight of this MCFA source are MCFA. Typically, this MCFA source had 3.5% C8 fatty acids, 3.5% CIO fatty acids and 48% C12 fatty acids, expressed on total weight of the MCFA source.

[0073] The wall material consisted of a glucose syrup and n-OSA starch.

The glucose syrup had a DE of 30. The glucose syrup has a dry substance content of 72.5%.

The n-OSA starch was an enzyme thinned n-OSA starch. The n-OSA starch had a dry substance content of 95%. The n-OSA starch had a viscosity, when dissolved in an aqueous solution at a concentration of 25% dry substance, in a range from 450 to 1100 cP, whereby the viscosity is measured at 25 °C in a RVA after 4 minutes at 250rpm.

2. Preparation of a pre-emulsion

[0074] An emulsion, having a total solids content of 40%, was prepared according to the following composition:

20.00 wt.% MCFA source - SPKFA

2. 10 wt.% n-OSA starch

24.83 wt.% glucose syrup DE 30 53.07 wt.% water

[0075] For the preparation of the pre-emulsion, glucose syrup and water were mixed at a temperature of 60°C. n-OSA starch was added to the water phase, followed by the addition of the MCFA source. A pre-emulsion was prepared in an Ultra Turrax T50, using a mixing speed of 6000 rpm during 30 minutes.

3. Homogenization of the pre-emulsion

[0076] The pre-emulsion was transferred to the two-stage homogenizer ( GEA Niro Soavi

PandaPlus). Homogenization was performed by a double passage of the pre-emulsion through the homogenizer at a total pressure of 100 bar, of which 20bar on the second stage of the two-stage homogenizer. The homogenized emulsion was kept in a holding tank at 60°C.

4. Spray-drying

[0077] The homogenized emulsion was added to the feed vessel of the spay tower (MS 900, Siccadania). The emulsion was fed through a bi-fluid nozzle onto a multistage dryer with internal fluid bed. The inlet of the dryer was at 180°C, the outlet was at 80°C. Temperature of the product in the collector was 40°C. There was no recycling of fines.

5. Analysis methods

- Bulk loose density & bulk packed density:

The bulk loose density is determined by measuring the weight of powder that is added to a 250 ml glass cylinder up to the 250ml graduation, i.e. loose sample (g).

The cylinder containing the powder is subsequently tapped for 200 taps by means of a vibrating plate. The volume of the tapped powder in the glass cylinder is measured, i.e packed sample (ml). The bulk packed (also called tapped) density is calculated based on the loose sample value and the packed sample value according to the following equations:

Bulk loose density (g/1) = (Loose sample (g) / 250 ml sample) x 1000

Bulk packed (or tapped) density (g/1) = (Loose sample (g) / packed sample (ml)) x 1000 - Hausner ratio:

The Hausner ratio is calculated based on the bulk loose density and the bulk packed density according to the following equation:

Hausner ratio = (Bulk packed density / Bulk loose density)

The Hausner ratio is correlated to the flowability of the powder according to the following table:

- Particle size distribution:

Particle size distribution is measured by means of laser diffraction (Sympatec Helos Rodos)

6. Results

[0078] The product obtained in the collector of the spray tower was the encapsulated MCFA composition.

The encapsulated MCFA composition had the following composition:

- 50 wt.% MCFA source - SPKFA (i.e. 27.5 wt.% MCFAs)

5 wt.% n-OSA starch

- 45 wt.% glucose syrup DE 30 The encapsulated MCFA composition had the following characteristics:

- Dry substance: 97.4%

- Bulk loose density : 371 g/1

- Bulk packed density: 427 g/1

- Product flowability: Hausner ratio: 1.15 - flowability character: Good

- Particle size distribution: DIO : 21.38 micron

D50 : 66.92 micron

D90 : 202.73 micron

D[4,3] : 95.16 micron

D[3,2] : 45.73 micron