| abstract |
A method for improving outcomes in ruminant feeding, the method comprising administering a composition comprising a glycosidase inhibiting iminosugar; wherein the improved outcome is selected from one or more of; inhibiting protozoal activity in the rumen of a ruminant; improving ruminant feed efficiency; improving growth performance of a ruminant; and/or reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Use of a composition comprising a glycosidase inhibiting iminosugar for improvement in the specified outcomes is also claimed. A composition comprising a saponin and a glycosidase inhibiting iminosugar is also claimed. The iminosugar is preferably obtained from a plant, in particular Stevia rebaudiana. The iminosugar is preferably selected from 2,5-dideoxy-2,5-imino-d-mannitol (DMDP), steviamine and 1-deoxynojirimycin. The composition of the method preferably further comprises a saponin, the saponin is preferably obtained from ivy, Yucca or Quillaja; particularly Ivy. The saponin is preferably alpha-hederin. |