Abstract: Embodiments include animal feed preparation systems and methods. In an embodiment, a method of administering fine particulates with a total mixed ration includes adding total mixed ration components to a vessel. The method further includes adding the fine particulates and an aqueous composition to the vessel. The method further includes mixing the aqueous composition, the fine particulates, and the total mixed ration together to form an agglomerated total mixed ration. The method further includes providing the agglomerated total mixed ration to an animal. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to compositions herein can include one or more of a tomato extract, a rhubarb extract, a garlic extract, a cashew shell composition, and a saponin composition, wherein the composition prevents or reduces methanogenesis in animals. Embodiments herein also relate to compositions including one or more of glycoalkaloids, saponins, anthraquinones, anacardic acid, and allicin and methods for using the same for mitigating methanogenesis in animals. In an embodiment, a composition can include glycoalkaloids, such as ?-tomatine, that can prevent methanogenesis. In an embodiment, a method of processing animal feed is included. In an embodiment, a method of treating an animal to reduce methanogenesis is included. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments herein include a composition that can include one or more saponins and one or more non-pathogenic bacterial strains. In an embodiment, a method of treating an animal to reduce the bactericidal effect of protozoa is included. The method can include administering a composition comprising saponins and administering a composition comprising at least 1×107 colony forming units (CFU) per gram of one or more bacterial strains. The saponins can reduce a bactericidal activity of protozoa within the animal on the one or more bacterial strains. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: The invention is related to compositions including saponins and saponin-protective agents and related methods. In an embodiment, a composition is included herein. The composition can specifically include a saponin composition comprising saponins and a saponin-protective agent, wherein the saponin-protective agent prevents deglycosylation of the saponins in an aqueous environment containing glycosidase enzymes. Other embodiments are included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to the production of alkyl esters from lipid feed stocks. In an embodiment, a process for producing alkyl esters is included. The process can include mixing a lipid feed stock with an alcohol, water, and at least one of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and/or one or more acids to form a reaction mixture, and contacting the reaction mixture with a catalyst under supercritical conditions for the alcohol, the catalyst comprising a metal oxide. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments herein include a composition that can include a saponin composition including saponins and at least one medium chain fatty acid (MCFA) or ester or salt thereof. In an embodiment, the saponins and at least one MCFA present in the composition can work synergistically to prevent methanogenesis by bacteria. In another embodiment, a method of processing animal feed using the compositions herein is included. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to the production of alkyl esters from acidified soap stock. In an embodiment, a process for producing alkyl esters is provided. The process can include mixing acidified soap stock with an alcohol, water, carbon dioxide, and/or carbon monoxide, to form a reaction mixture, and contacting the reaction mixture with a catalyst under supercritical conditions for the alcohol, the catalyst including a metal oxide. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to the production of alkyl esters from acidified soap stock. In an embodiment, a process for producing alkyl esters is provided. The process can include mixing acidified soap stock with an alcohol, water, carbon dioxide, and/or carbon monoxide, to form a reaction mixture, and contacting the reaction mixture with a catalyst under supercritical conditions for the alcohol, the catalyst including a metal oxide. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments include moisture addition systems and methods. In an embodiment, a system includes a vessel defining an interior volume, a fluid supply system to add fluid into the vessel, a first moisture sensor, and a control module. The first moisture sensor is configured to measure the moisture content of a material within the vessel, such as a total mixed ration (TMR). The first moisture sensor can include a microwave moisture sensor. The control module is configured to control the fluid supply system. The control module controls the amount and rate at which fluid is added to the vessel. The control module is configured to receive a signal regarding the moisture content within the vessel from the first moisture sensor. The amount or rate at which fluid is added can be varied based on the moisture content within the vessel. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to the production of alkyl esters from lipid feed stocks. In an embodiment, a process for producing alkyl esters is included. The process can include mixing a lipid feed stock with an alcohol, water, and at least one of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and/or one or more acids to form a reaction mixture, and contacting the reaction mixture with a catalyst under supercritical conditions for the alcohol, the catalyst comprising a metal oxide. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to apparatus and systems for phenolic and ketone synthesis and methods regarding the same. In an embodiment, a method of producing phenolics and ketones is included. The method can specifically include forming a reaction mixture comprising nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) and water. The method can also include contacting the reaction mixture with a metal oxide catalyst at a temperature of 350 degrees Celsius or higher and a pressure of at least about 3200 psi to form a reaction product mixture. The reaction product mixture can include at least about 20 wt. % phenolics and at least about 10 wt. % ketones as a percentage of the total mass of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC). Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments herein include a composition that can include one or more saponins and one or more non-pathogenic bacterial strains. In an embodiment, a method of treating an animal to reduce the bactericidal effect of protozoa is included. The method can include administering a composition comprising saponins and administering a composition comprising at least 1×107 colony forming units (CFU) per gram of one or more bacterial strains. The saponins can reduce a bactericidal activity of protozoa within the animal on the one or more bacterial strains. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include apparatus and systems for hydrocarbon synthesis and methods regarding the same. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for creating a hydrocarbon product stream comprising reacting a reaction mixture in the presence of a catalyst inside of a reaction vessel to form a product mixture, the reaction mixture comprising a carbon source and water. The temperature inside the reaction vessel can be between 450 degrees Celsius and 600 degrees Celsius and the pressure inside the reaction vessel can be above supercritical pressure for water. In an embodiment, the invention includes an extrusion reactor system for creating a hydrocarbon product stream. The temperature inside the extrusion reactor housing between 450 degrees Celsius and 600 degrees Celsius. Pressure inside the reaction vessel can be above supercritical pressure for water. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments herein include a composition that can include a saponin composition including saponins and at least one medium chain fatty acid (MCFA) or ester or salt thereof. In an embodiment, the saponins and at least one MCFA present in the composition can work synergistically to prevent methanogenesis by bacteria. In another embodiment, a method of processing animal feed using the compositions herein is included. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to apparatus and systems for phenolic and ketone synthesis and methods regarding the same. In an embodiment, a method of producing phenolics and ketones is included. The method can specifically include forming a reaction mixture comprising nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) and water. The method can also include contacting the reaction mixture with a metal oxide catalyst at a temperature of 350 degrees Celsius or higher and a pressure of at least about 3200 psi to form a reaction product mixture. The reaction product mixture can include at least about 20 wt. % phenolics and at least about 10 wt. % ketones as a percentage of the total mass of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC). Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: The invention is related to compositions including sulfide binding agents and related methods. In an embodiment, the invention includes a composition including saponins, and a sulfide binding agent, the sulfide binding agent comprising a metal containing compound. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of processing animal feed including contacting an animal feed material with a composition, the composition comprising a sulfide binding agent, the sulfide binding agent comprising a metal containing compound. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of treating animals for dietary sulfur overload including administering to an animal an effective amount of a composition comprising a sulfide binding agent, the sulfide binding agent comprising a metal containing compound.

Abstract: The invention is related to compositions including saponins and saponin-protective agents and related methods. In an embodiment, a composition is included herein. The composition can specifically include a saponin composition comprising saponins and a saponin-protective agent, wherein the saponin-protective agent prevents deglycosylation of the saponins in an aqueous environment containing glycosidase enzymes. Other embodiments are included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include apparatus and systems for hydrocarbon synthesis and methods regarding the same. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for creating a hydrocarbon product stream comprising reacting a reaction mixture in the presence of a catalyst inside of a reaction vessel to form a product mixture, the reaction mixture comprising a carbon source and water. The temperature inside the reaction vessel can be between 450 degrees Celsius and 600 degrees Celsius and the pressure inside the reaction vessel can be above supercritical pressure for water. In an embodiment, the invention includes an extrusion reactor system for creating a hydrocarbon product stream. The temperature inside the extrusion reactor housing between 450 degrees Celsius and 600 degrees Celsius. Pressure inside the reaction vessel can be above supercritical pressure for water. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include apparatus and systems for hydrocarbon synthesis and methods regarding the same. In an embodiment, the invention includes a process for creating a hydrocarbon product stream comprising reacting a reaction mixture in the presence of a catalyst inside of a reaction vessel to form a product mixture, the reaction mixture comprising a carbon source and water. The temperature inside the reaction vessel can be between 450 degrees Celsius and 600 degrees Celsius and the pressure inside the reaction vessel can be above supercritical pressure for water. In an embodiment, the invention includes an extrusion reactor system for creating a hydrocarbon product stream. The temperature inside the extrusion reactor housing between 450 degrees Celsius and 600 degrees Celsius. Pressure inside the reaction vessel can be above supercritical pressure for water. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include apparatus and systems for hydrocarbon synthesis and methods regarding the same. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for creating a hydrocarbon product stream comprising reacting a reaction mixture in the presence of a catalyst inside of a reaction vessel to form a product mixture, the reaction mixture comprising a carbon source and water. The temperature inside the reaction vessel can be between 450 degrees Celsius and 600 degrees Celsius and the pressure inside the reaction vessel can be above supercritical pressure for water. In an embodiment, the invention includes an extrusion reactor system for creating a hydrocarbon product stream. The temperature inside the extrusion reactor housing between 450 degrees Celsius and 600 degrees Celsius. Pressure inside the reaction vessel can be above supercritical pressure for water. Other embodiments are also included herein.