Abstract: The invention features compositions and methods for the administration of an oxidatively transformed carotenoid, or a component thereof, for improving the health of animals, such as increasing joint mobility, increasing activity, and improving coat quality. In particular, methods for improving the health of animals comprise administering compositions comprising an oligomeric material formed by reaction of oxygen with a carotenoid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to carotenoid-oxygen copolymers, compositions, methods of identifying and quantifying carotenoid-oxygen copolymers in food and related sources, and methods of producing compositions comprising same. In one aspect the method of identifying and quantifying carotenoid-oxygen copolymers comprises an analysis of a low molecular weight marker compound in said sources. In another aspect the present invention provides a method of preparing compositions comprising said carotenoid-oxygen copolymers and/or enhancing levels of said copolymers in food sources in a sufficient and practically useful concentration to have beneficial effects in animals and humans, including beneficial immunological and health effects.

Abstract: Necrotic enteritis (NE) has been largely found in commercial broiler chickens when they are produced without the use of antimicrobial growth promoters. The present invention provides a method and use of oxidized carotenoids, components thereof and compositions and products containing same, such as OxBC ('OxC-beta™, Product from Avivagen Inc., Canada) for preventing necrotic enteritis in animals, such as poultry. Related compositions, kits are also herein included in the invention.

Abstract: The invention features compositions and methods for the administration of an oxidatively transformed carotenoid, or a fractionated component thereof, for improving the health of animals, such as increasing joint mobility, increasing activity, and improving coat quality.

Abstract: The invention features compositions for administration of an oxidatively transformed carotenoid or a component thereof and methods of promoting weight gain and feed conversion efficiency therewith.

Abstract: The invention features compositions for administration of an oxidatively transformed carotenoid, fractionated oxidatively transformed carotenoid and components of oxidatively transformed carotenoid. The compositions are useful for supplementing the diet of an animal.

Abstract: The invention features compositions for administration of an oxidatively transformed carotenoid or a component thereof and methods of promoting weight gain and feed conversion efficiency therewith.

Abstract: This invention features fractionated oxidized carotenoid or retinoid mixtures, and individual components thereof, which are useful as cell-differentiation-inducing, anti-proliferative, anti-metastatic and anti-tumor agents. The mixtures and compounds of the invention can be used alone or in combination with other anticancer agents for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: This invention features fractionated oxidized carotenoid or retinoid mixtures, and individual components thereof, which are useful as cell-differentiation-inducing, anti-proliferative, anti-metastatic and anti-tumor agents. The mixtures and compounds of the invention can be used alone or in combination with other anticancer agents for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: .beta.-Carotene and canthaxanthin, as representative carotenoids, and to a lesser extent, retinoic acid, a representative retinoid, undergo extensive oxidation to yield substances, insofar as oxidized .beta.-carotene is a model, which have properties useful as non-toxic agents active against cell proliferation, tumors, and tumorigenic viruses, and useful as promoters of cell differentiation. It is evident from chemical analysis of the highly oxidized .beta.-carotene product mixture that none of the various forms of vitamin A are present or are present only in minor amounts. Furthermore, the biological activities of oxidized canthaxanthin and retinoic acid, which cannot form, vitamin A, indicate the presence of active substances that are different from vitamin A. Although the anti-proliferative and differentiation promotion activities of oxidized .beta.-carotene resemble those of vitamin A itself, generally the effects are more powerful for oxidized .beta.-carotene in a wide variety of circumstances.