Abstract: Described are compositions comprising one or more nutrients encapsulated in a controlled release lipid matrix for feeding an animal.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a method of delivering a bioactive composition to ceca of a bird. In some embodiments, the method comprises (a) providing a bioactive composition; (b) delivering a treatment effective amount of the bioactive composition to a cloaca of the bird; and (c) providing stimulation to a vent of the bird; whereby delivery of the bioactive composition to the ceca of the bird is accomplished.

Abstract: Described are compositions comprising one or more nutrients encapsulated in a controlled release lipid matrix for feeding an animal.

Abstract: The development and growth of oviparous species such as birds is enhanced by in ovo administration of an enteric modulator such as HMB. The enteric modulator is administered into the amnion, where it is then orally ingested by the subject. The enteric modulator enhances the enteric development of the subject prior to hatch, and enhances the growth of the animal before and after hatch.

Abstract: The development and growth of oviparous species such as birds is enhanced by in ovo administration of an enteric modulator such as HMB. The enteric modulator is administered into the amnion, where it is then orally ingested by the subject. The enteric modulator enhances the enteric development of the subject prior to hatch, and enhances the growth of the animal before and after hatch.

Abstract: The development of oviparous species such as birds after hatch is enhanced by feeding a subject prior to hatch. The subject is fed with a nutrient composition and/or an enteric modulator. A preferred nutrient composition contains at least one protein, peptide, amino acid or carbohydrate; a preferred enteric modulator is hydroxymethylbutyrate. Feeding may be accomplished by administering the nutrient composition and/or enteric modulator into the amnion where it is then orally ingested by the subject.

Abstract: The development of oviparous species such as birds after hatch is enhanced by feeding a subject prior to hatch. The subject is fed with a nutrient composition and/or an enteric modulator. A preferred nutrient composition contains at least one protein, peptide, amino acid or carbohydrate; a preferred enteric modulator is hydroxymethylbutyrate. Feeding may be accomplished by administering the nutrient composition and/or enteric modulator into the amnion where it is then orally ingested by the subject.

Abstract: A poultry and swine pulverizing or grinding apparatus comprises an enclosed housing having an inlet end and an outlet end. A grinding drum is rotatably mounted within the enclosed housing and provided with raised cutting teeth extending in a helical orientation along the longitudinal length of the grinding drum. A carcass retention element is positioned adjacent the length of the grinding drum and cooperates therewith to facilitate pulverizing or grinding of animal carcasses by the grinding drum into small size particles which exit the housing through the outlet end. The grinding drum of the apparatus is motivated by an operatively connected motor. Also described is an automated system for preparing animal carcasses for lactic acid fermentation and/or further processing utilizing the aforesaid grinding apparatus.

Abstract: Described is a method of treating diarrhea in a warm-blooded vertebrate animal, and a composition therefor. The method involves administering to the animal an effective amount of a methylamine, such as betaine. Also described is the use of a composition for the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of diarrhea in a warm-blooded vertebrate animal, wherein the composition contains an effective amount of a methylamine, such as betaine.