Abstract: The invention relates to livestock feed compositions and methods for producing food products of improved nutritional quality from the livestock. Specifically, in one embodiment, feed compositions comprising whole flaxseed and dietary grit, and further comprising menhaden oil, soybean oil, and vitamin E, can be used to produce chicken eggs with improved essential fatty acid and vitamin E contents. The eggs so produced score favorably when compared to control eggs in taste tests. Furthermore, there is no reduction in egg production from the chickens fed a diet of the compositions disclosed.

Abstract: A chew toy having a substantial component of vegetable matter wherein such vegetable matter, in dried and powdered or granulation form, is melted as it is injection molded. The process provides a chew toy with a consistency and chewability preferred by most dogs that is not attainable by known prior art baking or compression molding techniques.

Abstract: A hardness modifiable edible dog chew produced by extruding a vegetable starch mixture into beads and then injection molding the beads into the shape of the dog chew. The mixture includes lecithin, calcium carbonate and optionally a dog attractant.

Abstract: A food composition, particularly for pets, is prepared by adding and mixing cereal, vegetable protein extract, animal meal, vegetable by-products and lipid ingredients together and extrusion-cooking the mixture and then discharging the extrusion-cooked mixture via a die to obtain a plurality of extrudate bands and to form the bands into a lamellar structure product having a plurality of band layers, after which the lamellar structure is cut into pieces so that the pieces have a band layer lamellar structure and then, the pieces are dried. The ingredients are employed and the process is carried out so that the dried product has a protein content of between 14% and 35%, a lipid content of between 2% and 20%, a carbohydrate content of at least 25%, a moisture content of between 2% and 15% and a density of between 0.3 and 0.6 g/cc. The die has a die plate and a cone for forming the bands and layered structure.

Abstract: A quick-fermented feed is prepared by incorporating plant concentrate materials into alkali-treated wastes of agricultural products to lower the pH to a level below 10, inoculating the mixture with lactic acid bacteria capable of growing under alkaline conditions or high salt conditions, and fermenting the resulting mixture.

Abstract: A dietary composition is provided for promoting healthy weight loss in cats which contains, on a dry matter basis, from about 0.2 to 1.5% by weight fatty acids selected from the group consisting of C18:3n3, C20:4n6, C20:5n3, C22:6n3, and mixtures thereof, and from about 28 to 50% by weight protein. The composition may be administered to obese cats to provide optimum weight loss while preventing hepatic lipidosis and other associated diseases.

Abstract: A composition and method for preparing a food supplement. The composition consisting essentially of at least 70% by weight of an oil seed constituent, at least 8% by weight of an additional plant constituent and at least 4% by weight of yeast wherein oil seed constituent, additional plant constituent and yeast are prepared by blending and cutting for less than about 20 minutes at a temperature of less than about 100.degree. F. and in the presence of light of a wavelength not greater than that of red light and of an intensity not greater than that of a darkroom light to thereby inhibit oxidation of the components of the composition.

Abstract: A composition and method for preparing a food supplement. The composition consisting essentially of at least 70% by weight of an oil seed constituent, at least 8% by weight of an additional plant constituent and at least 4% by weight of yeast wherein oil seed constituent, additional plant constituent and yeast are prepared by blending and cutting for less than about 20 minutes at a temperature of less than about 100.degree. F. and in the presence of light of a wavelength not greater than that of red light and of an intensity not greater than that of a darkroom light to thereby inhibit oxidation of the components of the composition.

Abstract: A completely digestible highly nutritious dog chew formulated primarily of turkey meal, rice meal, casein and starch carbohydrate, the texture of hardness of which is easily modified to suit a particular do g by the dog owner. By irradiating the chew in a microwave oven, the chew is caused to expand and is thereby rendered more easily chewable.

Abstract: Fish aquarium owners are enabled to feed fish during an extended absence through the use of wax-based fish food compositions. Fish food and a water-expandable material, such as clay, are substantially homogenous distributed within wax. The wax protects the fish food from spoilage due to premature exposure to water and from accessibility to undesired microorganisms, thereby enabling large concentrations of fish food to be included. The water-expandable materials expand after being immersed in the water, thereby enabling the article to become softened or to be fragmented. Accordingly, fish can ingest fragments of a wax-based block which then pass through the gastrointestinal tract of the fish without causing an obstruction.

Abstract: This invention is directed to increasing the efficiency of production including the rate of production of urea-containing pelletized feeds, increasing the nonprotein nitrogen content of such feeds and increasing the nonprotein nitrogen ("NPN") content of such feeds while improving or maintaining the gravitational flowability of such feeds when the feeds are subjected to material handling conditions, as when they are subjected to gravitational flow.

Abstract: A nutrient formulation including moisture which is designed for use in poultry and other animals, and a method of feeding it which improves subsequent livability, cumulative feed efficiency and weight gain is disclosed. The method comprises making available for consumption ad libitum a high moisture material containing at least about 20% by weight water to the poultry or other animals before they are offered dry food ad libitum.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods to improve the processing and storage stability of dry enzyme preparations. To this extend an inorganic salt, e.g. MgSO.sub.4, is dissolved in an enzyme containing solution which is subsequently dried, using e.g. spray drying. Not only does the addition of salt improve the yield of enzyme activity upon drying, also the storage and processing stability of the obtained solid composition containing the enzyme and the inorganic salt are improved with respect to enzyme activity. The invention further discloses solid compositions comprising enzymes and inorganic salts.

Abstract: A dried, ready-to-eat pet food product comprising a gelatinized starch matrix which includes a coating or filling which contains a probiotic micro-organism. The cereal product is in the form of a pet food. The product may be produced by cooking a starch source to form a gelatinized starch matrix; forming the gelatinized matrix into pieces; drying the pieces; and coating or filling the pieces with a carrier which contains probiotic micro-organisms.

Abstract: A gelatinized cereal product which contains a plant material which is a source of inulin; for example chicory. Sufficient of the plant material is included to provide at least about 0.25% by weight of inulin on a dry basis. The cereal product may be used as a pet food or breakfast cereal.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to enzymatic methods for improving the conservation (storage) and feed values of fibrous crops by treating the crops with a cellulase enzyme mixture.

Abstract: An animal feed, preferably a poultry feed, containing an 1.alpha.-hydroxylated vitamin D compound. The vitamin D compound causes improved utilization of phosphorus, calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron and manganese available from inorganic sources in animal feed so as to minimize, or perhaps eliminate, the need for supplemental quantities of these minerals in an animal diet.

Abstract: A composition and process of use are provided to improve glucose metabolism in companion animals by controlling the postprandial glycemic response in those animals. The composition includes a source of protein, a source of fat, and a source of carbohydrates from a multiple grain source comprising a blend of sorghum and barley.

Abstract: A nutrient formulation including moisture which is designed for use in very young poultry, and a method of feeding it which improves subsequent livability, cumulative feed efficiency and weight gain is disclosed. The method includes feeding a high moisture solid containing at least about 20% by weight water to the poultry before the poultry is allowed to eat dry food ad libitum.

Abstract: A corn-based mixed diet comprises rumen-protected lysine, rumen-protected methionine and an appetizer preferred by the dairy cows, which makes it possible to obtain a stable and high milk production from dairy cows. A method for stably producing a high yield of milk comprises the step of feeding to dairy cows in the course of the lactation period (1) a corn-based mixed diet containing rumen-protected lysine, rumen-protected methionine, an appetizer preferred by the dairy cows and a corn-based diet or (2) rumen-protected lysine, rumen-protected methionine and a corn-based diet, an appetizer being contained in one member selected from the group consisting of the rumen-protected lysine, rumen-protected methionine and corn-based diet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preserving liquid and pasty feedstuffs made from potatoes, food residues, spent grains, brewer's yeast, distiller's spent mash and similar constituents, which comprises adding an aqueous potassium sorbate solution and an aqueous solution of a physiologically harmless acid, to the feedstuff using intensive mixers, and the feedstuffs preserved in this manner.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions useful in methods for the treatment of coccidiosis. The compositions are designed to be administered to animals infected with coccidiosis-inducing organisms and contain an osmoprotectant, e.g. betaine, and an anticoccidial agent or coccidiostat.

Abstract: A method of forming a weather resistant sweet corn based animal feed product includes mixing sweet corn and water to form a sticky mixture which is then extruded through an open tapering die where the mixture is greatly pressurized and ejected as a continuous log of a size and shape dictated by the die. The log is then cut to length to produce weather resistant sweet corn based animal feed products.

Abstract: A method for preparing a food supplement. The food supplement consisting essentially of at least 70% by weight of an oil seed constituent, at least 8% by weight of an additional plant constituent and at least 4% by weight of yeast wherein oil seed constituent, additional plant constituent and yeast are prepared by blending and cutting for less than about 20 minutes at a temperature of less than about 100.degree. F. and in the presence of light of a wavelength not greater than that of red light and of an intensity not greater than that of a darkroom light to thereby inhibit oxidation of the components of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods to improve the processing and storage stability of dry enzyme preparations. To this extent an inorganic salt, e.g. MgSO.sub.4, is dissolved in an enzyme containing solution which is subsequently dried, using e.g. spray drying. Not only does the addition of salt improve the yield of enzyme activity upon drying, also the storage and processing stability of the obtained solid composition containing the enzyme and the inorganic salt are improved with respect to enzyme activity. The invention further discloses solid compositions comprising enzymes and inorganic salts. Preferably the enzymes comprise phytase, protease, hemicellulase, cellulase, and mixtures thereof, and the inorganic salts are divalent cations comprising zinc, magnesium, or calcium. The concentration of the inorganic salt is at least 5%, preferably at least 15%, more preferably at least 30%, still more preferably at least 60%, and most preferably at least 90% (w/w).

Abstract: A process for making a heat expandable dog chew comprised primarily of injection molding potato starch granules and an attractant is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of storing forage products in a mass includes the steps of coating all of the exposed surfaces of the mass with a melted tallow, and allowing the tallow composition to cool to seal the surface of the mass. The tallow is preferably applied at a rate of between about 0.4 and about 0.8 pounds per square foot of surface area, and penetrates to a depth of between about 1/4 and 3/4, forming a protective layer or shell with the forage products. The tallow preferably has a titre of between about 47 and about 49.

Abstract: Coated animal feed agglomerates such as pellets are made starting with uncoated agglomerates or pellets that may be formed of easily agglomerated or pelleted ingredients but which may be lacking in desirable nutritional or other ingredients. A binder such as a viscous aqueous gel is coated onto the uncoated agglomerates or pellets. Thereafter, the damp binder coated agglomerates or pellets are dusted with a powder containing ingredients having a substantial lactose content which usually are not amenable to being extruded. After the dusting powder has been applied, the coated and dusted pellets undergo a curing step before they are dried and cooled.

Abstract: This invention is directed to diets for chicks designed to provide their dietary requirements of methionine. Betaine is used in place of methionine to supply a portion of this requirement.

Abstract: A fish-breeding feed which refloats after initially sinking. The fish-breeding feed contains conventional feeds, glucose and other materials which enhance the overall quality of the feed.

Abstract: A method of increasing the conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content of milk consists of feeding to a lactating cow a diet which contains about 1% to about 5% of a vegetable oil containing linoleic or linolenic acid. Feed for use in the method and milk containing increased levels of CLA are also disclosed.

Abstract: Livestock and poultry are fed with feed containing at least one spice chosen from among the families Myristicaceae, Cruciferae, Rutaceae, Compositae, Pedaliaceae, Piperaceae, Leguminosae, Umbelliferae, Myrtaceae, Solanaceae, Labiatae, Lauraceae, Liliaceae and Zingiberaceae, whereby the active ingredients of the spice taken into the bodies of the thus-fed livestock and poultry are transferred to their internal fat thereby to modify their meat and to improve the smell of their fat. Accordingly, the fatty smell of the meat and fat to be obtained from the thus-fed livestock and poultry is removed and the freshness-keeping power of the meat and fat is enhanced. As the spices may be added to feed, livestock and poultry may efficiently take the spices with ease.

Abstract: Crystallized anhydrous zilpaterol hydrochloride having less than 5% of the crystals with a size of less than 15 microns and at least 95% of the crystals having a size of less than 250 microns and a process for its preparation and novel intermediates.

Abstract: A liquid crustacean foodstuff comprising an encapsulated oil-coated particulate feed in an aqueous media.

Abstract: Hard, stable, extruded animal feed nuggets are prepared for ruminants, the nuggets comprising between about 90 to 99 wt % of at least one protein-containing ingredient and between about 1.0 to 6.0 wt % of added fat. Preferably, the animal feed nugget is also comprised of between about 0.02 and 5.0 wt % of sulfur. The animal feed nugget of this invention is prepared by a method comprising the steps of:A. plasticizing a blend of at least one protein-containing ingredient, added fat, sulfur, if present, and water in an extruder,B. extruding the plasticized blend to form an animal feed nugget, andC. drying the extruded nugget to a water content of less than about 12 wt %, based on the total weight of the nugget.Animal feed nuggets prepared by this method function as a rumen escape composition in that they permit the release of beneficial nutrients in the abomasum or subsequent digestive tract.

Abstract: A feed supplement for ruminants comprising a gluconeogenic compound, which can be digested in the rumen and a hydrogenated fatty acid, which is rumen inert, is described. One example of such a feed supplement comprises 30% gluconeogenic compounds, by weight and 30% C.sub.14 -C.sub.22 hydrogenated fatty acids by weight, the balance being essentially inert compounds. The feed supplement of the present invention can be used in the treatment of or for the prevention of negative energy or a nutrient imbalance. A method of treating or preventing a nutrient imbalance by administering to a ruminant in need thereof, a daily dosage amount of a composition comprising a gluconeogenic compound, which can be digested in the rumen and a hydrogenated fatty acid, which is rumen inert, for from 10-21 days prior to calving to 21-42 days after calving.

Abstract: Coated animal feed agglomerates such as pellets are made starting with uncoated agglomerates or pellets that may be formed of easily agglomerated or pelleted ingredients but which may be lacking in desirable nutritional or other ingredients. A binder such as a viscous aqueous gel is coated onto the uncoated agglomerates or pellets. Thereafter, the damp binder coated agglomerates or pellets are dusted with a powder containing ingredients which usually are not amenable to being extruded. After the dusting powder has been applied the coated and dusted pellets are dried and cooled.

Abstract: A method of increasing the nutritional value of mycotoxin-contaminated animal feed ingested by an animal by feeding the animal an acid-activated montmorillonite clay simultaneously with the mycotoxin-contaminated or ergot-contaminated animal feed. The acid-activated montmorillonite clay can be fed to the animal in any form, e.g., granular, powder, pellets and the like or can be admixed with other animal food or feed supplements, so long as the clay is present in the animal's stomach (digestive tract) at the same time as the mycotoxin-contaminated animal feed in an amount sufficient to absorb or adsorb mycotoxin from the digestive tract of the animal and thereby aid the animal in metabolic absorption of nutrients from the contaminated animal feed.

Abstract: A product densification method for producing sinking aquatic feed, densified cattle "range cubes" or the like includes a conventional cooking extruder into which feed ingredients, including cereal grains and additives, are introduced. The feed ingredients are cooked, gelatinized and expanded in the cooking extruder to form an intermediate feed product. The intermediate feed product is then loaded onto a cooling conveyor where it is transported to a product densification unit or PDU. The PDU is a specially designed high speed, low shear extruder which is adapted to densify and shape the intermediate feed product into a final feed product which is dense enough to sink in water and stable enough to stay together for a considerable period of time while submerged or exposed to weather. The density of the sinking feed, and therefore, the sink rate thereof, can be controlled by controlling the shaft speed of the high speed screw in the PDU.

Abstract: A mineral supplement with vitamins for ruminant animals, and a method for its preparation. Vitamin component granules are provided that contain one or more of Vitamin A, Vitamin D and Vitamin E, the majority of the granules being sized to pass a no. 31/2 U.S. Standard Sieve but not a no. 16 U.S. Standard Sieve, the granules having an irregular shape such that the size and shape of the granules substantially prevents them from separating from the mineral supplement. The granules are combined with a mineral mix of finely divided particles that are visibly smaller than the majority of the vitamin granules, the mineral mix containing one or more of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. The granules may be made by formulating pellets containing the vitamin component, dividing the pellets and retaining the desired size range of granules, and mixing the granules with a finely divided mineral mix.

Abstract: An improved process for treating grain used for animal feeds includes steps of conditioning the grain to soften the grain coats, quickly heating the grain to a temperature just below a temperature sufficient to cause the grains to burst, compressing the heated grain between rollers to cause the grain to burst, further pressing the burst grains into flakes, and cooling the flaked grain. During the cooling step water is added to bring the moisture content of the final product to a desired level; digestibility enzymes and other additives are added with the water.

Abstract: An animal food composition is prepared from a mixture of from 55% to 85% meat and meat by-product and from 10% to 25% cereal ingredients by weight. The mixture is emulsified at a temperature less than 15.degree. C. to obtain an emulsified paste which then is pumped to a frame system for containing and shaping the paste. The framed contained paste is cooked to coagulate the paste into a coagulated shaped form, the coagulated shaped paste is cut into pieces suitable for being cut into chunks, the pieces are cooled to harden the pieces, and the hardened pieces are cut into chunks which may be carried out particularly so that irregularly shaped chunks are obtained. A further food product is prepared by filling the chunks in a container together with a sauce or base, and the container and contents are heated to sterilize the contents.

Abstract: A process for adding fat to an extruded pet food composition using an under oil cutting process wherein the extrudate is simultaneously cut, infused with oil and dried to form food pellets.

Abstract: A feed grain conditioning composition including an aqueous tempering agent including a Yucca extract containing saponin and an antifreeze agent. Preferably, the Yucca extract contains sarsasaponin. The antifreeze agent is preferably selected from the group consisting of calcium chloride and propylene glycol. In a preferred embodiment, the amount of antifreeze agent is sufficient to depress the freezing point of the tempering agent to about -30.degree. F. or less. A method of tempering feed grain by applying the feed grain conditioning composition to feed grain is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dog treat food product is disclosed which is extruded from a nutritionally balanced mixture of carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. The dog treat food product exhibits improved resistance to breakage on impact by drying pieces of the extrudate under controlled conditions of humidity to a moisture level of between 6-10% by weight at a relative humidity of about 5 to about 25%, a dry bulb temperature of about 150.degree. to about 250.degree. F., a wet bulb temperature of about 105.degree. to about 150.degree. F. and for at least 15 minutes.

Abstract: A combination of entirely natural antioxidants provides an unexpected synergistic effect in extending the shelf life of animal-fat-containing feed when admixed with such fat or feed in amounts which are economically feasible. The specific antioxidants are lecithin, tocopherol and oil of rosemary. All combinations of at least two of these in amounts of from 0.01 to 2.0 percent by weight of lecithin, from 0.0035 to 0.056 percent by weight of tocopherol and from 0.01 to 0.10 percent by weight of oil of rosemary (based on the combined weight of antioxidant and animal fat) inordinately extend the shelf life of animal feed in general and of pet food in particular, when such products contain animal fat.

Abstract: A ruminant feedstuff comprises, in admixture, one or more edible, water-insoluble calcium or magnesium fatty acid salts and animal or vegetable protein nutritional material, the protein material having been converted during formation of the fatty acid salt into a form which is substantially non-degradable in the rumen but which is digestible in the lower gut. This feedstuff may be obtained by forming a substantially homogeneous mixture of animal or vegetable protein nutritional material, one or more fatty acids, suitably in liquid form, and a calcium or magnesium compound capable of forming an edible water-insoluble salt with the fatty acid under the conditions employed, initiating reaction of the fatty acid(s) and calcium or magnesium compound, suitably by raising the temperature of the ingredients e.g. by injection of steam into the substantially homogeneous mixture formed, maintaining the mixture at elevated temperature, e.g. 110.degree. to 115.degree. C., and then cooling the product.

Abstract: A process for preparing a cohesive, retort-stable, shaped food piece. The process comprises: (a) preparing a premixture comprising, by weight, (1) from about 15% to about 65% by weight protein, (2) from about 15% to about 65% by weight starch, (3) from 0% to about 9% by weight fat, (4) from 0% to about 0.7% by weight added sulfur, and (5) from 0% to about 2% by weight dicalcium phosphate; (b) combining the premixture with water to form a secondary mixture, wherein the ratio of premixture to water is in the range of from about 1.6:1 to about 4:1; (c) mixing the secondary mixture for a period of time sufficient to obtain a substantially uniformly mixed dough and under conditions such that the temperature of the secondary mixture and uniformly mixed dough in the mixing operation are maintained in the range of from about 15.degree. C. to about 45.degree. C.; and (d) extruding the uniformly mixed dough into a desired shaped piece.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a process to correct and optimize the feed-composition on basis of testing the levels of so called FIL-lectines in the blood. This correction is exerted by adding certain sugars and amino acids to the feed. Hereby the FIL-level may be adjusted in order to optimize the growth.

Abstract: A process and feed composition for supplying fatty acids to ruminant animals which comprises feeding saturated fatty acids in the form of triglycerides to the animals. These highly saturated triglycerides may be added in an amount preferably between 2-5% of the total dry matter of the ratio. The highly saturated fatty acids according to the present invention have an iodine value of less than 25.