Abstract: Echinacea dietary supplements are useful adjuvants for live anticoccidial vaccines. Feed supplementation with Echinacea preparations enhances the immune response to such vaccines. Echinacea purpurea in amounts of about 0.1% to 0.5% administered for about two weeks to day-old chicks has been found effective for providing significant weight gain compared to vaccination alone.

Abstract: Seaweed supplement is included in diet of mammals and poultry to enhance immune response. In one embodiment, pasture forage is treated with seaweed supplement. In another embodiment, seaweed meal is directly fed to mammals and enhanced immune responses is manifested by increased width response after intradermal injection of phytohemaglutinin. In an independently inventive embodiment, seaweed supplement is administered to pigs exposed to PRRS disease to impart resistance to said disease and improve performance. In stilt another independently inventive embodiment, seaweed supplement is administered to lactating mares prior to weaning to mitigate the stress of weaning.

Abstract: Lactobacillus strains that have a genetic Profile I based on Apa I, Not I, and Xba I digests are provided. Preferably, the strains decrease level of at least one of coliforms and E. coli within the gastrointestinal tract of an animal. A direct-fed microbial that includes the strain is additionally provided. A method of feeding an animal the strain and a method of forming a direct fed microbial that includes the strain is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an animal feed. The animal feed includes fat, preferably vegetable oil; a solid nutritive source; such as a whole seed or grain or a fraction thereof; and a binder, the binder comprising hemicellulose. Also disclosed are methods for preparing an animal feed and for feeding an animal. When formulated into pellets, the disclosed animal feeds have excellent durability, such that pellet fracture and dust formation are minimized.

Abstract: A die head suitable for preparation of a dual textured pet food having a core and a shell surrounding or essentially surrounding the core, the die head attached to or an integral part of an extruder, which comprises a) at least two shell flow areas through which an extruded shell composition flows, b) a shell flow control regulator which is capable of impinging upon the shell flow, c) a core inlet tube located post shell flow control regulator, its orifice in the shell flow, and delivering core composition to the shell flow wherein the shell composition essentially or totally envelops the core composition d) the shell enveloped core composition exiting the die orifice.

Abstract: An amorphous solid cast feed product is made by solidifying a substantially liquid agricultural byproduct. The byproduct may be selected from stillage, condensed fermented corn solubles, stillage, condensed distillers solubles, whey, condensed whey solubles, or any mixture thereof. The amorphous solid cast feed product may further include an exogenous source of a carbohydrate, a fat, a vitamin, a mineral, and/or nitrogen, as well as a sulfonated lignin material, a recycled animal waste product, and/or another miscellaneous fibrous material. The substantially liquid agricultural byproduct may first be condensed by heat, then solidified by being cooled in a mold. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b).

Abstract: A modified corn step liquor product is substantially free of inorganic salts; contains from 7.5% by weight on a dry basis of myo-inositol; and contains from 60% by weight on a dry basis of proteins.

Abstract: A purified recombinant phytase enzyme derived from Escherichia coli B. The enzyme has a molecular light of about 47.1 kilodaltons and has phytase activity. The enzyme can be produced from native or recombinant host cells and can be used to aid in the digestion of phytate where desired. In particular, the phytase of the present invention can be used in foodstuffs to improve the feeding value of phytate rich ingredients.

Abstract: Firm, flexible animal feed gel are prepared by a method comprises the steps of: A. Forming a liquid animal feed at a temperature above ambient temperature; B. Passing the liquid animal feed through a pipe cooled to a temperature below the temperature of the liquid animal feed of step (A) such that the feed solidifies to a stiff, flexible gel while in the pipe; and C. Collecting the gel as the gel exits the pipe. The pipe may be straight or coiled, and it may be cooled through the effect of a cooling jacket or container. The composition of the animal is feed is predominantly water containing at least one gelling agent and at least one source of protein, typically an animal-derived protein such as fish or poultry meal.

Abstract: Continuous direct enzymatic protein solubilization process for industrial waste. The invention consists of obtaining peptones (mixture of proteins, peptides and amino acids) starting from industrial wastes of plant origin. The process is carried out in two steps. On the first step the wastes are subjected to successive washes with acidified water to wash out alkaloids (polyphenols), sugars, insoluble fibers, etc., a concentrate rich in proteins being obtained. In a continuous process said protein concentrate is next subjected to a second enzymatc hydrolysis step (25-40%) with endoproteases, the peptones being obtained which involve a degree of solubilization in the order of 60-80% of the insoluble commencement proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides, amongst others, a means to overcome the problem of oxidative stress in the domestic cat and dog. There is provided a method for increasing the plasma vitamin E level in a cat or dog, the method comprising the step of administering to said cat or dog, an amount of Vitamin E sufficient to increase the plasma vitamin E level. There is also provided use of vitamin C in the manufacture of a dog or cat foodstuff for the prevention or treatment of a disorder which has a component of oxidative stress. The present invention utilizes an antioxidant cocktail to overcome the problem of oxidative stress in a cat or dog. Such cocktail can be used to prevent or treat a disorder which has a component of oxidate stress or to maintain, optimise or boost immunological response.

Abstract: The use of fertilizer based on the by-products of refining of agricultural oils or seed extracts, also referred to as “Daniels” or “Daniels Fertilizer” to optimize plant growth and production, optimize the use of microbial inoculation as plant enhancement, the provision of optimum greenness in plants, and the practical use of silicates in oil refining.

Abstract: A method for preparation of feed, biodiesel, lubricant oil and fatty oil products from agricultural materials without prior fat or oil extraction process is provided. The agricultural materials can be from animal and plant products, their byproducts and waste materials. The feed products from the process can be used as more safe nutritional ingredients for animal feed and fertilizer applications. The method is particularly advantageous because it produces esters as biodiesel and lubricant oil substitutes and feed ingredients from an one-stage process, which increases feed safety and reduces the processing cost. The deactivation process could save millions of dollars for rendering industry each year.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low phosphorous, low pigmented, highly digestible white protein meal to be used in feeding operations, especially aquaculture.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating abnormal glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in an animal by feeding a diet comprising high protein and moderate amounts of carbohydrate and fat. The invention also provides a method for treating conditions associated with insulin resistance or decreased longevity by feeding an animal such diets.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to a customized dietary health management system for pets. The pet food diet provides the required level of nutrients and it includes a customized pet food product formulated from a dry pet food kibble recipe and selected functional additives. The formulation of the dry pet food kibble is selected on the basis of an individual pet's attributes and physical conditions. The diet further includes a selected wet pet food, functional snacks and treats, and health accessories packaged with specific feeding instructions for the pet. The dietary health management system raises the level of nutrients for a companion animal from an adequate level to an optimal level, thereby enhancing the health and happiness of the companion animal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to feed additives for cloven-hooved animals. The invention provides methods for making a biological compositions comprising yeast cells that can improve the immune functions of such animals such that the incidence of foot and mouth disease is reduced. The invention also relates to methods for manufacturing the biological compositions, and methods of using the biological compositions as feed additives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to feed additives for shrimps in aquaculture. The invention provides methods for making a biological compositions comprising yeast cells that can improve the immune functions of shrimps in culture. The invention also relates to methods for manufacturing the biological compositions, and methods of using the biological compositions as feed additives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to feed additives for prevention of E. coli infection in cattle. The invention provides methods for making a biological compositions comprising yeast cells that can improve the immune functions of cattle such that the incidence of E. coli infection is reduced. The invention also relates to methods for manufacturing the biological compositions, and methods of using the biological compositions as feed additives.

Abstract: A poultry eggshell strengthening composition for enhancing eggshell thickness and external eggshell membrane thickness, containing a viable microorganism of the genus Bacillus as an active ingredient, optionally together with a carrier or diluent.

Abstract: An aqueous composition comprising water and high purity iron oxide preferably including a preservative is described. The composition is useful as a coloration ingredient in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, foods, pet foods, and tobacco products which can be incorporated as a liquid conveniently into system of customers that desire a liquid high purity iron oxide ingredient or have been convinced to change from a dry high purity iron oxide ingredient to obtain the benefits of a liquid system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a preparation for use in animal feed. The preparation comprises sorbic acid and at least one bioavailable &bgr;-glucan and also if appropriate a carrier and a further acid. In addition, the invention relates to the use of the preparation alone in feeds or in a mixture with other feed additives for improving the hygiene state of the feed and for growth promotion in farm animal rearing.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for propagation of mimosa (Albizia julibrissin) and utilization of this plant species as forage for livestock, in food plots for deer, as a source of raw material for pulp and paper production, production of composite materials, and as a source of biomass for production of bioenergy.

Abstract: This invention describes feed supplement, and processes which increase the amount of essential fatty acids in the milk, eggs, meat and other by-products from animals including dairy cattle, beef cattle, goats and poultry. The food supplement described herein includes specific fish meal, fish oil, algae or plant dietary supplements combined with a natural ingredient/coating mixture, which can be either talc, clay or combinations; or mixtures of talc or clay with flax sprout powder to achieve enhanced levels of the essential fatty acids in the milk, eggs, meat and processed livestock products from animals fed this dietary supplement. In ruminants, the natural ingredient/coating mixture prevents microbial degradation of the essential fatty acids in the rumen stomach of the animals fed with this composition, thus providing more of the essential fatty acids to the animal, for their use. This in turn results in improved concentrations in the milk, meat and processed products from these animals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for increasing the concentration of the cis-9, trans-11 isomer of octadecadienoic acid in the milk fat and/or the tissue fat of a ruminant. In the method the ruminant is fed the trans-11 isomer of octadecenoic acid either as such or mixed with other feed, separately or together with other fatty acids.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing animal feed from food waste by providing a dry, pelletized, fibrous organic material. Specifically, the invention relates to methods of thickening/dewatering solids that contain substantial amounts of moisture, e.g., ground food waste.

Abstract: The invention relates to a feed for neonates breeding producing a metabolic energy of 4200 calories and a process for using such feed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ready-to-use composition for supplementing nutritional content of a pet food. The composition comprises, on a dry matter basis, from about 15 to about 80% by weight of a protein component, from about 20 to about 85% by weight of a humectant, and from about 1 to about 50% by weight of a lipid component. The composition does not require sterilization or addition of chemical preservative, thereby making the invention suitable for delivery of nutritional functional ingredients that are heat labile.

Abstract: A method for increasing the hunt performance of a hunting mammal which includes orally administering to the mammal an effective amount of a diet comprising unsaturated fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), unsaturated fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), or both unsaturated fatty acids, in a total amount of the diet greater than about 0.20 weight percent. The invention also provides dietary compositions that yield other beneficial results.

Abstract: The invention offers a method for producing a livestock feed composition including steps of adding Aspergillus to a feed material comprising at least two types chosen from among a fibrous feed material, a cereal material and an organic waste material, and allowing the Aspergillus to incubate, and a livestock feed composition produced by such a process.

Abstract: A multi-function process is described for the separation of cellulose fibers from the other constituents of lignocellulosic biomass such as found in trees, grasses, agricultural waste, and waste paper with application in the preparation of feedstocks for use in the manufacture of paper, plastics, ethanol, and other chemicals. This process minimizes waste disposal problems since it uses only steam, water, and oxygen at elevated temperature in the range of 180° C. to 240° C. for 1 to 10 minutes plus a small amount of chemical reagents to maintain pH in the range 8 to 13. An energy recuperation function is important to the economic viability of the process.

Abstract: The present application is directed to compositions that have a high content of fatty materials and a high fiber content and to methods of producing such compositions. The present compositions may be used to produce high fat content pelleted feeds with improved physical properties such as pellet quality, flowability, oil retention, and durability. The present methods and compositions can provide a “dry” source of fat which can be utilized by mills which lack liquid fat capabilities, and can also provide for the production of pelleted animal feeds with a higher than normal content of added fat.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the nutritional value and the vitamin A content of bird food while simultaneously rendering the bird food undesirable to predators comprising a capsicum botanical.

Abstract: The invention concerns a rehydration fluid composition, useful in particular for feeding young animals no longer able to digest milk, comprising lactose or glucose or a product based on lactose or glucose: a mineral supplement ensuring restoration of digestive losses. The invention is characterised in that the composition further comprises an efficient quantity of soluble vegetable proteins and vegetable lipids ensuring suitable appropriate energy intake.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of granules of methionine which process comprises (a) forming a mixture of methionine powder, a binding agent and water (b) applying the mixture to high shear rate mixing, thereby forming granules of said mixture; and (c) drying said granules. Granules produced by the aforementioned process characterised by a bulk density of at least 0.6 g/cm3, and a particle siye distribution of from 50 to 2000 microns are also claimed as well as an animal feed composition comprising the granules.

Abstract: Animal feed is obtained by mixing a grain material and/or a fiber material with at least one industrial waste selected from the group consisting of fish-broth effluents, fish viscera, animal wastes, and distillatory effluents, to form a mixture. Subsequently, koji mold is added to the mixture, then allowed to undergo fermentation, and then dried to form the animal feed. A method for producing animal feed comprises the steps of: mixing a grain material and/or a fiber material with at least one industrial waste selected from the group consisting of fish-broth effluents, fish viscera, animal wastes, and distillatory effluents to form a mixture, wherein the water content of the mixture is 45 wt % or less; adding koji mold to the mixture to cause fermentation; and drying the mixture by utilizing heat generated by the fermentation caused by the koji mold and, if necessary, by driving a current of air upon the mixture.

Abstract: An amorphous solid cast feed product is made by solidifying a substantially liquid agricultural byproduct. The byproduct may be selected from stillage, condensed fermented corn solubles, stillage, condensed distillers solubles, whey, condensed whey solubles, or any mixture thereof. The amorphous solid cast feed product may further include an exogenous source of a carbohydrate, a fat, a vitamin, a mineral, and/or nitrogen, as well as a sulfonated lignin material, a recycled animal waste product, and/or another miscellaneous fibrous material. The substantially liquid agricultural byproduct may first be condensed by heat, then solidified by being cooled in a mold. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b).

Abstract: An encapsulated ingredient is disclosed comprising an ingredient component and a coating component. The coating component includes a lipid and one or more hydrophobic, high melting point compounds. The coating component typically has a melting point of at least about 70° C.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an additive for compound feed for pigs, sheep, goats, poultry, cattle, horses, dogs, cats and fur-bearing animals, which contains an organic or inorganic acid, or salts thereof, espacially formic acid, with a beneficial effect on the treatment of compound feed, and a spent sulphite liquor from an acidic or neutral cellulose sulphite cook. The additive contains the acid or salts thereof in an amount ranging from 10-90 percentage weight, and the spent sulphite liquor in an amount ranging from 10-90 percentage weight. The additive is added is added to the compound feed in an amount ranging from 0,2 to 3,0 %. The spent sulphite liquor can be adsorbed on a suitable carrier, such as soy meal or water-adsorbing silicates, in order to attain a dry composition.

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: An isolated microorganism comprising a Propionibacteria strain. When the microorganism is fed to a ruminant, protein and fat levels in milk produced by the ruminant are increased, while body condition and milk production levels are maintained. When fed to the ruminant, the microorganism also has positive effects on various metabolic hormones and metabolites, e.g, an increase in energy balance, plasma non-esterified fatty acids levels, and plasma leptin level. Supplementation with propionibacteria reduced dry matter intake but did not affect milk production in the cows. Therefore, the propionibacteria of the invention made the cows more energy efficient as cows produced the same amount of milk, yet consumed less dry matter.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for providing controlled protection for hygroscopic ingredients that will be exposed to moist or humid environments for significant periods of time by encapsulating the hygroscopic ingredients with a controlled-protection lipid coating. The methods and compositions are particularly useful for stabilizing a hygroscopic bioactive substance, such as choline chloride or lysine hydrochloride, in an animal feed composition and also providing adequate rumen protection in ruminant feeds.

Abstract: A canola protein isolate is used as at least partial replacement for proteinaceous material in animal feed compositions, particularly for domestic pets.

Abstract: An animal chew toy for carnivorous animals and a method for making the animal chew toy. The animal chew toy is primarily for dogs, and is safe, entertaining, and satisfies their inherent and instinctive need to chew. The chew toy is particularly safe for older dogs, dogs with weak jaws, and puppies with relatively new teeth. The chew toy is formed into a desired shape from a rawhide bit mixture of rawhide bits or pieces and a bonding agent and/or adherent. A plurality of flavor chunks, for example jerky pieces, are interspersed in the rawhide bit mixture to provide an enticing flavor and aroma that encourages an animal to continue to chew to reveal more flavor chunks. The rawhide bit mixture can further include health affecting additives. One method of forming the chew toy includes extrusion molding which can be coupled with baking or heat-treating to destroy unhealthy pathogens and solidify the chew toy. An elongated jerky member may also be encased within the chew toy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variant EGIII cellulases that have improved stability and/or performance. The variant cellulases have replacements at sensitive residues to improve stability and/or performance.

Abstract: A non-human animal feed composition comprising from about 0.1% to about 25% dried, full-fat corn germ, and methods of using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A feed additive for equines, comprising dried glutamic acid fermentation solubles, dried corn fermentation solubles, or a mixture of dried glutamic acid fermentation solubles and dried corn fermentation solubles, wherein said dried solubles have been dried to a total moisture content of less than 30% by weight at a temperature not less than about 80° F. and not more than about 900.

Abstract: Improved compositions and processes for making a livestock feed supplement including compressing a mixture of materials that has wet cake into a feedblock for a livestock animal. Advantages of the compositions and processes are an increase in efficiency and a savings of energy, including the use of less syrup.

Abstract: A dog food composition containing a small but sufficient amount of simmondsin component to provide simmondsin within the range of 0.1% by weight of said dog food dry matter mix to about 1.5% by weight of said dog food dry matter mix. Also disclosed as part of the invention is a method of weight reduction of companion pets by adding to pet food the above-defined range of simmondsin, contributed by simmondsin, simmondsin analogues or mixtures thereof, such as derived from defatted jojoba seed meal, and thereafter feeding the pet food to a companion pet on a regular and sustained basis to achieve weight reduction then weight maintenance.

Abstract: A pet food composition containing a small but sufficient amount of simmondsin component to provide a simmondsin activity within the range of 0.1% by weight of said pet food dry matter mix to about 1.5% by weight of said pet food dry matter mix. Also disclosed as part of the invention is a method of weight reduction of companion pets by adding pet food that contains the above-defined range of simmondsin activity contributed by a simmondsin component, simmondsin analogues or mixtures thereof, such as derived from defatted jojoba seed meal, and thereafter feeding the pet food to a companion pet on a regular and sustained basis until weight reduction occurs and then maintaining the pet's weight.