Abstract: A method of promoting weight gain in an animal by feeding the animal calcined attapulgite which reduces adverse effects of a mycotoxin present in an animal food formulation. The calcined attapulgite is obtained by heating an attapulgite clay at or above 300.degree. F. The calcined attapulgite can be fed to an animal in any form either before, after, or during intake of food by the animal. Furthermore, a mixture of calcined attapulgite and bentonite may be used, instead of calcined attapulgite itself. Also provided is an animal feed composition for promoting weight gain including calcined attapulgite. Such a composition reduces adverse effects of a mycotoxin-contaminated animal feed. The composition may further contain a bentonite clay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agent for enhancing and stabilizing the activity of Bifidus factor, containing at least one member selected from the group consisting of ascorbic acid, hyposulfurous acid and acetic anhydride as the effective ingredient, and by preparing the agent singly or in combination with Bifidus factor as a food and drink type or as a composition of pharmaceutical type, intestinal microflora can be ameliorated. The agent can be used as a selective medium for assaying the number of bifidobacteria.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a Bifidobacterium strain isolate that is incorporated into food, beverages, animal feeds, and/or dietary supplements. It can be used to provide a healthful bacteria to human adults and non-human mammals. The bacterium acts as a probiotic. For example, the bacterium assists newborns in producing protective acetic acid and lactic acid, as well as antimicrobials and vitamins. The bacterium can also be used to reseed bacteria levels caused by diarrhea, chemotherapy, advancing age, antibiotics, or other causes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for feed use containing a mixture of lyophilized live bacteria comprising at least two species of bacteria selected from Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium bifidum and at least two species of bacteria selected from Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum and Streptococcus faecium and one or more oligosaccharides.

Abstract: A strain of Enterococcus faecium, deposited as NCIMB 40371, has valuable probiotic properties and is particularly effective in alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in human patients. The strain can be used in the manufacture of human foodstuffs.

Abstract: An agent for promoting the proliferation of Bifidobacterium which comprises an indigestible substance which is prepared by heating a starch in the presence of a mineral acid and a small amount of water to prepare a pyrodextrin and hydrolyzing the pyrodextrin in the presence of an acid; and use of the indigestible substance for promoting the proliferation of Bifidobacterium in the intestine. Foods containing the indigestible substance promote the proliferation of Bifidobacterium in the intestine and can be very excellent health foods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and composition for animal husbandry comprising administering to livestock and other animals at least one composition selected from the group consisting of a caramel composition comprising a high content of fructose oligosaccharides, termed sucrose thermal oligosaccharides (STO), and a product comprising sucrose thermal kestoses. The growth of livestock and other animals may be greatly increased by administering STO caramel or sucrose thermal kestoses. The compositions alter specific microflora within the gastrointestinal tract to enhance the health of the animal by increasing the numbers of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, and decreasing the numbers of undesirable microorganisms.

Abstract: A chemical enhancer for ruminant animal digestion of organic matter roughage is presented, the addition on a ppm based of total feed ration of one or more formate salts to the ruminant diet improves or enhances the digestibility of low digestible roughage allowing the treated roughage as a substitute for more traditional and expensive feed rations such as alfalfa hay without loss of energy available to the animal. The use of formate salts in the ppm range based on total diet increases the anaerobic microbial activity thus enhancing digestibility rather than just enhancing the availability of dissolved organics and can be utilized in feedlot roughage rations for improved weight gain, range cattle weight maintenance and milk production for mother cows, dairy roughage diets providing milk production in a safe and an environmentally friendly methodology to both meat and milk production.

Abstract: Antibiotic 10381a.sub.1, wherein R is hydrogen, is a cytosine-containing antibiotic producible by culturing the novel microorganism Streptomyces arginensis in an aqueous medium and isolation thereof. Derivatives wherein R is a C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkyl ester of antibiotic 10381a.sub.1, are also disclosed along with the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of both the native and esterified forms. Antibiotic 10381a.sub.1 inhibits the growth of selected species of yeast, fungi and bacteria. This invention also relates to a novel process for the preparation of the antibiotics 10381b and to a method of using antibiotics 10381b to promote growth in meat-producing animals. These antibiotics are also obtained by the fermentation of a nutrient medium with the novel microorganism Streptomyces arginensis and are active against selected species of bacteria.

Abstract: A novel strain of Enterococcus faecium, deposited as NCIMB 40371, has valuable probiotic properties and is particularly effective in alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in human patients. The novel strain can be used in the manufacture of human foodstuffs.

Abstract: A method of treating chronic disorders associated with the presence of abnormal microflora or an abnormal distribution of microflora in the gastrointestinal tract. The method involves the removal of at least a portion of the host's existing enteric microflora and the substitution of an effective amount of predetermined microflora. Pharmaceutical compositions which comprise viable microorganisms in a composition resembling the host's normal healthy faecal flora are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the treatment and prevention of diarrhea comprising administering to humans a sugar selected from the group consisting of a caramel composition comprising a high content of fructose oligosaccharides, termed sucrose thermal oligosaccharides (STO), a composition comprising sucrose thermal kestoses, and fructoglucan polymers. The sugars are a natural product and greatly speed recovery from diarrhea and reduce the recurrence of diarrhea.

Abstract: A nutritionally complete feeding composition contains soluble fiber, especially hydrolyzed guar gum or pectin. This composition provides nourishment to colon cells, preventing bacterial sepsis and also preventing diarrhea.

Abstract: A process for preparing a solid dried product which is reconstitutable by saliva and storable at room temperature, is described. The product has a lactulose content of below 0.5% by weight (based on the dried product), carbohydrates, lactic acid bacteria, and optionally further additives. The lactic acid bacteria content is at least 10.sup.8 /g of substance. Various uses of the product are described, including its use as a pharmaceutical preparation, a dietetic product, an addition to foods, a food or food additive for animals, or a semi-finished product or slimming diet product swellable in the mouth.

Abstract: A mushroom flavorant is prepared by contacting homogenized mushrooms in an aqueous medium with a water-soluble salt of linoleic acid and with oxygen. The flavorant may be further enhanced by adding carob bean extract to the treated homogenate. The treated homogenate may be combined with carriers and other additives and spray-dried.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for structuring of fermented milk products, wherein a starting milk having a fat content of at least 1 to 40% by weight, after standardization of the fat and dry solids content, is pasteurized and homogenized and fermented in the absence of binders or slime formation, wherein a coagulum of the fermented and not yet cooled product, which depending on the fat content may or may not contain added fat-free dry milk solids, is subjected to a controllable shearing force or energy dissipation, as a result of which slightly viscous characteristics result (which, after a period of standing, change to highly viscous characteristics), and to cooling to 10.degree. C. or less with subsequent filling of containers with the product so formed.

Abstract: Food-stuff, particularly based on ruminants milk, having added thereto Lacto-N-tetraose in a gastro-intestinally effective amount; and a process for its preparation.

Abstract: There is provided a palatable pre-mixed bran drink comprising heat treated, degelled bran in the presence of hydrated colloidal magnesium aluminum silicate and an acidification agent. The drink has good mouthfeel and may be used as a bulk supplement to diet.

Abstract: Dietary fiber based tablets with Lactobacillus acidophilus and/or Bifidobacterium bifidus, Leuconostoc citrovorum and Propionibacterium shermanii, are prepared. To enhance the viability of L. acidophilus in the tablets, a combination of amino acid L-cystine, vitamin-C and vitamin-E are included. To protect and enhance the beneficial bacterial population in the human stomach and intestinal tract, calcium and magnesium salts have been incorporated along with the dietary fiber in the formula. Lecithin has been used as a lubricant. The minor amount of lactose sugar has been incorporated into the formula using preparations of acid whey, whey protein concentrate, and pure lactose. The proposed formula when tableted gave maximum protection to the L. acidophilus population, in comparison to the free flowing powder form. Vitamin A and D are included in the formula as nutritional supplements. Autolyzed yeast extract and enzyme digested casein have been incorporated as stimulants to the beneficial bacteria.

Abstract: This invention provides a composition useful in the treatment or prophylaxis of disturbances in the normal intestinal bacteria flora in poultry. The composition is intended to be administered as an aqueous mixture and it contains anaerobic bacteria of intestinal origin and an agent, preferably cysteine, which decreases the toxic effect of the oxygen dissolved in the water, and preferably also a substantially neutral buffer.

Abstract: A novel Lactobacillus clearans, Lactobacillus sulfurica and Lactobacillus nitrosus:which can decrease both Na.sub.2 S.9H.sub.2 O and/or NH.sub.3 when inoculated and cultured on:a medium comprising 5 g of meat extract, 5 g of peptone, 0.5 g of Na.sub.2 S.9H.sub.2 O, 5 g of glucose, 1 g of CaCO.sub.3, 0.5 ml of NH.sub.3 (as 100% ammonia) and 1 liter of water (pH, neutral);which shows no growth acceleration action even when said bacteria is cultured on a medium comprising a Stephenson-Wetham medium (hereafter merely referred to as (S-W); KH.sub.2 PO.sub.4 1 g, MgSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2 O 0.7 g, NaCl 1 g, (NH.sub.4).sub.2 HPO.sub.4 4 g; FeSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2 O 0.03 g, glucose 5 g)+vitamins (A: 900 IU, B.sub.1 : 1 mg, B.sub.2 : 1 mg, B.sub.6 : 1 mg, B.sub.12 : 5 gamma nicotinamide: 1.6 mg, calcium pantothenate: 8 mg, C: 64 mg, D.sub.2 : 120 IU)+casamino acid 1 g and 0.5 g of Na.sub.2 S.9H.sub.2 O and/or 0.5 ml (100% conversion) of NH.sub.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bifidobacterium-containing confectionery tablet, and a process for preparing the same, which is prepared by mixing a freeze-dried living bifidobacterium powder to a basic compounding material separately prepared in a powdery state and forming a tablet of said powdery mixture, comprising further adding to the mixture of said basic compounding material and said bifidobacterium powder one or more of substances selected from the group consisting of starch, starch hydrolyzate and protein, containing not more than 4% of water.

Abstract: A mixture of avian intestinal microflora for adminstration to poultry to prevent or inhibit paratyphoid salmonella infection (including infection by the arizona groups) in the poultry or in the presence of infection to reduce the incidence and excretion rate of paratyphoid salmonella, is disclosed.

Abstract: Formulated animal feeds having excellent digestibility with high energy and good protein content based on lactose-rich whey products are produced by supplementation with small quantities of water insoluble poly-N-acetyl-.beta.-D-glucosamine glycosides having a molecular weight of at least 5,000 and are fed to farm type animals. Most of the formulated feeds contain at least 7% lactose and up to 5% poly-N-acetyl-.beta.-D-glucosamine glycoside in addition to the usual protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamin and mineral constitutents of the feed. For poultry, which are among the least efficient metabolizers of lactose, such feeds may contain 5-25% lactose.

Abstract: A feedstuff supplement comprising urea or a derivative thereof as a source of nutritive nitrogen and a compound selected from the group consisting of orotic acid and derivatives of orotic acid of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently hydrogen, alkyl, glucosyl or ribosyl, in a minor proportion for increasing the assimilation of urea by herbivorous animals, and a vegetable based feedstuff containing the supplement.

Abstract: In a feedlot operation wherein ruminant animals, such as cattle or sheep, are fed ad libitum a high-energy ration or feed, lactic acidosis is greatly reduced or eliminated and weight gain and feed conversion are increased by administering to the animal the microorganism Peptococcus asaccharolyticus upon introduction of the animal to the feedlot. The microorganism is conveniently administered to the animal, either by direct injection or introduction into the rumen via a needle or stomach tube or in admixture with the feed or ration. The microorganism is also useful in the treatment of cattle (calves) and sheep ill with lactic acidosis.

Abstract: Wood and/or woody wastes, particularly coniferous woods, are treated to render them suitable as a high energy food for ruminating animals. Comminuted wood or woody wastes are impregnated with a glycol or glycol-ether solvent and a catalyst, and the mixture heated to a temperature of at least 145.degree. C. for a time sufficient to delignify the wood the desired amount and solubilize extraneous components in the wood which are detrimental to the digestibility of the treated wood by the ruminant. The treated wood is then defibrated and the glycol solvent and catalyst extracted from the treated wood and recovered for recycle and reuse. The pulp recovered from extraction is a substantially anhydrous pulp which can be injected with nutrients promoting greater digestibility of the pulp and rehydrated for feeding to the ruminant.

Abstract: An animal feed supplement containing cobalt in polarized form enhances the efficient utilization of protein by ruminant animals and promotes their growth. In a preferred form, the supplement consists essentially of the reaction product of cobalt carbonate and lactic acid admixed with a diatomaceous earth and a sacchariferous substance.

Abstract: The invention involves feeding certain rumen microorganisms to dairy cattle to increase milk production, butter fat, and non-fat milk solids. The microorganisms are especially cultured on and adapted to a high concentrate nutrient medium.

Abstract: The method of orally feeding animals including humans Lactobacillus lactis NRRL B-5628 to restrict the growth of other digestive system (such as mouth, crop and/or stomach) bacteria is described. NRRL B-5628 is particularly useful in the treatment of scouring, diarrhea or colibacillosis in baby pigs and other newborn animals by reducing the intestinal population of E. coli as the native coliform bacterium. The oral feeding of NRRL B-5628 is also used in farrowing sows to reduce intestinal bacteria and in turn to reduce such bacterial populations in the newborn pigs. Mastitis-metrites syndrome in gilts, sows and cows is reduced by such oral feeding.