Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing cores of granules intended for animal nutrition, the said cores comprising: a hydrophilic active principle present in an active content of greater than or equal to 60% by weight, at least one meltable binder, at least one plasticizer, the said process comprising (a) a first step of mixing of the ingredients, (b) a second step of extrusion of the mixture through an extruder, especially a single-screw or twin-screw extruder, equipped with one or more dies, so as to obtain rods, and (c) a third step of spheronization of the rods, the said process being characterized in that a preliminary dry co-grinding of the ingredients is performed before extruding the mixture, the said co-grinding being performed at a temperature of not more than 50° C. The present invention also relates to a process for preparing granules of hydrophilic active principle comprising the said cores.

Abstract: A water-dispersible vitamin composition containing Vitamins A, D3 or E, or a precursor thereof, an alkyl lactate and an emulsifier and is substantially free of water.

Abstract: The non-therapeutic animal husbandry method according to the invention consists in administering, by the oral route to a monogastric animal, a stable derivative of vitamin E, either on its own or mixed with an additive and/or a feedstuff, with the said derivative being hydrolyzable into the assimilable form of vitamin E, and being administered to the animal in the presence of at least one alimentary emulsifier which is selected from the non-ethoxylated esters of sorbitol and fatty acids. The invention also relates to a formulation which comprises a stable derivative of vitamin E and at least one said alimentary emulsifier and to the use of an alimentary emulsifier in animal nutrition.

Abstract: A water-dispersible vitamin composition containing Vitamins A, D3 or E, or a precursor thereof, an alkyl lactate and an emulsifier and is substantially free of water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of an xanthophyll, and in particular to a process for the preparation of an xanthophyll through the oxidation of a carotenoid in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and an iodine-containing compound. In particular, the process of the invention applies to the oxidation of beta-carotene to produce canthaxanthin, and to the oxidation of lutein or zeaxanthin to produce astaxanthin.

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: A process for the preparation of a novel intermediate compound useful in the preparation of phytone and vitamin E.

Abstract: A process for the production of methionine which comprises (a) hydrolysing the methionine amide in the presence of a catalyst comprising titanium to produce ammonium methioninate, said catalyst having a porosity of from 5 to 1000 nm, a total pore volume of from 0.2 to 0.55 cm3/g and a surface area of from 30 to 150 m2/g, and (b) a second step of recuperating methionine from the ammonium methioninate salt by removing ammonia. Also claimed is an industrial process for the production of methionine incorporating the aforementioned hydrolysis.

Abstract: Intermediate compounds which can be used in the preparation of phytone and Vitamin E, a process for the preparation thereof, and a process for the preparation of phytone and Vitamin E from these intermediate compounds.

Abstract: A liquid vitamin composition comprising (a) a first liquid vitamin formulation comprising vitamins A, D3, B12 and optionally vitamin E, (b) a second liquid vitamin formulation comprising vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and H, and (c) a third liquid vitamin formulation comprising vitamin K3 wherein the three formulations are separate solutions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for measuring the enzymatic activity of a solid feed sample wherein the process includes contacting the solid feed sample, a reagent for the enzyme whose activity it is desired to measure comprising a substrate specific for the enzyme linked to a chromophore, and a buffer for dissolving the enzyme, in a container fitted with a leak proof opening and closing system; shaking the container to distribute the chromophore in the liquid buffer; and then observing the coloration of the liquid phase, the coloration being proportional to the activity of the enzyme present in the sample.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel method for preparing vitamin E. More particularly, it concerns a novel method for the condensation of trimethylhydroquinone and isophytol.

Abstract: Improved feedstuffs and methods for obtaining them. One embodiment relates to the selection of a feedstuff for use in an animal feed, and enhancing batches of the feedstuff with one or more nutrients to obtain an improved feedstuff. Other embodiments of the invention relate to the improved feedstuff, an animal feed comprising the feedstuff, and a method of feeding an animal with the feedstuff. The improved feedstuff possesses consistent, desired levels of nutrients with a lower than natural variance in those levels.

Abstract: A process for the production of an organic phosphorus-containing product, which comprises reacting a phosphorus-containing oxide with an unsaturated hydrocarbon in the presence of a boron-containing compound at a temperature of less than or equal to 50° C.