Abstract: Controlled release urea-based feed supplements for ruminant animals and controlled release urea-based plant nutrients are comprised of particles or granules comprised in whole or in principal part of urea or having urea at or on the exterior surfaces thereof, and a moisture resistant interpenetrating polymer network coating on the particles comprised of the reaction products of urea and a polyisocyanate, and the reaction products of polyisocyanate, an alkyd resin having at least one double bond in each repeat unit and an oil having at least one double bond, the double bonds being reactive with one another and with themselves. The coated plant nutrients have a substantially linear rate of release of nutrients to the soil over a controlled period of time, e.g., 30 to 120 days. The coated ruminant feed supplements have a substantially linear rate of NPN release in the rumen over a controlled period of time, e.g., 12 to 24 hours.

Abstract: This invention provides a ruminant feedstock with a content of non-protein nitrogen supplement which yields a safe controlled-release generation of ammonia under rumen incubation conditions. In another embodiment, this invention provides a ruminant feedstock supplement for controlled-release of non-protein nitrogen which comprises urea particles encapsulated with a rumen-degradable polymeric coating.

Abstract: A method of formulating dairy cow rations based on the amounts of ruminally available protein (RAP) and carbohydrates (RAC) in the total daily ration, which includes both grain and forage components. Quantities necessary for determining RAP and RAC values are obtained from conventional chemical analysis and in situ techniques. Statistical analysis of experimentally obtained data showed optimized lactation response is obtained from a total daily ration containing RAP and RAC in the ranges of about 10.5-12.5% and 35.0-45.0%, respectively. Other important nutritional factors such as microbial synthesis and feed escape protein were also shown to be optimized by total daily rations containing RAP and RAC levels within or near the lactation optimization ranges.

Abstract: A novel method of determining the portion of a given dairy cow feedstuff which is attributable to non-structural carbohydrates is disclosed. The method includes the steps of analytically determining the percentages of crude protein, lipid and ash in the dry matter concentration of a first feed sample, and in the neutral detergent fiber which has been separated from the soluble matter of a second sample of the same feed, and subtracting the amounts of crude protein, lipid and ash in the neutral detergent fiber from the respective amounts of the same substances in the original sample. The three difference figures are totaled and subtracted from the percentage of the second sample represented by neutral detergent solubles, i.e., 100 minus neutral detergent fiber, thereby providing an accurate indication of the percentage of non-structural carbohydrate in the feedstuff.

Abstract: A novel method of formulating dairy cow rations based on regulation of the content of non-structural carbohydrates and neutral detergent fiber in the total daily ration, including both forage and grain portions, is disclosed. Feedstuffs analyzed to determine the percentages of non-structural carbohydrate and neutral detergent fiber contained thereby were fed in various proportions to test groups of cows under controlled conditions, and to commercial herds under actual field conditions to determine the effects, if any, on milk production by varying the proportion of the total daily ration constituted by non-structural carbohydrates. Also, the proportion of non-structural carbohydrates to neutral detergent fiber in the ration was calculated and compared with milk production levels. It was established that milk production was optimized when the total daily ration, including at least one grain and one forage, consists of between about 30% and 45% non-structural carbohydrates, depending upon forage type.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved method for administering calcium dosages to periparturient dairy cows, resulting in significant decreases in the incidence of milk fever and retained placenta. The single dosage comprises 18 to 36 grams of readily absorbable calcium, preferably finely powdered calcium carbonate in an amount which provides about 30 grams of available calcium. The dosage, preferably in the form of one or more compacted pellets, is administered orally within a period of 0 to 8 hours (preferably 0-2 hours) after parturition. The oral dosage is forcefully administered, as opposed to being offered to the cow in the form of a feed or drinking water supplement.

Abstract: Dairy cattle rations are formulated to optimize milk production by balancing the proportion of soluble and insoluble protein in the total dietary protein. The ration may include both forage and concentrate portions, in which case the forage portion may consist of grazing and/or available stored forage with the composition of the concentrate being adjusted as required to provide the required balance of soluble and insoluble protein. The total protein intake is established according to standard recommended levels based on a particular cow or herd's production level, and other factors. The proportion of the total protein which is soluble in the cow's rumen is limited to not more than 25%, but some soluble protein, preferably in a range of about 10% to 20% is provided since it is this protein which is used by the microorganisms in the rumen which are, in turn, used by the cow as protein.

Abstract: Sludge from a municipal or industrial sewage treatment facility is mixed with a mineral acid or anhydride thereof to release the entrapped water in the sludge. The remaining mixture of sludge solids and diluted acid or anhydride is then mixed with a basic material, such as ammonia, the heat generated by reaction of the base and acid evaporates the water to form either a completely dry mixture of sludge solids and a salt, or a mixture having a predetermined moisture content which may be air dried. In some applications it is preferable to recycle a portion of the end product by adding it to the reaction vessel.

Abstract: A process for dewatering sewage sludge having a water content on the order of 75% to 95% and previously untreated for the release of such water. The sludge is mixed with a chemical selected from the group consisting of urea and the common ammonium and potassium salts in relative quantities which produce a desired degree of phase separation. The hygroscopic qualities of the chemical operate to remove water from the sludge to form a separate liquid phase of the chemical dissolved in water removed from the sludge, and a solid or semi-solid phase of the sludge solids with any remaining water. The phases may then easily be separated with great simplification of subsequent handling, disposal or further processing of each.

Abstract: A method of prilling material in a prilling tower having the usual means for discharging molten material at the upper end thereof in droplet form to fall freely downwardly therein whereby the droplets cool and solidify in spherical or spheroidal form. A manifold extends about the interior of the upper portion of the tower and directs a continuous spray of water against the interior wall of the tower to provide a falling film of water along such wall substantially entirely about the interior circumference of the prilling chamber to cool the chamber and thus hasten solidification of the material and also prevent deposit of the material on the tower wall.

Abstract: A barn cleaner for scraping manure from an alley between two rows of open stalls for cows, which cleaner includes a scraper element which extends transversely of the alley and is of generally triangular cross-section with the base of the triangle against the surface to be scraped to present rearwardly inclining scraping surfaces in both directions. The triangular scraper element includes weight means within the triangular area to insure intimate scraping contact. In a modification a pair of longitudinally spaced transversely extending scrapers are connected at their opposite ends by guide plates which extend longitudinally of the alley and form a rigid rectangular scraping frame with the guide plates in sliding engagement with curb formations at the juncture of the open stall spaces with the alley therebetween.