Abstract: The present disclosure comprises a natural method of feed supplement to beef cattle, with a maize extract obtained from the nixtamalization process with a high content of ferulic acid and its salts, for a period of 30 days in the final phase of the feedlot. Use of this dietary supplementation enables an increase in carcass yield and meat quality that is not negatively affected as with a commercial ?-agonist. In addition to the above effects, the effective supplementation of ferulic acid to cattle is shown to have antioxidant effects on fresh meat during its shelf life, which can lead to great benefits for the industrial meat market.

Abstract: This invention comprises applying phytoceutical compositions to pets, which given their sedentary life and nutrition, are susceptible to a higher prevalence of cancer and degenerative diseases. The compounds contained in said compositions frequently have anti-oxidizing properties acting to inhibit harmful reactions of free radicals; free radicals are often a cause of cancer. Said compositions comprise extracts or concentrates obtained from the enzymatic or alkaline hydrolysis of several plant sources, containing effective concentrations of two or more phenolic compounds, such as ferulic acid, coumaric acid, caffeic acid, protocathecoic acid, and vanillic acid.

Abstract: A unique, innovative, and efficient system in order to convert ferulic acid into vanillin which involves the immobilization of actinomycetes in an effective solid support structure which is comprised of one or more pieces of a material, that is configured so as to allow effective aeration. For the immobilization of actinomycetes a surface culture is employed in which these microorganisms develop a mycelial growth pattern and adhere to the solid support structure. The use of surface culture also allows us to benefit from enhanced physiological responses such as increased growth rates and production yields of the actinomycetes when they are cultivated in this surface culture. Since the microorganisms are held captive in the supports, the step of biocatalysis can be repeated up to 15 times before the biocatalytic capacity is lost. An evaluation of the whole transformation process results in a higher vanillin yield.

Abstract: A natural method to promote or enhance food efficiency and muscle/fat ratio in animals is described, particularly for pigs, through the administration of an effective amount of pure ferulic acid, substantially pure ferulic acid or ferulic acid formulations. Prepared food and formulations for animals are also described, which can increase muscular development in pigs, decreasing fat deposits or promoting or increasing animal growth or enhancing food efficiency in an animal. Effective amounts of pure ferulic acid or substantially pure ferulic acid use in said food preparations and formulations are described.