Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments for segmenting an animal feed bunk. The feed bunk is segmented, in some embodiments, into segments that include reachable animal feed, and other segments that include unreachable animal feed. Volume estimates of feed in each of the segments are generated, in some embodiments, via imaging data of the feed bunk captured by a LIDAR sensor or passive optical sensor. The volume estimates trigger alerts in some instances indicating feed shortages or a need for a push up operation to move feed from an unreachable segment to a reachable segment. Demarcation of feeding events, coupled with volume estimations of feed remaining provide for determination of refusal volumes, which are useful in determining animal appetite.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a fish feed or fish feed product including a binding agent that increases the particle size and stability of feces produced by fish that consume the fish feed or fish feed product. In general, the fish feed will include a binding against such as locust bean gum, cassia gum, xanthan gum, tara gum, or combinations thereof. Also provided are methods for increases fish feces stability and methods for eliminating suspended solids from a recirculating aquaculture system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for measuring the musculature of animal. In some embodiments, the musculature of the animal is measured using by generating traces of the animal using a flexicurve ruler and comparing the traces to a reference and/or previous traces of the animal. The methods can be used to improve an animal's musculature by evaluating the muscle development of the animal and changing the animal's diet or exercise regime based on the results of the evaluation.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to methods of predicting neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) properties of a feedstuff sample. A method of predicting neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) properties of a feedstuff sample includes collecting a near-infrared spectrum of the feedstuff sample to provide NIR data of the feedstuff sample. The method also includes predicting NDFD of the sample at an elapsed time, NDFD rate of the sample, and/or NDFD extent of the sample from the NIR data using a NIR/NDFD calibration model. Various embodiments provide a method of developing the NIR/NDFD calibration model using in vitro gas production (IVGP). Various embodiments provide a method of predicting digestibility of the feedstuff sample for an animal at a rumen passage rate (eNDF).

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to methods of predicting neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) properties of a feedstuff sample. A method of predicting neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) properties of a feedstuff sample includes collecting a near-infrared spectrum of the feedstuff sample to provide NIR data of the feedstuff sample. The method also includes predicting NDFD of the sample at an elapsed time, NDFD rate of the sample, and/or NDFD extent of the sample from the NIR data using a NIR/NDFD calibration model. Various embodiments provide a method of developing the NIR/NDFD calibration model using in vitro gas production (IVGP). Various embodiments provide a method of predicting digestibility of the feedstuff sample for an animal at a rumen passage rate (eNDF).

Abstract: A method of training a microbiota model engine to identify biomarkers for predicting food safety or animal growth includes obtaining data that is indicative of an assay of candidate biomarkers obtained the gastrointestinal tracts of a set of animals, where the assay is performed at specified intervals in the lifecycle of the animals and the animals manifest specified characteristics at the specified intervals. The method further includes training the microbiota model engine using the data to generate a prediction based on at least one of a food safety or an animal growth criterion and obtaining, from the trained microbiota model engine, a set of features used by the microbiota model engine to generate the prediction. The method additionally includes identifying a subset of biomarkers from amongst the candidate biomarkers from the set of features and providing the subset of biomarkers for generating food safety or animal growth predictions.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a fish feed or fish feed product including a binding agent that increases the particle size and stability of feces produced by fish that consume the fish feed or fish feed product. In general, the fish feed will include a binding against such as locust bean gum, cassia gum, xanthan gum, tara gum, or combinations thereof. Also provided are methods for increases fish feces stability and methods for eliminating suspended solids from a recirculating aquaculture system.

Abstract: Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments for visual editing of animal feed formulations. Some embodiments display a visual hierarchy representing a structure of ingredients included in an animal feed formulation. By graphically manipulating the visual hierarchy, the animal feed formulation is edited accordingly. In some embodiments, a first ingredient can be dragged from an ingredient palette to the hierarchy, and dropped on a target node representing a second ingredient. The first ingredient is then added to a list of ingredients included in the second ingredient. In some embodiments, an ingredient can be deleted from the animal feed formulation by selecting a node in the hierarchy that represents the ingredient, and deleting the node from the hierarchy. Any child nodes of the deleted node are also deleted from the hierarchy, and the ingredients they represent also deleted from the animal feed formulation.

Abstract: Various aspects relate to an animal feed or feed product for forming the animal feed including beetroot powder. The feed product includes a premix, a concentrate, a base mix, a supplement, a top dress, or a combination thereof. The beetroot powder is 0.001 wt % to 5 wt % of the animal feed. Various aspects relate to methods of feeding the animal feed to an animal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to feed stuffs for fish to prevent, treat and/or control a variety of diseases, infections and/or infestations in fish. The invention provides supplemented fish feed and other compositions as well as uses and methods exploiting the same. Additionally, the patent provides methods of making supplemented fish feeds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for improving the quality of meat obtained from an animal. In one aspect, the method relates to feeding an animal a diet containing calcium nitrate. In one aspect, the method relates to improving the redness of the meat color.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for improving the quality of meat obtained from an animal. In one aspect, the method relates to feeding an animal a diet containing calcium nitrate. In one aspect, the method relates to improving the redness of the meat color.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to methods of predicting neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) properties of a feedstuff sample. A method of predicting neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) properties of a feedstuff sample includes collecting a near-infrared spectrum of the feedstuff sample to provide NIR data of the feedstuff sample. The method also includes predicting NDFD of the sample at an elapsed time, NDFD rate of the sample, and/or NDFD extent of the sample from the NIR data using a NIR/NDFD calibration model. Various embodiments provide a method of developing the NIR/NDFD calibration model using in vitro gas production (IVGP). Various embodiments provide a method of predicting digestibility of the feedstuff sample for an animal at a rumen passage rate (eNDF).

Abstract: The present invention relates to dissolvable containers for animal feed micro-ingredients, and methods for using such dissolvable containers to prepare an animal feed mixture. Ingredients required in very small amounts with respect to the rest of the components in an animal feed, i.e., micro-ingredients, can be pre-measured and sealed within the dissolvable containers, which can be made from a water-soluble polymer film, then added to the other feed components when the complete animal feed is being prepared.

Abstract: The present invention relates to feed stuffs for fish to prevent, treat and/or control a variety of diseases, infections and/or infestations in fish. The invention provides supplemented fish feed and other compositions as well as uses and methods exploiting the same. Additionally, the patent provides methods of making supplemented fish feeds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dissolvable containers for animal feed micro-ingredients, and methods for using such dissolvable containers to prepare an animal feed mixture. Ingredients required in very small amounts with respect to the rest of the components in an animal feed, i.e., micro-ingredients, can be pre-measured and sealed within the dissolvable containers, which can be made from a water-soluble polymer film, then added to the other feed components when the complete animal feed is being prepared.

Abstract: A system for measuring a market performance metric of an animal comprising: a sensor unit that detects an emitted spectrum from the animal wherein the sensor unit filters the received emitted spectra to a set of spectral values; and a memory unit that comprises a set of predetermined chemometric data correlated to at least the market performance metric, wherein the memory unit is correlated to the set of spectral values.

Abstract: A premix is disclosed. The premix includes a nitrate compound and salts thereof in the amount of greater than about 50% by weight of the premix. The premix also includes vitamins and trace minerals. The premix is formulated for use in at least one of a gestation or lactation phase of an animal and in an amount of less than about five percent by weight (5.0 wt %) inclusion per metric ton of the premix. A supplement for an animal feed for feeding during at least one of an animal's gestation phase and/or lactation phase is also disclosed. A method for feeding an animal is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to feed stuffs for fish to prevent, treat and/or control a variety of diseases, infections and/or infestations in fish. The invention provides supplemented fish feed and other compositions as well as uses and methods exploiting the same. Additionally, the patent provides methods of making supplemented fish feeds.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to monoglyceride use in animals such as post-weaning pigs. A method of feeding an animal includes feeding the animal a diet comprising one or more monoglycerides. Various embodiments provide concentrates, premixes, top dresses, or complete feeds for carrying out the method and methods of making the same.