Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for starting cattle on feed quicker, promoting fill, regaining shrink and help prevent the occurrence of shipping fever complex and promote digestibility and utilization of feedstuffs within the digestive system of ruminant animals, particularly cattle. In a presently preferred embodiment, the inventive method comprises the steps of: producing a gaseous mixture supply of ozone and nitrous oxide gases from ambient air; effecting direct contact between the ozone/nitrous oxide gas mixture and a supply of water by means of a bubbler device to produce a prescribed hydrogen peroxide-nitrous oxide content; continuing said contact between the ozone gas supply and the water supply until the content of hydrogen peroxide-nitrous oxide in water supply is within a range of from about 1,000 parts per million to about 40,000 parts per million; and providing the resultant water supply for use as feed water to the animal to be treated.