Abstract: Enzyme feed supplements containing fungal cellulase produced by Trichoderma viride are specially adapted for increasing protein digestability of dairy cow and cattle feed. Preferred embodiments of the present invention include enzyme formulations adapted for application to corn and enzyme formulations adapted for application to grain sorghum, to which is added Trichoderma viride cellulase. An increase in protein digestability has been evidenced by increased protein content of milk and increased nitrogen retention from the feed.

Abstract: The invention comprises two grain conditioners. The first grain conditioner, which is suitable for use on all grains, comprises a pectinase, a protease, a beta-glucanase and an amylase. The second grain conditioner, which is designed for use on easier-to-digest grains, comprises a pectinase, a beta-glucanase, an amylase and a hemicellulase. The invention also comprises animal feeds which comprise a grain which has been conditioned with one of the grain conditioners of the invention designed to be effective on that grain and methods of increasing the weight gain and feed utilization efficiency of an animal comprising feeding the novel animal feeds of the invention to the animal. The invention further comprises a method of conditioning a grain which comprises providing the grain, contacting the grain with one of the grain conditioners of the invention designed to be effective on that grain and incubating the grain and grain conditioner together for at least about 30 minutes.

Abstract: A dispensing system of the present invention includes a chute assembly and a rectangular container for dispensing of particulate material in the container. The chute assembly includes door and latch mechanisms which are opened to receive the rectangular container. Insertion of the rectangular container into the chute assembly automatically engages the latch mechanism, allowing the doors to open, which then engages a cutting subassembly of the chute assembly to open the container and expose the particulate contents for dispensing. The container includes an outer cardboard container, a cardboard insert having a wedge-shaped circumference at one end thereof, and a plasticized or foil liner. The container includes means for partially exposing the liner prior to insertion of the container into the chute assembly.

Abstract: A drop marker system 10 is disclosed including a drop marker dispenser 20 and a reloading magazine 70. Drop marker dispenser 20 is provided with a yieldable stop means 40 at a dispensing and reloading opening 23. The yieldable stops are provided to allow loading of a stack of drop markers along the longitudinal axis of the dispenser chute 21 while preventing discharge of the marker stack along the chute axis. The dispenser 20 and reloading magazine 70 together provide a connecting means 92 that facilitates engagement of the dispenser 20 and magazine 70 in a longitudinal aligned orientation. Spring-biased push plates are provided within both dispenser 20 and magazine 70 to urge received drop markers towards respective dispensing and discharged ends 28, 73. A movable stop bar 75 is provided on the reloading chute 71 to prevent unintentional discharge a replenishing supply of drop markers through the discharge end 73 of the reloading magazine 70.