Abstract: The present invention provides methods for processing fruit seeds, such as cocoa beans or cupuacu beans without the need of microbial fermentation. Fruit seeds are treated by adding unfermented seeds to a solution of a defined concentration of ethanol in a volume sufficient to cover the seeds, and maintaining the solution at a set temperature for a certain period of time.

Abstract: There is provided a cutter or mold having at least one sidewall defining a cavity, wherein the cavity draft angle varies. In some embodiments, the cutter may also include a base, i.e., the cutter can be a mold. The cutter or mold exhibits better release properties of food products molded or cut therewith than conventional cutters or molds having no cavity draft angle, or a uniform cavity draft angle. Rotary cutting wheels, that in some embodiments may be ultrasonically activated, as well as systems incorporating the cutters or molds are also provided, as are methods of forming food products using the cutters or molds.

Abstract: A flavor composition containing at least one dipeptide or tripeptide compound that can be used to enhance the taste of edible compositions including sweet goods, such as confectionery goods, and savory goods, such as pet foods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising curcuminoid with green tea polyphenol or with a combination of glycine, proline and hydroxyproline for use in preventing or treating osteoarthritis. It also relates to a method of preventing or treating osteoarthritis in mammals, the method comprising administering to said mammal a composition which comprises curcuminoid with green tea polyphenol or with a combination of glycine, proline and hydroxyproline.

Abstract: A flavor composition comprising at least one compound that modulates, increases and/or enhances the activity of a GPR120 fatty acid receptor that can be used to enhance the fatty acid taste and/or palatability of pet food products is described herein. Also disclosed herein are methods for identifying said compounds.

Abstract: Dispensing devices and methods are provided. A dispensing device comprises an opening defining an insertion path extending through an internal chamber thereof, two fragmentation rollers aligned with each other within the internal chamber, with the insertion path extending therebetween, a sensor configured to sense the package within the insertion path, a first securing device having opposing surfaces configured to secure the package within the insertion path, a second securing device having opposing surfaces configured to secure the package within the insertion path, a cam operatively connecting the first and second securing devices, and an opener configured to provide an opening in the package to allow the product to leave the package. A method of dispensing a product from a flexible package is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining the susceptibility of a dog to, or the likelihood that a dog is protected from, hip dysplasia. The present invention uses mutations linked to canine hip dysplasia to generate a model predicting disease.

Abstract: A food composition comprising a cellodextrin material, wherein the cellodextrin material comprises a principal cellodextrin with a degree of polymerisation (DP) value of at least 4. Food products comprising the composition, and cellodextrin materials used in the preparation of the composition as well as method for preparing these form further aspects of the invention.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for compressing and transmitting motion data. The method comprises receiving high fidelity motion data from a motion sensing device, the high fidelity motion data including a plurality of motion data samples; transmitting the high fidelity motion data to a server; compressing the high fidelity motion data, wherein compressing the high fidelity motion data comprises identifying a subset of the motion data samples and generating a value representing the summary of activity based on the subset of the motion data samples; and transmitting the compressed high fidelity motion data to a server.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for detecting and quantifying the plaque levels and/or lesions in companion animals, and the use of such information during trials of oral health products. The methods disclosed enable the trialling of companion animals for a shorter period of time, without the need for long and expensive trials on oral health products to be conducted. The methods described are conducted on conscious pet animals.

Abstract: Methods for hybridizing members of the Theobroma genus, and particularly to methods for hybridizing Theobroma cacao and Theobroma grandiflorum are provided. Hybrid seeds, plants and plant parts thereof, obtained from these methods are also provided. Methods for confirming that the resulting progeny are hybrids are described. Theobroma hybrid plant products, such as seeds obtained by crossing Theobroma cacao and Theobroma grandiflorum, having modified chemical compositions, such as modified fatty acid content, and/or modified alkaloid content, are provided. Products obtainable from the hybrid plants and seeds, particularly foodstuffs such as cocoa products, are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments herein related to multi-component packaged food products which have been thermally processed to achieve commercial sterility in a package, including at least a first component and a second component in contact with (e.g., immersed in) the first component, wherein said first component is comprised of a substantially water-based, liquid, pasty or gelled food such as sauce, gel, gravy, jus or the like, and wherein the second component consists of one or more relatively hard, manufactured pieces that substantially retain their initial shape and hard or crunchy textural functionality for at least an expected shelf-life of the product whilst exposed to the moisture content of the first component.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to methods of screening raw materials and pet food products to manufacture a palatable pet food product. The presently disclosed subject matter also relates to methods for identifying compounds that modulate the activity and/or expression of a bitter taste receptor.

Abstract: Methods for identifying compounds that modulate the activity and/or expression of a calcium-sensing receptor, wherein said compounds can be incorporated into flavor compositions that can be used to modify the kokumi taste and/or palatability of pet food products.