Abstract: Improved nut-cracking apparatus enables a user to set the gap and/or taper of opposing cracking plates in real time during machine operating to achieve superior, repeatable results cracking various nuts, including different varieties of pecan. To independently adjust both gap and taper, the lower portion of the rear cracking plate is hinged to adjust taper, and the hinged rear plate is further coupled to a slide plate, enabling the overall gap to be adjusted with a mechanism that causes the slide plate to move toward and away from the gap without changing the angle of the rear plate. The stroke of the reciprocating front plate may also be adjustable. The apparatus may further include visual indicators that convey the settings of the overall gap or gap taper so that multiple machines may be brought on line or adjusted without excessive trial and error.

Abstract: A chicken feed composition to promote health or rejuvenate egg production comprising pecan byproduct meal, and a method of feeding chickens to promote health or rejuvenate egg production using the feed composition. Addition of pecan byproduct meal to the feed effectively reduces calorie consumption, body weight, and egg production as desired for the rejuvenation of laying chickens, without resorting to the objectionable practice of extended feed withdrawal. Further, addition of pecan byproduct meal to the feed may positively affect the health of hens in the same manner as conventional fibrous feedstuffs.