Abstract: A method of producing an animal feed that is free from transmittable degenerative encephalopathies is provided. Central to the method is alkali treatment of animal material at a pH of at least 8.5 under temperature conditions below 100 C at atmospheric pressure. This method provides a decontaminated animal feed produced under relatively low temperature and pressure conditions that are achievable in standard animal carcass rendering facilities.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a chew toy for pets has steps of: producing a base layer and an outer layer; shaping the base layer; (c) applying the outer layer to the base layer to manufacture a semifinished material and drying the semifinished material to obtain a chew toy, wherein the base layer has poprice, sweet rice flour and water and the outer layer has soybean, animal parts and glycerol. The chew toy has poprice, sweet rice flour, soybean, animal parts and glycerol, therefore has a nutritional value, is easily digested and has health benefits for the pet, including strengthening their teeth and exercising their palate and jaw.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for improving milk production in a ruminant. An amount of ruminally digestible starch in relation to the dry matter of a feed is manipulated to include a first selected ratio of ruminally digestible starch in relation to the dry matter of the feed which is fed to the ruminant during a first time interval after parturition. After the first time interval, the amount of ruminally digestible starch component in the dry matter of the feed is adjusted to a second ratio, lower than the first ratio, and fed to the ruminant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a moist pet treat and a method of making the pet treat. More particularly, the invention relates to a moist pet treat comprising an animal by-product selected from the group consisting of a snout, ear, lung, heart, brain, cartilage, organ tissue, muscle tissue, and bone tissue and a humectant.

Abstract: A granulated monocalcium phosphate composition that provides sufficient nutritional value as well as enhanced pelleting benefits, such as abrasiveness and lubricity, compared to other granulated phosphate feed products. The granulated monocalcium phosphate composition includes one or more additives such as lubricity and abrasivity additives. The lubricity additive can include a sodium additive that lubricates the die during a feed milling or pelleting process. The abrasivity additive can include silica or sand that scours the die during the pelleting process. The increased lubricity and abrasivity attributes of the composition benefits die throughput and efficiency in the pelleting process, without compromising nutritional value in the final feed product.

Abstract: A step-down sucking method is provided for minimizing the weaning stress of newborn calves. The method features feeding newborn calves with a sufficient amount of milk corresponding to 15-25% of body weight for 3-5 weeks following birth, and then with a stepwise decreased amount of milk corresponding finally to 8-15% of body weight for 3-7 days, with the differential amount replaced with water and then with gradually decreased amounts of milk from 8-15% to zero % of the body weight and with solid feedstuffs for a period from 5 weeks to 6-8 weeks after birth, thereby inducing the calves to maximally take solid feedstuff with minimal weaning stress.

Abstract: Systems and methods for antimicrobial injection in a web packaging pasteurization system are provided. A pressurized mixture of pasteurizing medium and at least one antimicrobial agent is applied to the surfaces of a food product. According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one microbial agent is injected into and thereby mixed with the pressurized supply of pasteurizing steam prior to its discharge into a pressurized chamber and application to the food surfaces. Preferably, the mixture is introduced into the pressurized chamber at an inflow rate and vented from the chamber at an outflow rate that is slower than the inflow rate such that the pressure in the chamber increases to increase the temperature of the mixture to an effective temperature for killing bacteria.

Abstract: An edible pet chew that is made of rehydrated hide about an inner fill via a positioning shealth.

Abstract: A method of the present invention includes feeding a calf a milk replacer at an enhanced rate with L-carnitine. The method of the present invention enhances weight gain, starter intake and reduces weaning time.

Abstract: A process for preparing a food composition by mixing a nutritive base with at least one long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid; cooking the resulting mixture at a temperature not less than about 50° C.; adding to the food composition at least one oxidatively protected long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid; and packaging the resulting composition in an oxygen depleted environment within a sealed container to provide the food product that exhibits (1) acceptable palatability to an animal and (2) a shelf-life of at least about 6 months when stored at ambient temperature without opening the container.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for improved ruminant diets are disclosed. The invention relates to the use of metal ion/metal ion salts in ruminant feed, at levels from about 0.25 to about 1 g/kg dry matter, in any ruminant diet, for improvement of bypass protein content, as well as to influence the rate of rumen starch digestion and the flow of starch to the duodenum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a deterioration preventive for a flavor component, which is an oil-in-water and/or -polyhydric alcohol type emulsion, comprising an extracted tocopherol, wherein d-?-tocopherol is contained in an amount of 45% by weight or more of a total tocopherol, ferulic acid and/or a derivative thereof, and a polyglycerol fatty acid ester; a deterioration preventive for a flavor component, which is an oil-in-water and/or -polyhydric alcohol type emulsion, comprising (A) the above-mentioned extracted tocopherol, (B) ferulic acid and/or a derivative thereof, and (C) an emulsifying agent having an HLB of 9 or more; a flavor for foodstuff, comprising the above-mentioned deterioration preventive; an emulsion flavor for foodstuff, comprising the above-mentioned extracted tocopherol, a catechin; and a polyglycerol fatty acid ester; and foodstuff comprising the above-mentioned deterioration preventive for a flavor component, the above-mentioned flavor for foodstuff, or the above-mentioned emulsio

Abstract: This invention provides a rumen-bypass dietary supplement in compacted particulate form. The supplement has the capability to transport fatty acid calcium salt and between about 65-96 percent of rumen-protected undegraded aminoacid content to the post-ruminal digestive system of a ruminant. A feedstock containing the supplement for ruminants benefically improves feed efficiency and body growth. The feedstock also is adapted to improve the lactational performance of dairy cattle.

Abstract: A system (50) is provided for the production of elongated comestible products such as hot dogs, without the use of traditional casings. The system (50) includes a circular pattern of arrays (92) of elongated, open-ended, extruded synthetic resin cooking tubes (94, 96) within a rotatable cylindrical heating drum or housing (70). The tube housing (70) and arrays (92) are incrementally rotated and at each stop position certain of the tubes (94, 96) are filled with portions of meat emulsion (590) and alternating plugs (208), while previously filled tubes (94, 96) containing cooked product are unloaded, and other unfilled tubes are internally coated with a lubricant (e.g., a mixture of lecithin and vegetable oil). Energy exchange media such as hot water and/or steam are used within the housing to continuously cook the emulsion portions within the tubes (94, 96) to the desired extent.

Abstract: A dog chew treat is fashioned from a composition comprising sugar, fiber, and flour. Preferably, the sugar is dextrose, and the flour is pre-gelatinized wheat flour. The composition may be molded into the shape of a bone, or other treat. A palatant coating may be applied to the molded product. Colors may be added for different aesthetics such as a marbling pattern. Functional ingredients may be used to provide health benefits.

Abstract: The present invention in a first aspect relates to novel flavour modulating substances according to formula (I) and/or edible salts thereof: R< SUP> 1< /SUP> —CR< SUP> 2< /SUP> (OR< SUP> 3< /SUP>) —CO—NR< SUP> 4< /SUP> —Y—X (I). It was found that substances represented by formula (I) can advantageously be used to impart desirable flavour, especially taste attributes to foodstuffs, beverages, and pharmaceutics they are incorporated in. In addition said substances are capable of modulating and complementing the sensory impact of other, flavour imparting, substances. Thus, the present flavour modulating substances are advantageously applied in flavour compositions, foodstuffs, beverages and pharmaceutics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nitrogen containing fertilizer for plant growth and intended to be administered to growth substrate either alone or in mixture with other fertilizers. The invention is characterized in that the fertilizer is comprised of the L-form of a basic protein amino acid or its salt.

Abstract: Pet food products and methods of manufacture are provided, the pet food product comprising a helical body having a first material formed to include an outer surface, and a second material having a striping portion deposited on the outer surface of the first material and positioned to lie along a length of the first material, the pet food product optionally having a stuffing portion positioned within a cavity in the first material. Illustratively, the second material has a composition that provides lubrication during an extrusion process to manufacture the food product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an animal chew toy and a method of providing an animal chew toy wherein the toy has a body portion and a core portion. The core portion includes a first material including a central portion and a plurality of projections extending from the central portion. The body portion may surround the core portion, encapsulating the core or forming a frame around the core. The chew may be formed via a number of overmolding methods including those utilizing injection molding or extrusion techniques.

Abstract: Food grade colored fluids which include food grade dyes and food grade glycols are provided. Also provided are methods for applying the food grade colored fluids directed to the surface of an edible substrate, and edible substrates having the food grade colored fluids applied to a surface thereof. In some embodiments the food grade colored fluids include a surface tension modifier to reduce their surface tensions. The food grade colored fluids may optionally include glycerine and water. In one embodiment, the food grade glycol makes up at least about 25 wt. % of the colored fluid and water makes up no more than about 35 wt. % of the colored fluid.