Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing at a livestock feedlot a concentrated suspension of anaerobic bacteria at a known, accurate concentration and for storing the prepared suspension for prolonged periods at the feedlot in a ready-to-use condition without significant loss of viability, allowing feedlot operators to conveniently administer such bacterial supplements to large numbers of livestock as a probiotic on a regular basis in accurate dosages. The apparatus comprises an insulated liquid-holding vessel cooled by a refrigeration means, and mixing and recirculation means to ensure temperature and concentration homogeneity of the bacterial suspension. The vessel and contents are gravimetrically monitored to ensure accuracy of bacterial concentration.

Abstract: A hydrolyzed feather product, feather-lysate, is disclosed. The product comprises partially hydrolyzed feather, proteins cleaved from the partially hydrolyzed feather, peptides cleaved from the partially hydrolyzed feather, and Bacillus licheniformis cells. Preferably, the B. licheniformis cells are killed. Feather-lysate may be combined with a carbohydrate source to form an animal feed.

Abstract: Egg shell quality, egg shell thickness or egg specific gravity are improved, and/or the number of shell-less eggs reduced, when laying poultry is fed a diet comprising a zeolite such as zeolite A and a reduced chloride content. The chloride content of the diet can be below the level previously considered required. Thus, for chickens, both layers and broiler breeders, the chloride content can be below 0.15 percent. The level of zeolite A can be from about 0.25 to about 4.0 weight percent, more preferably from 0.75 to about 1.5 weight percent.

Abstract: A feedstuff for cultivating Artemia as a feedstuff for larvae of cultivated fishes or crustaceans is provided, which feedstuff for cultivation is a product obtained by treatment of breaking the cell wall of monocellular algae, the thus obtained Artemia having a high survival rate, the body length thereof being large and the content of eisacopentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in the total fatty acids therein being much higher than those of conventional feedstuffs.

Abstract: Cattle feed blocks are made by a relatively low cost process based, in some embodiments, on the by-product residues of the corn industry. That is, a hardening agent taken from the class consisting of corn gluten feed or corn steep liquor, or both, may be used to provide for hardening the feed block. The first materials to be placed in a mixer include molasses and hot water. The mixer is started, and then the clay is added to keep the ingredients in suspension. Next, animal fat, vitamins, and other ingredients are added to the mixer, after which the mixture is brought to a temperature in the range of about 140.degree. F. to 175.degree. F. at which time magnesium oxide, and vegetable matter are added with the mixer running. Then, all of the ingredients are mixed until the mixture reaches a temperature in the range of 140.degree. F. to 175.degree. F. after which it is placed in corrugated cardboard boxes, to remain in inventory until the resulting feed blocks reach a suitable hardness.

Abstract: A chewy, semi-plastic, non-extruded, non-porous, microbiologically-stable dog food which includes: 12 to about 30 weight percent, based upon the total weight of the dog food, of gelatin; at least one acidulant; at least one cereal starch-containing textural agent; at least one release agent; at least one taste agent; at least one sugar; salt; and added water. The dog food is in a molded form. The dog food has a pH of about 3 to 5, and has a moisture content of about 10 to about 25 weight percent, based upon the weight of the dog food. The process for preparing the dog food includes: (a) mixing the dry components and liquid components with low speed agitation and continuing the mixing until a dough is obtained; (b) forming the dough by molding or rotary molding into molded snack or biscuit; (c) conditioning the molded dough at 185.degree. to 200.degree. F. for about 7 to 8 minutes; and (d) packaging the molded dog snack or biscuit in a protective package.

Abstract: A chewy, semi-plastic, non-extruded, non-porous, microbiologically-stable dog food which includes: 12 to about 30 weight percent, based upon the total weight of the dog food, of gelatin; at least one acidulant; at least one cereal starch-containing textural agent; at least one release agent; at least one taste agent; at least one sugar; salt; and added water. The dog food is in a molded form. The dog food has a pH of about 3 to 5, and has a moisture content of about 10 to about 25 weight percent, based upon the weight of the dog food. The process for preparing the dog food includes: (a) mixing the dry components and liquid components with low speed agitation and continuing the mixing until a dough is obtained; (b) forming the dough by molding or rotary molding into molded snack or biscuit; (c) conditioning the molded dough at 185.degree. to 200.degree. F. for about 7 to 8 minutes; and (d) packaging the molded dog snack or biscuit in a protective package.

Abstract: An extract having a bread-like flavor is prepared by baking bread, size reducing the baked bread, mixing water with the size reduced bread for preparing a mash, treating the mash with at least one enzyme capable of liquifying bread for liquifying the bread of the mash, subjecting the aqueous liquified bread to slurry extraction, and then the aqueous slurry extracted liquified bread is subjected to steam distillation. A combined residue and extract and a distillate result from the steam distillation. The residue and extract are separated for obtaining a clarified extract which is then concentrated by evaporation. The distillate is mixed with the concentrated extract, and the mixture is dried. A water-soluble light colored powder with a bread-like flavor is obtained. To improve the yield, the separated residue also may be mixed with water and processed by slurry extraction and each of the subsequent steps of the process for obtaining further product.

Abstract: A feed intake limitor includes the use of calcium hydroxide to limit intake of a feed supplement. The calcium hydroxide is incorporated into the feed supplement in an amount that effectively limits intake of the feed supplement.

Abstract: A method of controlling consumption of animal feed is disclosed which is capable of limiting consumption to a desired level per animal without the use of special equipment or additional labor for this purpose. The feed composition includes a basal ration containing an effective amount of sodium hydroxide to control consumption of the feed composition to the desired level.

Abstract: A chocolate comprising a hard butter and a sucrose fatty acid ester, wherein said hard butter is a nontempering type and said sucrose fatty acid ester comprises capric acid, lauric acid or myristic acid as a constituting fatty acid and has an average degree of substitution of the fatty acid to the sucrose of 4 to 7, is disclosed. This chocolate scarcely suffers from any fat bloom upon storage and thus is highly preferable.

Abstract: A low calorie dog treat is composed of food grade cellulose, a unique binder system holding the matrix, a combination of various color and flavor ingredients, and salt. The product contains only a few calories and can be consumed in large quantities by a dog without contributing to an obesity problem. The product is designed to compete with existing pet treats such as dog jerky, biscuits and bone shaped treats, and it is preferably amenable for use as a very few calorie pet food. The reduced number of calories in the dog treat is related to the fact that the cellulose material is composed primarily of fiber and therefore is not digested by the dog. The gum or binder system used in the formulation is also non-caloric. The product is produced by using existing processing equipment or by adapting such equipment relatively easily to applicants' methods.

Abstract: An alkaline supplement for ruminant feeds is a fluid suspension comprising the components; about 20 to about 40 percent by weight water; about 2 to about 10 percent by weight sodium carbonate; about 2 to about 10 percent by weight calcium phosphate; about 10 to about 40 percent by weight molasses; about 5 to about 30 percent by weight limestone; up to about 15 percent by weight urea; up to about 5 percent by weight magnesium oxide; up to about 20 percent by weight dolomite; up to about 30 percent by weight fat; up to about 30 percent by weight protein meal; and a suspending agent.

Abstract: An intermediate moisture food composition including(a) a source of protein in an amount effective to provide a minimum protein content approximately 15% by weight including hash and/or bone-in fractions(b) at least one humectant in an amount effective to provide maximum water activity of approximately 0.9.

Abstract: The invention describes a refrigerated, frozen or shelf stable improved baked good which will substantially retain its palatability upon microwave heating. The improvement is accomplished by the incorporation into the baked good of an effective amount of a chemically-modified starch with the exception of modified starches which are cross-linked only. The chemically-modified starch is preferably a food acceptable acetylated starch, hydroxypropylated starch, succinylated starch, propylated starch or combination. The modified starch is incorporated in an amount sufficient to reduce deteriorization in the palatability of the baked good upon microwave heating, preferably from 5 to 30 baker's percent. The starches are derived from potato, corn, wheat, rice and combinations.

Abstract: A method is described for increasing the plasma L-Carnitine level in pets. A daily prophylactic amount of L-Carnitine is administered in the pet either as a dietary supplement in an amount of 0.2 to 2.0 grams of L-Carnitine per day, or L-Carnitine is provided as an additional ingredient to a commerical pet food in an amount of 0.2 to 2.0 grams of L-Carnitine per kilogram pet food.

Abstract: An artificially extended natural seafood bait is produced by dissolving gelatin or pectin or combinations thereof in water at a temperature elevated only sufficiently to liquify the material. Into this liquified material there is dispersed a quantity of natural fish or seafood ground to a particle size of not more than about 1/8 inch. Also contained within the liquified material is a mat of randomly crossed fibers of a fibrous material, preferably garnetted cotton. The foregoing fluid mass is allowed to cool to a temperature sufficient to solidify it, after which the solidified, fiber-reinforced artificially extended natural bait is cut to desired bait size pieces. In a preferred method of manufacture, a quantity of the ground fish or seafood is distributed over the surface of a container, a layer of the fibrous mat is placed over the ground material and a second quantity of the ground material is distributed over the fibrous mat.

Abstract: Drinking water, mixed feeds and/or fodders for laying hens having a content of essential oils for improving the flavor of the hen' eggs.

Abstract: A method of improving the lean/fat ratio in broiler poultry by adding a small effective amount of zeolite A up to about four weight percent of the feed, to the feed of the broiler poultry, and regularly feeding the broiler poultry the feed containing the zeolite A.

Abstract: A device for inactivating enzymes in soybeans comprises a generally air tight pressure cylinder having an axial screw which moves the soybeans from an upstream end to a downstream end where the inactivated soybeans are discharged. The screw has three zones, an upstream feed zone, a central agitation zone which runs about 1/2 the length of the pressure cylinder, and a downstream feed zone. A steam jacket is placed over the pressure cylinder especially in the area starting with the beginning of the agitation zone, and also an infeed pipe for the feeding therein of a buffer solution.