Abstract: Compositions of ruminant feed and feed components are disclosed, as well as methods for preparing oil seeds for ruminant feed. Oil seeds may be subjected to heat and an aqueous alkaline solution until the seed coat is broken, exhibiting splits, cracks, wrinkles, and deformations. Preferably, the heat is applied until the mix of seeds and alkaline solution reach between about 160-220° F. Preferably, the heat and alkaline solution treatment is maintained for between 20 and 100 minutes, in order to thoroughly “cook” the seeds, as exhibited by swelling, splitting, cracking, wrinkling and/or deforming of the seed coat. Then, the hot, wet, treated seeds may be subjected to, for example, a screw extruder or other process for mashing, macerating, or otherwise forming the treated seeds into a damp noodle or other pasty, mashed, and/or mealy material.

Abstract: A product and process for animal feed ingredients free of biologically active proteins as well as bacteria and viruses. The process comprises the steps of: treating a proteinaceous mixture with alkali to cause the pH of the mixture to be raised to where proteins in the proteinaceous mixture will be solubilized to form a gel; maintaining the proteinaceous mixture at a temperature in a range between about 50.degree. to 55.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention is an in-line mixer without moving parts, with a generally conical shear head pointed in the upstream direction within a pipe, and centered near the downstream side of an annular seating ring fastened to the inside surface of the pipe. In the upstream, slanted face, or high pressure side of the shear head, there is a series of generally circular ports bored through the shear head. The slanted face of the conical shear head extends through the center of the seating ring in the upstream direction, and is adjusted to be located very close, about 0.020 inches, to the downstream side of the seating ring. At the downstream end of the slanted face of the shear head is a first sharp, approximately 90 degree edge leading away from the inside surface of the pipe in the downstream direction, which first edge is adjusted to be located very close, about 0.004 inches, to the inside surface of the pipe.

Abstract: An improved product and process for protein encapsulation of lipid comprising treating a proteinaceous mixture with an alkali raising the pH to where the proteinaceous mixture is solubilized and will form a gel. With this invention the protein can be solubilized without addition of extraneous water to the process and a reduced requirement for the addition of exogenous chemicals is also accomplished. The optimum pH of solubilization and the optimum pH of encapsulation are determined by titration for each proteinaceous mixture to be used; as they vary depending on the types of proteins. Optimum pH of solubilization is determined as an alkali hydrogen ion difference on a graph in which rate of change in hydrogen ion concentration varies with acid equivalent units. Rate of change of hydrogen ion difference is measured and when the slope of the titration curve is essentially zero, then addition of alkali is ceased.

Abstract: The invention is an in-line mixer without moving parts, with a generally conical shear head pointed in the upstream direction within a pipe, and centered near the downstream side of an annular seating ring fastened to the inside surface of the pipe. In the upstream, slanted face, or high pressure side of the shear head, there is a series of generally circular ports bored through the shear head. The slanted face of the conical shear head extends through the center of the seating ring in the upstream direction, and is adjusted to be located very close to the downstream side of the seating ring. At the downstream end of the slanted face of the shear head is a first sharp, approximately 90 degree edge leading away from the inside surface of the pipe in the downstream direction, which first edge is adjusted to be located very close to the inside surface of the pipe.

Abstract: A paste-consistency composition consisting essentially by weight of from about 40% to about 60% of a source of alkalinity selected from the group consisting of non-toxic carbonates, bicarbonates and sesquicarbonates, from about 15% to about 40% fatty vehicle and from about 5% to about 40% thickener is applied to the tongue of a ruminant for treatment of acidosis.

Abstract: A storage stable premix of formaldehyde, formic acid, methanol and water and preferably also surfactant is admixed with sugar solution, preferably molasses, and water, to form composition for preserving feeds for ruminants.