Abstract: Feed supplements for ruminant animals particularly buffer blocks for dairy cattle. The buffer block is prepared by forming a mixture containing at least about 60% by weight of buffer materials other than magnesium oxide (preferably sodium bicarbonate and/or sodium sesquicarbonate), at least about 20% by weight of magnesium oxide, and no more than about 16% by weight of a sugar-containing binder (e.g. molasses), and then shaping and compressing the mixture at a pressure of at least about 2800 pounds per square inch (19,306 kPa) for at least 8 seconds. The resulting block is acceptable to the animals despite its large content of buffer ingredients and has suitable physical and chemical properties for use as a free choice feed supplement block despite the simple and economical preparation process.

Abstract: A litterbox includes a rotatable enclosure having at least one access opening for a domestic animal and a rake disposed on its inner surface, a motor for selectably rotating the enclosure, and a receptacle disposed within the enclosure and movable between a first position generally against the inner surface of the enclosure, and a second position which is nearly vertically disposed within the enclosure. In operation, the receptacle is extended to an operative position, and the enclosure is rotated so that the rake will separate relatively large particles of solid excrement from the litter for deposit into the receptacle. The receptacle is then retracted to its initial, rest position. The litterbox may further operate to detect the presence of a domestic animal within the enclosure, and to initiate rotation of the enclosure when the domestic animal leaves the enclosure, to provide for fully automated operation of the litterbox.