Abstract: The present invention relates to supplementing the diets to sows during the periods of gestation, lactation, and breeding by feeding L-carnitine and chromium. The supplementation enhances pork productivity by increasing the number of pigs born alive in the subsequent reproductive cycle. Sow diets of this invention include L-carnitine and L-carnitine salts and trivalent chromium salts, such as chromium picolinate and chromium nicotinate. L-Carnitine is generally added to the swine feed formulation in the amount of from about 20 to about 1500 ppm, and the trivalent chromium salt is generally added to the swine feed formulation in the amount of from about 20 ppb to about 1000 ppb. The invention also relates to supplemented sow diets and feed supplement formulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of feeding finishing pigs a swine diet which enhances the quality of the meat produced including its drip loss, color, marbling and firmness and thus carcass characteristics. The swine diet includes L-carnitine or salts thereof and ractopamine or salts therof. The amount of the additives present in the diet is such that the quality of the resulting pork and thus carcass characteristics are improved.

Abstract: A method for preparing modified ingredients and feed to improve performance and/or feed utilization of animals. An animal feed and method for preparing an animal feed. An enhanced method for preparing an animal feed and an enhanced animal feed. This invention also relates to the use of irradiation technology of a feed component for one animal whereby an enhancement is provided, including but not limited to, feed gain performance and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to supplementing the diets to sows during the periods of gestation, lactation, and breeding by feeding L-carnitine and chromium. The supplementation enhances pork productivity by increasing the number of pigs born alive in the subsequent reproductive cycle. Sow diets of this invention include L-carnitine and L-carnitine salts and trivalent chromium salts, such as chromium picolinate and chromium nicotinate. L-Carnitine is generally added to the swine feed formulation in the amount of from about 20 to about 1500 ppm, and the trivalent chromium salt is generally added to the swine feed formulation in the amount of from about 20 ppb to about 1000 ppb. The invention also relates to supplemented sow diets and feed supplement formulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of feeding carnitine supplemented diets to sows during the period of gestation or during both gestation and lactation periods. The method enhances pork productivity by increasing litter and pig birth and weaning weights, reducing the number of stillborn pigs and increasing the number of pigs born alive in the subsequent reproductive cycle. Sow diets of this invention include carnitine, such as L-carnitine or L-carnitine salts. Carnitine is generally added to the swine feed formulation in the amount of from about 5 to about 5,000 ppm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of feeding carnitine supplemented diets to sows during the period of gestation or during both gestation and lactation periods. The method enhances pork productivity by increasing litter and pig birth and weaning weights, reducing the number of stillborn pigs and increasing the number of pigs born alive in the subsequent reproductive cycle. Sow diets of this invention include carnitine, such as L-carnitine or L-carnitine salts. Carnitine is generally added to the swine feed formulation in the amount of from about 50 to about 5,000 ppm.

Abstract: Modified tall oil supplemented pig diet is provided which increases the average daily gain and improves the carcass characteristics of pigs. The diets of the invention include from about 12-50% by weight of total protein (e.g., from corn and soy) and from about 0.25% to about 0.75% by weight modified tall oil. In one embodiment, the diet includes a mixture of conjugated linoleic acids having a specific fatty acid profile.

Abstract: Improved animal diets for oral administration are provided which include a quantity of non-hydrolyzed, non-digested, naturally occurring protein supplemented with a minor amount of an additive selected from the group consisting of di- and tripeptides including an essential amino acid residue. The diets commonly include at least about 8% by weight of such intact protein, which may be derived from typical plant or animal sources. The preferred additive includes an essential amino acid residue selected from the group consisting of lysine, methionine, threonine, tryptophan, isoleucine and valine. Use of the di-and tripeptide additives of the invention gives increased nitrogen use by the animal, as compared with feeding of the amino acid constituents of the additives.

Abstract: Improved, valine-supplemented sow lactation diets are provided which increase litter and weaning weights, particularly in the case of high producing sows. The diets of the invention include from about 12-30% by weight of total protein (e.g., from corn and soy), a total lysine content of about 0.75% by weight, and sufficient valine to give a valine:lysine ratio of at least about 0.83:1.

Abstract: Improved animal diets for oral administration are provided which include a quantity of non-hydrolyzed, non-digested, naturally occurring protein supplemented with a minor amount of an additive selected from the group consisting of di- and tripeptides including an essential amino acid residue. The diets commonly include at least about 8% by weight of such intact protein, which may be derived from typical plant or animal sources. The preferred additive includes an essential amino acid residue selected from the group consisting of lysine, methionine, threonine, tryptophan, isoleucine and valine. Use of the di-and tripeptide additives of the invention gives increased nitrogen use by the animal, as compared with feeding of the amino acid constituents of the additives.

Abstract: A feed composition containing L-carnitine and a high nutrient density diet is found to increase the lean-to-fat ratio of early weaned pigs. The L-carnitine is preferably reduced as the animal passes through its various stages of development, with initial concentrations ranging from 5 to 5000 ppm. In the finishing stage, less than 5 ppm of L-carnitine may advantageously be incorporated in the diet.