Abstract: The invention is a preservative coating for solid animal feed supplement and a method for its application. The solid feed supplement is produced as a viscous liquid that gels into a hard solid after it has been poured into molds which are usually the cartons for the final supplement packages. The preservative coating is a digestible film former which, optionally, contains an effective amount of mold inhibitor.

Abstract: There is disclosed a packaging method, and package, for animal feed supplement blocks. The packaging method comprises pouring a chemically hardening feed supplement mixture into a mold lined with a bag formed of a water soluble plastic, preferably polyvinyl alcohol. The top edges of the plastic bag are folded against the surface of the liquid mixture in the mold, and an adhesively backed label can be applied over the folded edges. The mold is bottomless, so that it can be readily stripped after the supplement mixture has solidified into a block. The resultant package greatly increases the storage life of the block as it substantially reduces moisture loss and eliminates mold growth. The package is a very attractive, glossy surfaced product, and the color and appearance of the block can be observed through the glossy transparent plastic film. As the plastic film is water soluble and digestible, it does not present any hazard to cattle in the event it is eaten by the cattle.

Abstract: The invention is a sugar solution-based, preferably molasses-based, animal feed supplement which is produced as a viscous liquid that is gelled into a hard solid by the addition of a soluble calcium salt or oxide, preferably calcium oxide, a soluble phosphate, and a substantial quantity of magnesium oxide. Prior to its solidification a limited amount of discrete cellulose fibers can also be added to reinforce the solid and prevent its cracking. The solid product is hard and water resistant and has a limited consumption rate.

Abstract: Anaerobic bacteria, e.g., of the Desulfovibrio family, are added to oil shale retort water producing an increase in cell biomass and reducing sulfate ions present to sulfide. The cell biomass is aggregated into a flocculent mass and removed. The sulfide can be oxidized and recycled to neutralize the retort water. Oxidation of sulfide to sulfate can be accomplished by addition of aerobic bacteria, e.g., of the Thiobacillus family.