Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for maintaining or enhancing feeding characteristics of post-receiving stressed animals using a saponin composition. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for increasing feed intake of an animal after a post-receiving stressful event comprising administering an effective amount of a composition comprising saponins to the animal. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for increasing weight gain of an animal after a post-receiving stressful event comprising administering an effective amount of a composition comprising saponins to the animal.

Abstract: The invention is related to methods and compositions for reducing protozoa populations in animals. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for reducing protozoal populations including administering a first composition comprising an effective amount of saponins to the animal, and administering a second composition comprising an effective amount of a preservative to the animal. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for killing protozoa comprising contacting protozoa with a composition comprising an effective amount of saponins and an effective amount of ethoxyquin. Other embodiments are included herein.

Abstract: The invention is related to methods and compositions for increasing milk production in animals using a saponin containing composition. In an embodiment, the invention is a method for increasing milk production of an animal comprising administering an initiation dose of a saponin-containing composition to the animal within five days before or after the time of freshening of the animal, and administering a plurality of maintenance doses of the saponin-containing composition to the animal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to algae cultivation systems and methods. In an embodiment, an algae cultivation system is included. The algae cultivation system can include a cultivation tank, a plurality of light transmitting elements configured to be at least partially submerged in a liquid medium disposed within the cultivation tank, wherein the light transmitting elements increase the effective surface area of the liquid medium exposed to light, and a plurality of gas injectors configured to emit gas into the liquid medium. In an embodiment a method of culturing algae is included. The method can include measuring the amount of carbon dioxide in a cultivation system and modulating the amount of light being supplied to the cultivation system based on the measured amount of carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and catalysts for synthesizing ethers. In an embodiment, the invention includes a process for synthesizing ethers from an alcohol feedstock including heating the alcohol feedstock to a temperature greater than about 100 degrees Celsius; and contacting the alcohol feedstock with a catalyst comprising a metal oxide selected from the group consisting of titania and alumina. Other embodiments are also described herein.

Abstract: The invention is related to methods and compositions for controlling microorganism populations in the digestive system of an animal. In an embodiment, the invention is a composition for reducing the bacterial load in the digestive tract of an animal including a saponin containing composition and an anti-microbial agent. Other embodiments are included herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for applying liquid feed additives to a feed composition. In one embodiment, the system has a spray housing defining a spray chamber located adjacent a mix housing carrying a material composition. The mix housing defines a mix chamber, which contains an actuating device, such as an auger, that moves the material stream through the mix chamber. The mix chamber and spray chamber are in fluid communication. A spray nozzle is coupled to the spray housing and in fluid communication with an air source and liquid additive tank. The spray nozzle sprays a fog of air and liquid additive through the spray chamber and into the mix chamber, which gets deposited on the passing feed stream.

Abstract: The invention is related to methods and compositions for controlling microorganism populations in the digestive system of an animal. In an embodiment, the invention is a method for reducing protozoa populations in the digestive system of an animal including administering an effective amount of a saponin containing composition to the animal, and administering an effective amount of an anti-microbial agent to the animal. In an embodiment, the invention is a composition for reducing the bacterial load in the digestive tract of an animal including a saponin containing composition and an anti-microbial agent. In an embodiment, the invention is a method for reducing the bacterial load in the digestive system of an animal including administering an effective amount of a saponin containing composition to the animal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for selectively removing contaminants from a crude product mixture. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for removing free organic acids from a crude product mixture including contacting the crude product mixture with a metal oxide substrate, the metal oxide substrate having properties sufficient to bond with free organic acids in the crude product mixture, thereby removing free organic acids and forming a refined product mixture, and separating the refined product mixture from the metal oxide substrate. In an embodiment, the invention includes a device for removal of free organic acids from a crude product mixture including a first housing defining an interior volume, an input port, and an output port, and metal oxide media disposed within the first housing, the metal oxide media comprising a metal oxide selected from the group consisting of zirconia, alumina, hafnia, and titania. Other embodiments are also described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and catalysts for hydrolyzing complex carbohydrates. In an embodiment, the invention includes a process for producing monosaccharides from a complex carbohydrate feedstock including the operations of heating the complex carbohydrate feedstock to a temperature greater than about 150 degrees Celsius and contacting the complex carbohydrate feedstock with a metal oxide catalyst. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of hydrolyzing complex carbohydrates including the operations of heating the complex carbohydrate feedstock to a temperature greater than about 150 degrees Celsius and passing the complex carbohydrate feedstock through a housing to form a reaction product mixture. In an embodiment, the invention includes a polysaccharide hydrolysis reactor including a reactor housing and a catalyst disposed within the reactor housing. Other embodiments are also described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for reducing L-pipecolic acid concentrations and/or effects in animals. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of reducing plasma concentrations of L-pipecolic acid in animals including administering an effective amount of a composition including saponins. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of reducing anorectic effects of L-pipecolic acid in animals including administering an effective amount of a composition including saponins. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for applying liquid feed additives to a feed composition. In one embodiment, the system has a spray housing defining a spray chamber located adjacent a mix housing carrying a material composition. The mix housing defines a mix chamber, which contains an actuating device, such as an auger, that moves the material stream through the mix chamber. The mix chamber and spray chamber are in fluid communication. A spray nozzle is coupled to the spray housing and in fluid communication with an air source and liquid additive tank. The spray nozzle sprays a fog of air and liquid additive through the spray chamber and into the mix chamber, which gets deposited on the passing feed stream.

Abstract: A feed grain conditioning composition including an aqueous tempering agent including a Yucca extract containing saponin and an antifreeze agent. Preferably, the Yucca extract contains sarsasaponin. The antifreeze agent is preferably selected from the group consisting of calcium chloride and propylene glycol. In a preferred embodiment, the amount of antifreeze agent is sufficient to depress the freezing point of the tempering agent to about -30.degree. F. or less. A method of tempering feed grain by applying the feed grain conditioning composition to feed grain is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-clearing material sensing apparatus is provided for sensing a physical parameter of a particulate material flowing through a conduit. The self-clearing material sensing apparatus includes a sensor device and funnel for directing a consistent flow of the particulate material to an area proximate the sensor device. The funnel has a read configuration and a clearance configuration and includes an upper inlet and a lower outlet including a narrowing below the upper inlet when the funnel is in the read configuration. The narrowing is adjustable for increasing the cross-sectional area of the narrowing when the funnel is changed from the read configuration to the clearance configuration. An actuation mechanism is provided for changing the funnel from the read configuration to the clearance configuration, and from the clearance configuration back to the read configuration, to periodically release any material clogged within the funnel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the addition of a liquid to a continuous flow of material. An algorithm is described for controlling the hydration process within a computerized grain delivery system. The grain delivery system operates by adding moisture to grain moving through the system, testing the moisture level of the hydrated grain and controlling the rate of flow of the wetting agent as a function of the wet grain moisture reading. In addition, a method is described for determining the relationship between dry grain moisture level, hydration level and the expected wet grain moisture level reading. Finally, a communications link is described which connects the grain delivery system to a remote computer.

Abstract: A method of treating livestock animal feed grains by the addition thereto of a sarsasaponin as a wetting agent in conjunction with the mechanical processing to which feed grains are subjected. A preferred sarasasaponin is that extracted from the Yucca plant. Preferably the sarsasaponin is applied from a liquid medium. The sarsasaponin facilitates moisture uptake by the grain, making it more stable, more palatable and more digestible. When fed to livestock, faster weight gains are obtained with less feed. The wetting agent is desirably added to the grain prior to processing by grinding or rolling and steam flaking.

Abstract: A feed grain conditioning composition including an aqueous tempering agent including a Yucca extract containing saponin and an antifreeze agent. Preferably, the Yucca extract contains sarsasaponin. The antifreeze agent is preferably selected from the group consisting of calcium chloride and propylene glycol. In a preferred embodiment, the amount of antifreeze agent is sufficient to depress the freezing point of the tempering agent to about -30# F. or less. A method of tempering feed grain by applying the feed grain conditioning composition to feed grain is also disclosed.

Abstract: A feed grain conditioning composition including an aqueous tempering agent including a Yucca extract containing saponin and an antifreeze agent. Preferably, the Yucca extract contains sarsasaponin. The antifreeze agent is preferably selected from the group consisting of calcium chloride and propylene glycol. In a preferred embodiment, the amount of antifreeze agent is sufficient to depress the freezing point of the tempering agent to about -30.degree. F. or less. A method of tempering feed grain by applying the feed grain conditioning composition to feed grain is also disclosed.

Abstract: Feed compositions for self-feeding animals including a chloride ion intake control agent. The chloride ion is provided from a salt selected from calcium chloride, ammonium chloride, aluminum chloride, ferric chloride, magnesium chloride and mixtures thereof.