Abstract: Devices and methods for enhanced hearing protection for animals are disclosed. Passive noise reduction components provide reduction of at least 20 dB to 30 dB in dogs using flexible soft muffs that are housed in a hearing protection sleeve. Active noise cancellation (ANC) features may also be used to increase noise reduction to about 40 dB over a large frequency range. The devices may employ passive noise reduction electronic bypass to measure and playback sounds at safe levels bypassing at least one of ANC and passive noise reduction. Communication components may be employed to provide for communication between the handler and the animal. The systems and methods may be used to protect the hearing and utility of military working dogs and hunting dogs.

Abstract: Chromium is an essential element which has been shown to have beneficial effects on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Often, dietary intake is suboptimal, and nutritional supplements may not be effective due to poor absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. A novel chromium-histidine complex has been prepared which significantly improves absorption capability over current available chromium nutritional supplements. The complex is safe, easily prepared and may be combined with an ingestible carrier for consumption as a tablet, capsule, aqueous solution, food or food product.