Abstract: The present invention provides a method for improving a human's perception of his emotional state. The method comprises administering &bgr;-hydroxy-&bgr;-methylbutyric acid to the human in an amount sufficient to improve his perception of his emotional state. The method can further comprise co-administering arginine and glutamine and/or engaging the human in non-resistance training.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for increasing the aerobic capacity of muscle of an animal, the method comprising administering a dose of HMB to the animal such that the aerobic capacity is increased without a substantial increase in the mass of the muscle. The present invention also provides a method for increasing the amount of hemoglobin in the blood of an animal having muscles, the method comprising administering a dose of HMB to the animal such that the amount of hemoglobin in the animal is increased without a substantial increase in the mass of the muscles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising HMB and at least one amino acid. The present invention also provides a method for the treatment of disease-associated wasting of an animal, a method for decreasing the serum-level of triglycerides of an animal, a method for decreasing the serum viral load of an animal, and a method for redistributing fat in an animal having a visceral region and a subcutaneous region. All methods comprise administering to the animal a composition comprising HMB and at least one amino acid.

Abstract: A method for determining muscle mass in a human subject useful for monitoring athletic conditioning, weight loss programs, nutritional deficiencies, and disease states which cause muscle wasting is provided comprising administration of a bolus dose of a metabolic marker for 3-methylhistidine, the use of a three-compartment model to describe data from blood samples collected periodically thereafter, and calculation of muscle mass as a function of specific values generated by the model.

Abstract: Patients with elevated blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol are treated by administering .beta.-hydroxy-.beta.-methylbutyric acid (HMB) to reduce the patient's blood level of LDL and total cholesterol. HMB can be safely administered orally to humans in amounts that will significantly reduce blood levels of total cholesterol and LDL.

Abstract: Nitrogen retention in human subjects is promoted by administering .beta.-hydroxy-.beta.-methylbutyric acid (HMB). The amount of HMB administered is effective to conserve protein as determined by reduction in urinary nitrogen. The method can be used with patients having a negative nitrogen balance due to disease conditions, and also with normal elderly persons who are subject to protein loss. The HMB may be administered orally or by intravenous infusion.

Abstract: Feed compositions are provided for raising meat-producing ruminants and polutry. .beta.-hydroxcy-.beta.-methylbutyric acid or an edible salt thereof (HMB) is incorporated in the ruminant or poultry feeds to obtain a substantial increase in meat and/or to improve the quality of the lean meat.

Abstract: A method is provided for raising meat producing domestic animals to increase lean tissue development. .beta.-hydroxcy-.beta.-methylbutyric acid or an edible salt thereof (HMB) is administered to the animals in an effective amount for a sufficient length of time to obtain a substantial increase in lean tissue weight. Feed compositions for use in practicing the method are also provided. The method and feed compositions are particularly adapted for use with ruminants, including beef cattle and lambs, since HMB is not subject to appreciable rumen destruction. The method can also be practiced with other domestic animals, including chickens, and turkeys.

Abstract: .beta.-methyl-.beta.butyrate (HMB) has been found to be markedly more effective for activating the immune function of T lymphocytes of mammals than .alpha.-ketoisocaproate (KIC). For activation of the T lymphocytes, .beta.-methyl-butyric acid or an edible water-soluble salt thereof is administered to the mammal by a route through which the HMB enters the blood of the mammal. The amount administered is sufficient for effective enhancement of the blastogenesis of their T lymphocytes. The method is adapted for use with domestic mammals, including particularly cattle, sheep, and swine. HMB can also be used with humans as an immune system stimulant.

Abstract: Alpha-ketoisocaproate (KIC) is fed to young chickens to increase their rate of weight gain during the growth period from 0 to 6 weeks of age. The KIC may be combined with a complete feed ration for the baby chickens.

Abstract: The commercial performance of domestic animals is improved by feeding keto-isocaproate (KIC) in a form nutritionally utilizable by the animals. The KIC enhances blastogenesis of the animal's T-lymphocytes and reduces plasma cortisol levels. The result is a favorable effect on the immune function of the animal, and can be used to counteract stress-associated immunosuppression. The method is applicable to beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, goats, swine, and poultry, as raised, respectively, for meat, milk, wood, or egg production. Practical benefits may also include increased rates of gain and reduced cholesterol in meats and eggs, and increased milk, wool, and egg yields.

Abstract: A method of feeding laying chickens to increase egg production and/or reduce yolk cholesterol is provided in which alpha-ketoisocaproate (KIC) is orally administered to the laying chickens concurrently with the feeding of a protein-containing ration. The KIC is preferably fed in admixture with the ration.

Abstract: Cattle and sheep are fed ketoisocaproate (KIC) with a diet of limited leucine content for enhancement of growth and feed efficiency. The method is especially applicable to beef cattle and sheep being raised for meat production, but it can also be used with veal calves and mature sheep being fed for wool production.

Abstract: Lactating domestic mammals are fed ketoisocaproate (KIC) with a diet containing limited leucine to improve the quantity and quality of the milk produced. This feeding method is particularly applicable to dairy cattle but also can advantageously be used with nursing domestic animals including cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and swine.