Abstract: A process for preparing a food composition by mixing a nutritive base with at least one long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid; cooking the resulting mixture at a temperature not less than about 50° C.; adding to the food composition at least one oxidatively protected long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid; and packaging the resulting composition in an oxygen depleted environment within a sealed container to provide the food product that exhibits (1) acceptable palatability to an animal and (2) a shelf-life of at least about 6 months when stored at ambient temperature without opening the container.

Abstract: A process for preparing a food composition by mixing a nutritive base with at least one long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid; cooking the resulting mixture at a temperature not less than about 50° C.; adding to the food composition at least one oxidatively protected long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid; and packaging the resulting composition in an oxygen depleted environment within a sealed container to provide the food product that exhibits (1) acceptable palatability to an animal and (2) a shelf-life of at least about 6 months when stored at ambient temperature without opening the container.

Abstract: Improved methods are provided for the treatment of foods to inhibit microbial growth therein, by the applying to or incorporating into the food a quantity of an alkali or alkaline earth metal salt of levulinic acid. The salts may be topically applied by spraying or dipping, or can be incorporated into the foods such as comminuted meat products. Preferred antimicrobial agents are the sodium and potassium salts of levulinic acid, applied or incorporated at a level of from about 0.5-4% by weight. A variety of foods may be treated in accordance with the invention, such as human foods (e.g., meats and cheeses) or animal foods (pet foods).

Abstract: A method is provided for mulching an agricultural soil bed using a biodegradable protein mulch material. The method includes the preparation of a film forming solution of a film forming protein material. The film forming protein solution is then sprayed directly onto a surface of an agricultural soil bed. The solution dries to form a thin film of protein material on the surface of the agricultural soil bed. The protein material may comprise a plant protein, a milk protein, an animal protein, a whey protein, casein, an egg protein or gelatin. Following a harvest, the mulch material, which is biodegradable, may simply be plowed under.