Abstract: A suspendable feed block system for animals has a feed block formed of a hardened mass of feed supplement material in block form, wherein the feed supplement material provides a source of magnesium. The feed block is molded around and encases a feed block support. The support has an elongated flexible element including, a plurality of protuberances located intermittently along a length of the element. At least one end of the elongated flexible element protrudes from the feed block and is fastenable to a separate suspending component. A method of manufacturing the suspendable feed block system for animals is also provided. A mold can be used for forming the feed block with the support suspended or encased therein, and the mold can be biodegradable, edible, or both.

Abstract: A suspendable feed block system for animals has a feed block formed of a hardened mass of feed supplement material in block form, wherein the feed supplement material provides a source of magnesium. The feed block is molded around and encases a feed block support. The support has an elongated flexible element including a plurality of protuberances located intermittently along a length of the element. At least one end of the elongated flexible element protrudes from the feed block and is fastenable to a separate suspending component. A method of manufacturing the suspendable feed block system for animals is also provided. A mold can be used for forming the feed block with the support suspended or encased therein, and the mold can be biodegradable, edible, or both.

Abstract: A suspendable feed block system for animals has a feed block formed of a hardened mass of feed supplement material in block form, wherein the feed supplement material provides a source of magnesium. The feed block is molded around and encases a feed block support. The support has an elongated flexible element including a plurality of protuberances located intermittently along a length of the element. At least one end of the elongated flexible element protrudes from the feed block and is fastenable to a separate suspending component. A method of manufacturing the suspendable feed block system for animals is also provided. A mold can be used for forming the feed block with the support suspended or encased therein, and the mold can be biodegradable, edible, or both.

Abstract: Water swellable articles are treated with wax by applying a molten wax to the article, the wax having a kinematic viscosity of between about 0.1 cSt to 20 cSt at 100° C., wherein the temperature of the article at the time of applying is about 40° C. to 200° C., with the proviso that the temperature is not less than 30° C. below the melting point of the wax. Using this method of treatment, swelling of the article in water is reduced by at least 25% compared to the same article treated with molten wax wherein the article is at ambient temperature at the time the wax is applied.

Abstract: Water swellable articles are treated with wax by applying a molten wax to the article, the wax having a kinematic viscosity of between about 0.1 cSt to 20 cSt at 100° C., wherein the temperature of the article at the time of applying is about 40° C. to 200° C., with the proviso that the temperature is not less than 30° C. below the melting point of the wax. Using this method of treatment, swelling of the article in water is reduced by at least 25% compared to the same article treated with molten wax wherein the article is at ambient temperature at the time the wax is applied.