Abstract: An excrement treatment material is constituted by a water-repellent grain. The grain exhibits a first color before being used, and exhibits a second color that is different from the first color when it is time to replace the grain.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for converting metal-containing waste wood material into livestock bedding having a reduced metal content. Waste wood, such as used or broken pallets is placed in a hammermill having a screen with holes of a larger diameter. The output of that hammermill is then placed in a hammermill having a screen with holes of a smaller diameter. A crossbelt system of magnets is passed across the waste wood to remove nails and other metal contaminates from the waste wood to produce a low metal content livestock bedding having particles of a consistent size.

Abstract: An absorbent pad may include a liquid permeable layer, a liquid impermeable layer, and a liquid absorbent layer disposed between the liquid permeable layer and the liquid impermeable layer. The liquid absorbent layer may include a first absorption region and a second absorption region. The second absorption region may extend around the first absorption region and may be configured to absorb more liquid per unit area than the first absorption region.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods comprising a fragrance and from about 0.5 weight % to about 5.0 weight % of a granular malodor adsorbent which can be used to eliminate malodor in animal waste. The granular malodor absorbent can be granular molecular sieves or granulated activated carbon and has a pore size from about 0.4 nm to about 2.0 nm and a total surface area from about 100 m2/g to about 1500 m2/g.

Abstract: An animal litter composition having reduced adhesive properties, and a related method, are disclosed. The animal litter can include a clay-based liquid absorbing material, a filler including one or both of the following: a non-absorbent, non-soluble substrate; an absorbent substrate, and at least one oil present in an amount such that the animal litter composition has a total oil content of about 1.0% by weight to about 7.5% by weight based on the total weight of the animal litter composition.

Abstract: Provided is a bedding and a bedding product that in addition to having good hygroscopicity and cushioning characteristics are suited to the hole-digging behavior of animal pets and that can be manufactured at low cost without the need to carry out molding into special shapes. It comprises a plurality of fragments 11 of deciduous hardwood pulp sheeting; both faces of fragments 11 have convexities and concavities produced by indentation and cracking; sectional faces of fragments 11 are covered by pulp fibers that protrude from the fragment interior; density of bedding 1 is 0.03 g/cm3 to 0.06 g/cm3; and the constitution is such that fragments 11 within bedding 1 display a particular size distribution.

Abstract: An animal litter composition comprising 2-methylbut-2-enal is described for the modification and reduction of dominant behaviors in household animals.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically flushing urine from a pet litter box are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system and method may be directed to a combination of a urine-separating pet litter box with odor controlling conditionally non-absorbent litter and an automatic flushing device. The urine-separating pet litter box includes an upper litter tray with a perforated bottom and a lower liquid holding tank, which holds water inside. The lower liquid holding tank is connected to water intake pipes and a drainpipe and flushes the urine and holding water and fills freshwater in the lower liquid holding tank by detecting a water level of the holding water in the lower liquid holding tank with sensors. The flushing was performed by using a Venturi pump effect to control two electrical valves open or close. In some embodiment, Sodium Sesquicarbonate (SSC) may be used as conditionally non-absorbent litter for complete disposal of feces.

Abstract: Methods of treating subterranean formations, and compositions, systems and methods for performing the methods. A method of treating a subterranean formation, including obtaining or providing a composition that includes an alkenoate ester. The composition also includes at least one of a dialkenyldihydrocarbylammonium halide and an N,Ndihydrocarbyl-substituted alkenamide. The method also includes placing the composition in a subterranean formation downhole. Methods of treating a subterranean formation using a composition including a polymer that is a reaction product of a mixture including an alkenoate ester and at least one of a dialkenyldihydrocarbylammonium halide and an N,N-dihydrocarbyl-substituted alkenamide.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus is an apparatus for manufacturing a water absorption treatment material that is composed of a plurality of grains that bond to each other upon absorbing a liquid, and includes a granulation machine and a pressure application machine. The granulation machine forms a substantially cylindrical granule that constitutes each of the grains by granulating a granulation material. The pressure application machine applies pressure to the granule formed by the granulation machine from a longitudinal direction of the granule so as to reduce the length of the granule.

Abstract: Animal litter is provided, namely litter that may be utilized by small animals, such as cats, rabbits, and other animals that use litter for urination and defecation therein. The litter comprises all-natural ingredients and is biodegradable, is environmentally-friendly, dust-free, odorless, effectively clumps when used for urination or with other fluids, and does not stick to paws or fur. Methods of making and using the same are further provided.

Abstract: A litter and litter making method producing cat litter from a carbohydrate starch-containing cereal grain, e.g., corn, based admixture extruded from a single screw or twin screw extruder forming pellets having a clumping agent formed during extrusion composed at least in part of carbohydrate polymer binder. Each pellet is extruded under conditions that cause formation of carbohydrate polymer binder clumping agent at least some of which is water soluble. One preferred method of extruding cat litter causes starch dextrinization to occur such that at least some of the carbohydrate polymer binder clumping agent in each pellet is formed of dextrin. Each pellet can be coated such as with a smectite that preferably is bentonite. During use, pellet extrusion formed clumping agent in a pellet wetted with urine dissolves and flows in between and along adjacent pellets causing them to clump together without the presence of any clumping agent additive.

Abstract: A litter composition is used in the absorption of animal wastes with aqueous content in the waste. The composition may include: a particulate water-absorbing solids carrier; two solid particles of separate salts that will react in the presence of water to generate molecular iodine; and a solid acid releasing system that releases acid in the presence of the water generating iodine in sufficient amount to maintain a pH of between 3.5 and 7.5 with the reacted residue of the two solid particles and the released acid in the water.

Abstract: An excrement-treating material has a core part, and a surface layer bonded to the core part by utilizing the adhesion ability of a water-absorbable polymer in the surface layer without using an adhesive. The excrement-treating material suitably exerts the water absorbability and water transport ability inherent to the surface layer. The excrement-treating material is constituted by incorporating pulverized water-absorbable polymer particles of 20 ?m to 50 ?m, and adding water to the surface of the core part after granulation to noncontinuously form a highly-wet part; reacting a water content in the highly-wet part and the pulverized water-absorbable polymer to noncontinuously form an adhering part; and bonding the surface layer to the core part through the adhering part. Upon absorption of excreted urine, permeation of the urine into the core part is accelerated in a part other than the adhering part.

Abstract: A method for the treatment, control, minimization, and/or prevention of bovine mastitis including the step of introducing animal bedding into a stall of a cow, wherein the animal bedding includes at least one solvent, and a lignocellulosic fiber, wherein the lignocellulosic fiber has been processed by ruminant digestion and anaerobic digestion.

Abstract: Animal bedding having one or more solvents and a lignocellulosic fiber, wherein the lignocellulosic fiber has been processed by ruminant digestion and anaerobic digestion. A method for preparing pelletized animal bedding is also disclosed including the steps of providing excrement from a cow which has undergone ruminant digestion, introducing the cow excrement into an anaerobic digester, modifying the cow excrement to a first wet product, drying the first wet product to generate a first dry product, and densifying the first dry product to, in turn, generate pelletized animal bedding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing antimicrobial material. The method comprises heating material comprising wood or bark or material derived therefrom, under conditions sufficient to render the material antimicrobial. The invention also relates to antimicrobial materials prepared by such methods, and to various uses of the antimicrobial materials, for example in reducing microbial activity in animal bedding, such as that which is used in poultry farming.

Abstract: A method of making a clumping cellulosic animal litter with enhanced clumping rate and improved flushability when spent using cellulosic granules to about 1%-5% by weight of an inner coating of a polyacrylate is first applied and then to which about 1%-4% by weight based on the weight of the granules of an outer coating of guar gum and/or guar gum substitute is applied.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a lightweight hybrid clumping animal litter made from organic core particles combined with small amounts of clumping agent, and methods for making the litter.

Abstract: An animal litter sand that effectively prevents scattering of particles without increasing the weight or density of the litter sand. The animal litter sand includes particulates each of which is configured in a manner so as to contain a particle substrate configured from an inorganic porous material, a hydraulic solidification material, and a water-soluble thickener.

Abstract: A pad for absorbing liquid waste from animals, said pad comprising: a absorbent layer, said absorbent layer having a pair of opposing sides, said absorbent layer comprising a composite material comprising recycled paper and a crystalline amphoteric compound in powder form; and a substrate layer, said substrate layer comprising a liquid impermeable material, said substrate layer attached to one of said opposing sides of said absorbent layer.

Abstract: Animal bedding having one or more solvents and a lignocellulosic fiber, wherein the lignocellulosic fiber has been processed by ruminant digestion and anaerobic digestion. A method for preparing pelletized animal bedding is also disclosed including the steps of providing excrement from a cow which has undergone ruminant digestion, introducing the cow excrement into an anaerobic digester, modifying the cow excrement to a first wet product, drying the first wet product to generate a first dry product, and densifying the first dry product to, in turn, generate pelletized animal bedding.

Abstract: Described herein are various apparatus and systems useful in sensory discrimination. Through the use of a multi-well sample plate, the high-throughput analysis apparatus and method allow for rapid sensory discrimination of a large number of samples.

Abstract: A standardized nesting material for use in laboratory environments for rodents includes a latrining substrate, and at least one bale unit formed to include a fibrous scaffolding material, and an insulating material. The bale units are of standardized size and can be packaged and sterilized to provide improved wellbeing of the animals; reduced feed and labor costs; and improved scientific quality of the studies conducted on the animals.

Abstract: The present invention provides an excrement treatment material capable of being treated by a water-disintegration treatment after use. The excrement treatment material contains a water retaining material including at least one material of papers, fibers, woods, plants, plastics, rubbers, organic sludge and animal waste, an adhesive and a water absorbing resin, and is formed in a granular shape, wherein the water retaining material has a grain size of 0.6 mm or less, and the adhesive is contained in an amount of 5 wt % to 20 wt % with respect to a total weight of the excrement treatment material.

Abstract: A pet excreta treating material made mainly of a ground material of plant origin and having a higher water absorbency in the third measurement than in the first measurement, a water absorbency of 3% to 30% by weight in the third measurement, and a specific gravity of 0.8 to 1.2 measured before the first water absorbency measurement. The water absorbency is measured by immersing a dried excreta treating material in 25° C. water for 3 seconds and calculating the weight increase by the equation below, which is taken as water absorbency (%). In the second and following measurements, the excreta treating material immediately after the preceding measurement is dried and immersed in 25° C. water for 3 seconds to obtain a water absorbency in the same manner. Water absorbency (%)=[(weight of excreta treating material after immersion?weight of excreta treating material before immersion)/(weight of excreta treating material before immersion)]×100.

Abstract: An animal litter with increased moisture retention and accelerated absorbency, a method of manufacture and method of use for indoor urine and feces disposal. An animal litter with a greater surface area and higher moisture retention intended for animals as small as mice, gerbils and hamsters, as well as larger domestic animals. The animal litter is a paper and wood composition treated with a surfactant, which increases moisture retention four to five times its weight.

Abstract: A bedding material for use in small animal cages or the like comprises a hydrophilic cellulose fiber paper coated with a hydrophobic polypropylene coating. The bedding material is made from a combination of one or more of unused coffee filter paper and tea filter paper, air laid materials, and rayon which is shredded to produce a bedding material of a preferred size and texture. The material has a wet strength that keeps the fiber paper from fusing together when exposed to fluids but rather causes the fluids to wick out over a relatively large area for the bedding material to quickly dry. This prevents the buildup of ammonia and other unwanted odors.

Abstract: An animal litter with increased moisture retention and accelerated absorbency, a method of manufacture and method of use for indoor urine and feces disposal. An animal litter with a greater surface area and higher moisture retention intended for animals as small as mice, gerbils and hamsters, as well as larger domestic animals. The animal litter is a paper and wood composition treated with a surfactant, which increases moisture retention four to five times its weight.

Abstract: An animal excrement disposal sheet that can reduce an area of excrement diffusing on a surface of the sheet. The animal excretion disposal sheet includes a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent layer disposed between the top sheet and the back surface sheet that includes a water absorbent resin and a hydrophilic fiber, in which the absorbent layer further includes a hydrophobizing agent having a higher affinity to the hydrophilic fiber than to the water absorbent resin.

Abstract: A cover for use with a pet barrier having a frame with first and second ends includes a body portion sized and shaped to cover at least a portion of the frame and first and second attachment members defined on the body portion. The first attachment member is sized and configured to be releasably secured to one of the first and second ends of the frame, and the second attachment member is sized and configured to be releasably secured to the other of the first and second ends of the frame. The cover further includes a closure assembly configured to selectively secure the second attachment member to the frame.

Abstract: An animal litter is provided for simultaneously delivering urine-absorbent and mental-stimulating properties of the litter. The litter includes in combination a plurality of urine-absorbent particles forming a litter particulate component and a plurality of unfoldable polymeric cylinders constituting a polymeric cylinder component and intermixed with the urine-absorbent particles. The polymeric cylinders have a mean cylinder height of between 1 and 30 millimeters, a ratio of cylinder height to cylinder diameter of 1:1 to 12:1, and a strip length to cylinder height ratio of greater than 10:1. The litter particulate component is present relative to the cylinders in a volume ratio of 1:1 to 25:1. A process is further provided to mental stimulation and boredom reduction of a caged animal. The process includes providing the animal with the above inventive litter and allowing sufficient time for the animal to unfold a portion of the polymeric cylinders.

Abstract: A process and system reprocesses soiled animal bedding material commingled with animal manure. The material is to remove a preponderance of the manure. The remaining soiled bedding is washed in water and a cleaning agent, rinsed and, optionally, bleached to restore color and appearance. The resulting material is dewatered and dried to reduce its moisture content and kill any remaining pathogens. After being cleaned and sanitized, the material may be reused as bedding or further processed into pellets or other products, such as manufactured fire logs.

Abstract: An absorbent material which may be used for animal bedding or litter, is made up of pellets of cellulosic fiber having a bulk density of 95 to 350 kg/m3. The cellulosic fiber may be reclaimed from the waste stream of a paper product manufacturing. The pellets may have a diameter of 3 to 12 mm and a length of 3 to 36 mm. For use as a cat litter, the pellets may have a density of 240 to 305 kg/m3 For use as a small animal litter, the pellets may have a density of 160 to 225 kg/m3. The pellets have a very low amount of inorganic material, typically less than 10% or less than 5% by weight.

Abstract: An animal litter is provided for simultaneously delivering urine-absorbent and mental-stimulating properties of the litter. The litter includes in combination a plurality of urine-absorbent particles forming a litter particulate component and a plurality of unfoldable polymeric cylinders constituting a polymeric cylinder component and intermixed with the urine-absorbent particles. The polymeric cylinders have a mean cylinder height of between 1 and 30 millimeters, a ratio of cylinder height to cylinder diameter of 1:1 to 12:1, and a strip length to cylinder height ratio of greater than 10:1. The litter particulate component is present relative to the cylinders in a volume ratio of 1:1 to 25:1. A process is further provided to mental stimulation and boredom reduction of a caged animal. The process includes providing the animal with the above inventive litter and allowing sufficient time for the animal to unfold a portion of the polymeric cylinders.

Abstract: An animal litter is provided for simultaneously delivering urine-absorbent and mental-stimulating properties of the litter. The litter includes in combination a plurality of urine-absorbent particles forming a litter particulate component and a plurality of unfoldable polymeric cylinders constituting a polymeric cylinder component and intermixed with the urine-absorbent particles. The polymeric cylinders have a mean cylinder height of between 1 and 30 millimeters, a ratio of cylinder height to cylinder diameter of 1:1 to 12:1, and a strip length to cylinder height ratio of greater than 10:1. The litter particulate component is present relative to the cylinders in a volume ratio of 1:1 to 25:1. The litter provides mental stimulation and boredom reduction of a caged animal.

Abstract: Granulized litter compositions comprising a natural organic litter substrate for absorbing urine or other liquid. In order to improve the wicking ability of such “green” litter granules, which are initially slow to absorb liquid, the litter composition further includes a wicking agent to more quickly wick urine or other liquid into the natural organic litter substrate, where it is absorbed. In one embodiment, the wicking agent is provided as granules separate from the natural organic litter granules. In another embodiment, the wicking agent comprises a coating applied over at least some of the natural organic litter granules. The presence of the wicking agent advantageously improves the ability of urine or other liquid to be quickly absorbed so as to minimize and/or prevent any pooling that would otherwise occur.

Abstract: Bedding material for livestock is produced by extruding straw through a conventional cubing system rather than a conventional pellet mill. The cubing process generates friction in turn changing the properties of the straw making the straw particles highly absorbent. The cubing process allows for greater particle size in the finished product as compared to pellets produce in a conventional pellet mill. The process involves the following: shredding the straw to proper size, cubing the straw into cubes and flakes, cooling, storing and packaging. The cubing process requires 40% less energy based on throughput of finished product, thus making the material more affordable to larger farming operations. Some other properties include a higher bulk density than large conventional bales or wood shavings, less dust when applying, a pasteurized product, easier to handle and spread compared to straw bales, wood shavings and sawdust.

Abstract: A bedding material for use in small animal cages or the like comprises a hydrophilic cellulose fiber paper coated with a hydrophobic polypropylene coating. The bedding material is made from a combination of one or more of unused coffee filter paper and tea filter paper, air laid materials, and rayon which is shredded to produce a bedding material of a preferred size and texture. The material has a wet strength that keeps the fiber paper from fusing together when exposed to fluids but rather causes the fluids to wick out over a relatively large area for the bedding material to quickly dry. This prevents the buildup of ammonia and other unwanted odors.

Abstract: A method of treating waste from poultry such as chickens in a chicken house is described wherein the method includes applying a layer of short paper fibers over a floor of the chicken house horizontally below the chickens in the chicken house, mixing manure from the chickens with the layer of short paper fibers, and removing the mixed manure and short paper fibers from the chicken house. The manure is turned with the layer of short paper fibers such that the manure and the short paper fibers are intimately mixed together. The removed mixture can be spread over land as fertilizer, mulch, or the like.

Abstract: Absorbent pads comprising a filler material containing reclaimed pre-consumer cellulosic fluff and super absorbent polymer, preferably in combination with reclaimed corrugate filler as a supplemental absorbent. A method for making the subject training pads is also disclosed.

Abstract: Edible synthetic padding material is provided for mice and/for rat in laboratories. The edible synthetic padding material includes a major ingredient, a minor ingredient and adhesive. The major ingredient is made of edible natural fibers. The minor ingredient is made of nature elastic fibers. The adhesive is used to bond the major and minor ingredients.

Abstract: A method for making an animal bedding fiber product, the method includes providing fiber from paper sludge, formulating the fiber in a mixture including a first desiccant agent including ash, so as to form a friable aggregate. Further, a fiber product including at least one short paper fiber from a secondary fiber, one or more inorganic fillers including kaolin clay; and a first desiccant agent including ash. Further still, a heatless process for making a fiber product including providing fiber from paper sludge, formulating the fiber in a non-active heat generating mixture including a first desiccant agent including ash, so as to form a waste fiber product.

Abstract: A cover for use with a pet barrier having a frame with first and second ends includes a body portion sized and shaped to cover at least a portion of the frame and first and second attachment members defined on the body portion. The first attachment member is sized and configured to be releasably secured to one of the first and second ends of the frame, and the second attachment member is sized and configured to be releasably secured to the other of the first and second ends of the frame. The cover further includes a closure assembly configured to selectively secure the second attachment member to the frame.

Abstract: A pet bedding designed to allow for easy and convenient clean-up of animal excreta. It is biodegradable and designed with the dimensions of corresponding pet cages found in pet shops. The design consists of two layers of white cotton cloth filled with wood pulp. The top layer of cloth is perforated with evenly-spaced, holes. The top layer of cloth is sewn to the bottom layer using cotton thread. This product is useful because it eliminates the intense physical labor associated with replacing traditional loose pet bedding.

Abstract: Bedding material for livestock is produced by extruding straw through a conventional cubing system rather than a conventional pellet mill. The cubing process generates friction in turn changing the properties of the straw making the straw particles highly absorbent. The cubing process allows for greater particle size in the finished product as compared to pellets produce in a conventional pellet mill. The process involves the following: shredding the straw to proper size, cubing the straw into cubes and flakes, cooling, storing and packaging. The cubing process requires 40% less energy based on throughput of finished product, thus making the material more affordable to larger farming operations.

Abstract: Disclosed is an animal litter that includes a palm oil residue, possibly in combination with another absorbent material such as whole ground grain, virgin germ, seed meal, spent germ or clay. The palm oil residue may be palm kernel cake, palm oil sludge, or palm pressed fiber. Also disclosed are a method for removing animal waste and a process for preparing an animal litter. The method for removal of animal waste includes allowing an animal to excrete waste into a container that includes a litter, the litter comprising a palm oil residue. The process for preparing an animal litter comprises combining the materials that make up the litter to form the litter.

Abstract: An odor control fragrant additive comprises compacted pellets or granules infiltrated with fragrant oil. Cellulosic material, activated carbon and binder are mixed together and compacted to produce compacted pellets or granules. The cellulosic material preferably is peat moss, which swells up during absorption of fragrant oil and acts as fragrant oil storage. Fragrant oil is delivered to activated carbon that has large surface area, which evaporates the fragrance oil to release steady fragrance output. Thus, the activated carbon, which evaporates fragrance provides steady release of fragrance in the surrounding environment of fragrant compacted pellets or granules for a period of several months without overpowering the environment with excess fragrance. The fragrant compacted pellets or granules may be used to suppress malodor from trashcans or litter boxes and may provide stand-alone additions to drawers and cabinets, emitting pleasant fragrance.

Abstract: An animal litter with increased moisture retention and accelerated absorbency, a method of manufacture and method of use for indoor urine and feces disposal. An animal litter with a greater surface area and higher moisture retention intended for animals as small as mice, gerbils and hamsters, as well as larger domestic animals. The animal litter is a paper and wood composition treated with a surfactant, which increases moisture retention four to five times its weight.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately dispensing, monitoring, quantifying, and controlling liquids provided to one or more animals. In some embodiments, a standalone apparatus having a local user interface is coupled to a liquid source and drinking assembly to monitor, quantify, and control the liquid consumption of one or more specific animals. In other embodiments, multiple standalone apparatuses are each coupled to a liquid source and a respective drinking assembly to monitor, quantify, and control the liquid consumed through the respective drinking assembly. In this scenario, each of the standalone apparatuses shares one or more common remote user interface panels. In yet another embodiment, standalone apparatuses are networked to other standalone apparatuses. User workstations and central control panels resident on the watering apparatus network, or a third-party network interfaced to the network, allow liquid consumption to be monitored, controlled, and quantified both locally and remotely.