Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of enhancing milk production by a ruminant that includes providing a feed that contains sorbitol and at least one additional feed component, and orally feeding the feed to the ruminant, the ruminant ingesting about 100 grams, or less, of sorbitol per day.

Abstract: A method of managing dehydration in an animal includes administering a first electrolyte solution having an SID range at or below 25 mEq/l. After administering the first electrolyte solution, the animal's health condition is observed to determine the effect of the first solution. If the animal's health condition has not sufficiently improved, a second solution comprising the first electrolyte solution supplemented with a second electrolyte supplement is administered to the animal wherein the second electrolyte supplement raises the SID of the second solution to at least 50 mEq/l.

Abstract: Comestible materials encapsulated by a film-forming composition including a plant protein source and methods of forming the same are provided. The film-forming composition affects the site of digestion of the comestible material within the digestive tract of an animal or a human thereby allowing the material to be most effectively utilized by the body. Also, the film-forming compositions may be used to enhance the stability of the encapsulated material and prevent undesired interaction with other components of a mixture.

Abstract: A method for reducing the population of pathogenic bacteria in an animal being reared in an animal rearing facility is provided. The method involves using one or more than one naturally-occurring location-specific bacteriophages selected to be highly specific to the strains of the one or more than one pathogen present in the facility, a phage component derived from the one or more than one naturally-occurring location-specific bacteriophages, or a combination thereof, to produce a location-specific bacteriophage preparation. The preparation is administered to the animal, to reduce the one or more than one pathogenic bacteria. The method may also involve a step of identifying location-specific isolates of the one or more than one pathogenic bacteria at or near the animal rearing facility.

Abstract: A process is described for producing fermentable sugars derivable from biomass that contains polysaccharide, such as cellulose, made increasingly accessible as a substrate for enzymatic degradation or other methods of depolymerization. These fermentable sugars are subsequently able to be fermented to produce various target chemicals, such as alcohols, aldehydes, ketones or acids.

Abstract: Described is an intra-mammary teat sealant and a corresponding method of forming a physical barrier in the teat canal of a non-human animal for prophylactic treatment of mammary disorders during the animal's dry period. The method includes the step of infusing a bismuth-free teat seal formulation into the teat canal of the animal. The method also prevents the formation of black spot defect in dairy products, especially cheddar cheese, made from the milk of animals so treated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing the production of methane emanating from the digestive activities of a ruminant and or for improving ruminant animal performance by using, as active compound at least one nitrooxy alkanoic acid and/or derivative thereof, which is administrated to the animal together with the feed. The invention also relates to the use of these compounds in feed and feed additives such as premix, concentrates and total mixed ration (TMR) or in the form of a bolus.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for securing an ingestible electronic device to a pharmaceutical product without damaging the ingestible electronic device. The product includes the ingestible electronic device being placed on the product in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the ingestible electronic device is placed inside the product. Various embodiments are disclosed in accordance with the present invention for protecting and/or coating of the electronic marker as well as securing the ingestible electronic device onto the product.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the reduction of gastro-intestinal methanogenesis in ruminants with the aid of agents that compete for the hydrogen atoms required by methanogens during normal fermentation of ingested feed. The invention in one aspect resides in the findings that both nitrate reductive pathways as well as sulphate reductive pathways outcompete gastro-intestinal methanogenesis in ruminants and, that the methanogenesis reducing effects of nitrate and sulphate are completely additive. At the same time the combined administration of nitrate and sulphate was found to be fully effective to avoid or mitigate the potential problems of nitrite intoxication normally encountered when using nitrate alone, which effect is further enhanced, where necessary, by the addition of a nitrite reducing probiotic micoroorganism.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intraruminal sustained release capsule which is capable of delivering a sustained release dose of a first medicament to an animal, as well as either or both of a dump dose of a second medicament or mineral, and an exit dose of a third medicament or mineral. The capsule can have a dissolvable overcap molded from plasticized starch enabling a dump dose of medicament to be held between the overcap and one end of the capsule. A piston within the body of the capsule can be modified to enable it to accommodate an exit dose of medicament within its hollow interior which is aligned with an aperture at the end of the capsule which enables release of the medicaments to the rumen. After insertion of the capsule in the animal the overcap (if present) dissolves and separates from the capsule to release the dump dose of medicament. The sustained release medicament is then dispensed via the apertured end, followed by the release of the exit dose of medicament (if present).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of enhancing absorption (pinocytosis efficiecy) of immunoglobulins administered to postnatal domestic mammals (e.g., bovine) by using selenium. As an example of a selenium compound added, sodium selenite is particularly effective.

Abstract: A water soluble bag for containing soiled textiles, said bag having an open end, a closed end, and sides extending therebetween, said bag made of a plastic film having a thickness of at least 1.3 mils, wherein said bag dissolves in water at a temperature of 165° F. in less than about 250 seconds and does not dissolve in water at a temperature of 85° F. in 7 days, and said bag being capable of containing at least 175 lbs. of soiled textiles and having a capacity of at least 50 gallons. Also disclosed is a receptacle for collecting soiled textiles comprising a container and a water soluble bag. Also disclosed is a receptacle for collecting soiled textiles comprising a container, a sling, and a water soluble bag.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combination of antioxidants that effectively stabilize different types of fats utilized in a ruminant diet. When included in a ruminant feed ration or water source, the antioxidant combination typically increases nutrient digestion, such as fiber and protein, improves rumen fermentation, improves microbial growth, improves microbial efficiency, increases milk production and/or milk fat, improves antioxidant status of the ruminant, and attenuates the negative effects of some fats in the ruminant animal.

Abstract: A feed block is formed of compacted feed components with a coating of oils or fats that causes the compacted feed components to separate and the feed block to break apart during liquid absorption making the feed block accessible to the animals. Feed blocks have an initial weight that is substantially free of liquid. Liquid is then introduced to the feed block to cause the feed block to absorb liquid and break apart. After a treatment period during which liquid is absorbed into the feed block, a final resulting weight of the feed block is at least 100 percent greater than the initial weight. The feed block with the broken apart feed components and absorbed liquid is provided the to the animals for the simultaneous ingestion of feed and liquid. Feed blocks are formed by introducing feed components coated with the oils or fats in a high pressure press and compacting the coated feed components to form the feed block.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide sugar alcohol to heat stressed ruminants to improve performance. During periods of high temperature or humidity, heat stressed ruminants may exhibit decreased dry matter intake, and in response, an effective amount of sugar alcohol such as sorbitol may be provided in the ruminant diet to cause performance to increase, which may include increased milk yield, improved feed efficiency or both compared to heat stressed dairy cattle without sugar alcohol in the diet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing cores of granules intended for animal nutrition, the said cores comprising: a hydrophilic active principle present in an active content of greater than or equal to 60% by weight, at least one meltable binder, at least one plasticizer, the said process comprising (a) a first step of mixing of the ingredients, (b) a second step of extrusion of the mixture through an extruder, especially a single-screw or twin-screw extruder, equipped with one or more dies, so as to obtain rods, and (c) a third step of spheronization of the rods, the said process being characterized in that a preliminary dry co-grinding of the ingredients is performed before extruding the mixture, the said co-grinding being performed at a temperature of not more than 50° C. The present invention also relates to a process for preparing granules of hydrophilic active principle comprising the said cores.

Abstract: A system for the protection against degradation during pelleting of one or more physiologically or pharmacologically active substances, comprising compositions in the form of micro particles or granules, particularly for use in the zootechnical and/or veterinary field. The micro particles include a core which contains one or more substances having a pharmacological action, food supplements or diagnostic media, said one or more substances being characterized by the presence, within their chemical structure, of a basic functional group, specifically including an amine functional group. The core comprises also one or more carboxylic acids and/or their salts and eventually one or more excipients. Said core is coated by an outer layer of fats or waxes, and preferably by a mixture of glyceride of fatty acids.

Abstract: A method of feeding a ruminant that entails providing a feed that comprises sugar alcohol and at least one additional feed component, where the feed is free of rumen-protected fatty acid or comprises less than 10 weight percent rumen-protected fatty acid, based on the total weight of the feed and further entails orally supplying the feed to the ruminant during a pre-partum period when the ruminant is pregnant, where the ruminant ingests the feed and sugar alcohol during the pre-partum period.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for delivering an active agent formulation for a predetermined administration period. An impermeable reservoir is divided into a water-swellable agent chamber and an active agent formulation chamber. Fluid from the environment is imbibed through a semipermeable plug into the water-swellable agent chamber and the active agent formulation is released through a back-diffusion regulating outlet. Delivery periods of up to 2 years are achieved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a concentrate for dilution with water in the preparation of an agricultural composition for application to crops, soil or animals. The concentrate is recommended for use with agricultural chemicals whose agricultural activity varies with the pH of the water. It comprises an active ingredient and a combination of pH indicators for coloring the water, the pH indicators being selected so as to indicate different colors of spray water at different pH levels. The proportions of active ingredient and pH indicators are selected so that when the concentrate is added to water, the pH indicators indicate visually upper and lower pH limits for optimum activity of the agricultural chemical.

Abstract: Methods for stress reduction comprising administering a transfer factor to an animal. The transfer factor can be combined with glucans, such as hybrid glucans and other components, to bring about stress reduction. The formulation is encapsulated when administered to adult ruminant.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of enhancing milk production by a ruminant that includes providing a feed that contains sorbitol and at least one additional feed component, and orally feeding the feed to the ruminant, the ruminant ingesting about 100 grams, or less, of sorbitol per day.

Abstract: The present invention provides feed or food products for consumption by animals or humans which include respective quantities of flax oil and non-flax carbohydrate. The flax oil and carbohydrate are mixed together and simultaneously subjected to an elevated temperature of at least about 120° F. and subsequently cooled; the flax oil is used at a level so that the final product contains at least about 5% by weight flax oil. It has been found that the products of the invention, when fed at effective levels, induce increased in vivo synthesis of desirable eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

Abstract: The invention refers to the use of a mixture of naringin, bitter orange extract and sepiolite to improve ruminal fermentation in ruminants.

Abstract: A method of producing hexose oxidase by recombinant DNA technology, recombinant hexose oxidase and the use of such enzyme, in particular in the manufacturing of food products such as doughs and dairy products, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, dental care products and in the manufacturing of lactones. Suitable sources of DNA coding for the enzyme are marine algal species including Chondrus crispus, Iridophycus flaccidum and Euthora cristata. In useful embodiments, the recombinant hexose oxidase is produced by Pichia pastoris, Saccharomyces cerevisiae or E. coli.

Abstract: A bolus for administration of a substance to an animal, the bolus including An external coating, and A core inside the external coating wherein the core is formed from a plurality of dosage media, wherein each dosage media contains a substance, the bolus characterised in that the dosage media are ordered within the bolus such that the amount of substance released by each dosage media is progressively more than the amount of substance released by the previous dosage media.

Abstract: The invention encompasses methods of reducing the incidence of mastitis in an animal, and compositions and devices therefor. The methods and other aspects of the invention can be used to reduce the incidence of infection in the teat or mammary gland. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention encompasses a method of applying to the teat canal and/or teat sinus a composition comprising exogenous keratin.

Abstract: A novel dietary supplement and methods for the manufacture of the same are disclosed for feeding to equines and other animals. The dietary supplement of the present invention is beneficial to the health of equines and other animals. The dietary supplement of the present invention consists of safe and natural ingredients rather than drugs, and is orally administrable. The ingredients of the dietary supplement make the dietary supplement of the present invention highly beneficial to the health of equines and other animals.

Abstract: A method of feeding a ruminant that entails providing a feed that comprises sugar alcohol and at least one additional feed component, where the feed is free of rumen-protected fatty acid or comprises less than 10 weight percent rumen-protected fatty acid, based on the total weight of the feed and further entails orally supplying the feed to the ruminant during a pre-partum period when the ruminant is pregnant, where the ruminant ingests the feed and sugar alcohol during the pre-partum period.

Abstract: The invention relates to a probiotic health or fitness promoting human or animal foodstuff and/or drinking water additive, comprising a mixture of microorganisms, selected from the group Enterococcus faecium, DSM 16211, Lactobacillus reuteri, DSM 16350, Lactobacillus salivarius ssp. salivarius, DSM 16351, Pediococcus acidilactici, DSM 16210, Bifidobacterium animalis and DSM 16284. The invention further relates to a use of the human or animal foodstuff and/or drinking water additive, in particular for prevention of the harmful effect of a number of undesirable germs in the digestive system of animals and/or domestic birds.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a vaccine or pharmaceutical-containing composition is applied to the muzzle area of the animal, which will then naturally use its tongue to clean itself. This behavior will cause the animal to deposit applied composition to the mucosa of the nasal and oral cavities, thus meeting the need for a simple, effective, and efficient vaccination or treatment method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bolus for administration to a ruminant by deposition into its rumen, wherein the bolus has a construction including: a) a casing; b) a core inside the casing wherein the core is formed from at least two tablets; and, is characterised in that a permanently amorphous substance at least partially coats one or more of the tablet or tablets. A method of forming such a bolus is also claimed.

Abstract: A bolus for administration of a substance to an animal, the bolus including An external coating, and A core inside the external coating wherein the core is formed from a plurality of dosage media, wherein each dosage media contains a substance, the bolus characterised in that the dosage media are ordered within the bolus such that the amount of substance released by each dosage media is progressively more than the amount of substance released by the previous dosage media.

Abstract: The novel antimicrobial composition is disclosed including from about 60 to 95% of a lipophilic polar solvent such as propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, or isopropanol and from about 0.5 to 5% of a mixture of C8 to C14 fatty acids. Other constituents of the present invention may include water, an alcohol (such as ethanol or propanol) or a mixture thereof. Also disclosed is a novel method of killing harmful microbes on the udder of a milk-producing animal using the above-mentioned composition.

Abstract: The invention is related to methods and compositions for controlling microorganism populations in the digestive system of an animal. In an embodiment, the invention is a composition for reducing the bacterial load in the digestive tract of an animal including a saponin containing composition and an anti-microbial agent. Other embodiments are included herein.

Abstract: An improved weight and growth stimulant for domesticated animals such as cattle, pigs and sheep is comprised of an anabolic agent that is subcutaneously administered in the form of a dual release implant formulation. Increased gains are particularly improved when zeranol is administered in an immediate-release and controlled-release formulation which allows for a one-time dosage injection.

Abstract: A novel dietary supplement and nutritional aid and methods for the manufacture and administration of the same are disclosed for the efficacious treatment and/or prevention of digestive tract ulcers in horses and other animals. The dietary supplement of the present invention is effective in treating and/or preventing gastric ulcers, and in treating colonic ulcers as well. The dietary supplement of the present invention consists of safe and natural ingredients rather than drugs, and is orally administrable. The ingredients of the dietary supplement of the present invention when combined provide a synergistic efficacy which greatly exceeds the sum of the efficacies of the individual ingredients, making the dietary supplement highly effective in the treatment of digestive tract ulcers.

Abstract: A novel nutritional product and methods for the manufacture and administration of the same are disclosed for the feeding of equine foals and other animals. The nutritional product of the present invention is effective in supporting the growth and health of equine foals, and in supporting and stimulating its immune system as well. The nutritional product of the present invention consists of safe and natural ingredients rather than drugs, and is orally administrable. The ingredients of the nutritional product of the present invention when combined provide a synergistic efficacy which greatly exceeds the sum of the efficacies of the individual ingredients, making the nutritional product highly effective in promoting and enhancing the growth, nutritional uptake, and immune system of equine foals.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a vaccine or pharmaceutical-containing composition is applied to the muzzle area of the animal, which will then naturally use its tongue to clean itself. This behavior will cause the animal to deposit applied composition to the mucosa of the nasal and oral cavities, thus meeting the need for a simple, effective, and efficient vaccination or treatment method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combination of antioxidants that effectively stabilize different types of fats utilized in a ruminant diet. When included in a ruminant feed ration or water source, the antioxidant combination typically increases nutrient digestion, such as fiber and protein, improves rumen fermentation, improves microbial growth, improves microbial efficiency, increases milk production and/or milk fat, improves antioxidant status of the ruminant, and attenuates the negative effects of some fats in the ruminant animal.

Abstract: Described is an intra-mammary teat sealant and a corresponding method of forming a physical barrier in the teat canal of a non-human animal for prophylactic treatment of mammary disorders during the animal's dry period. The method includes the step of infusing a bismuth-free teat seal formulation into the teat canal of the animal. The method also prevents the formation of black spot defect in dairy products, especially cheddar cheese, made from the milk of animals so treated.

Abstract: A method of inducing the sustained release of antibodies in milk comprising the step of: a) implanting at least one antigen releasing device adjacent to, within close proximity of or within at least one supramammary lymph node, wherein in use the antigen releasing device releases an antigen into the tissue area around the supramammary lymph node which stimulates antibody secretion into a mammary gland.

Abstract: A novel dietary supplement and nutritional aid and methods for the manufacture and administration of the same are disclosed for the efficacious treatment and/or prevention of digestive tract ulcers in horses and other animals. The dietary supplement of the present invention is effective in treating and/or preventing gastric ulcers, and in treating colonic ulcers as well. The dietary supplement of the present invention consists of safe and natural ingredients rather than drugs, and is orally administrable. The ingredients of the dietary supplement of the present invention when combined provide a synergistic efficacy which greatly exceeds the sum of the efficacies of the individual ingredients, making the dietary supplement highly effective in the treatment of digestive tract ulcers.

Abstract: According to the present invention there are provided methods of use in companion animals of probiotic bacteria of the genus Lactobacilli.

Abstract: A method for encapsulating amino acids, vitamins and/or medications where the rumen bypass of the amino acids, vitamins and/or medications is increased. Ruminant supplements produced by the method for encapsulating, methods for producing milk and methods for increasing the production of milk protein.

Abstract: An improved weight and growth stimulant for domesticated animals such as cattle, pigs and sheep is comprised of an anabolic agent that is subcutaneously administered in the form of a dual release implant formulation. Increased gains are particularly improved when zeranol is administered in an immediate-release and controlled-release formulation which allows for a one-time dosage injection.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method for reducing the production of methane emanating from the digestion of animal by using one or more essential oil compounds selected from the group consisting of limonene, eugenol, a silicylate, quinoline, vanilla, thymol and a cresol, which are administered to the animal feed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of maintaining rumen health in ruminants. The method includes providing to a ruminant a low-moisture block made of molasses and having a buffer. The low-moisture buffer block is specifically designed such that licking rather than chewing consumes the block. The licking action of the cows increases salivation, which acts as a natural buffer for the maintenance of the overall rumen health.

Abstract: This invention provides composite gels to, e.g., efficiently deliver unmodified amino acids, lipids, and/or feed supplements through the rumen of a ruminant animal. The invention also provides methods to make and use composite gels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of aerogels as carrier materials for active substances in agriculture and/or veterinary medicine.