Abstract: The present invention discloses the autoinducer compounds, such as acyl homoserine lactones, acyl homocysteine lactone, acyl thiolactones, furanones or signal peptides, and their use in animal feed additives and animal feeds to improve animal performance.

Abstract: An intra-ruminal bolus and method of manufacture is described that releases a therapeutically effective amount of at least one beneficial agent to a ruminant animal over a time period of less than approximately 21 days. The bolus includes at least one beneficial agent, at least one densifier material, at least one binding agent, and at least one releasing agent. The bolus is manufactured using a ratio of binding agent to releasing agent that is tailored to achieve the desired rate of release and timing of delivery. This ratio is in the order of approximately 1 part binding agent to between approximately 0.01 and approximately 2 parts releasing agent and may be varied within this range in order to obtain the preferred release length of time. The bolus is particularly useful for delivery of anti-parasitic compounds but may also be used for delivery of other active agents such as trace elements including selenium and cobalt.

Abstract: A polymeric antimicrobial comprising a derivative of poly(2-propenal, 2-propenoic acid) formed by reaction between a poly(2-propenal, 2-propenoic acid) and an alcohol or phenol to form protected carbonyl groups. The invention also relates to antiseptic compositions and compositions for treating gastrointestinal disease containing the polymeric antimicrobial.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for determining the pregnancy status of a cow by detecting a pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) level that comprises proteins present in an acidic protein fraction of day 55 to day 60 bovine placental tissue. These methods may involve using novel polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies that have been generated using the acidic protein fraction as an immunogen. According to the method, the cow is pregnant when the PAG level is present at an elevated level in a sample obtained from the cow. The invention provides accurate methods of detecting pregnancy at early stages and has the benefit of allowing early post partum detection of pregnancy status with few false positive results. The antibodies for detecting the PAG level will also be useful in combination with detecting elevated progesterone levels, thus providing an even more effective pregnancy detection method.

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 present invention provides improved chlortetracycline-containing animal feed compositions and processes and apparatuses for their preparation. In certain embodiments, raw fermentation broth comprising chlortetracycline is divided into two portions. The first portion is mixed with a compound that complexes chlortetracycline. The second portion is acidified and the solids are removed. The acidified liquid is treated with a complexing agent to produced a chlortetracycline complex. The first and second portions thus treated are then mixed and the mixture is passed on to a filter press or other means for separation of the solids to produce a wet cake comprising complexed chlortetracycline. In alternative embodiments, the second portion may be acidified and filtered and admixed with the first portion prior to the complexing step. The resulting mixture is passed on to a filter press or other means for separation of the solids.

Abstract: A control release device for the delivery of active components, the device including; a rigid housing containing at least one discrete aperture therein, and a driving substance containing the active component(s) placed within the housing, characterized in that the driving substance swells in the presence of fluid, driving the substance and active components out of the housing through the apertures.

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 method for reducing protozoa populations in the digestive system of an animal including administering an effective amount of a saponin containing composition to the animal, and administering an effective amount of an anti-microbial agent to the 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. In an embodiment, the invention is a method for reducing the bacterial load in the digestive system of an animal including administering an effective amount of a saponin containing composition to the animal.

Abstract: An animal feed such as a milk replacer includes a soluble fiber and a sugar alcohol. The milk replacer enhances weight gain, starter intake and reduces weaning time. The method of feeding the animal includes feeding a mixture of a soluble fiber and sugar alcohol. The animal feed may be used as a method of weaning young ruminants such as calves.

Abstract: A method of producing a self-take anthelmintic that includes active components that are undesirable to at least one sense of a target animal. The active ingredients including praziquantel are mixed with artificial beef and yeast components and subjected to a first compression. The resulting rough tablet is then ground to increase the density of the material by approximately 100% of the original density. Thereafter, the material is subjected to a second compression to form a final self-take tablet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid block formulation, and methods of making and methods of use. In addition, methods of controlling insects on cattle are also provided.

Abstract: Animals have been domesticated and kept as a source of milk for tens of thousands of years, When humans keep animals for their ability to produce milk, the animals are usually kept in confined spaces. As a result of this confinement the animals are exposed to high levels of urine and fecal matter which originated with the animals which are being kept. This exposure contaminates the animal and in particular the udder and teats of the animal, with bacteria. In the milking process this bacteria can further contaminate the milk which is destine for human consumption. The bacteria can further cause mastitis in the bovine. The above set forth problems are eliminated in the subject invention wherein the udder and teat areas of the bovine are sanitized with a solution of trichloromelamine.

Abstract: Milk production and feed efficiency are improved by feeding the animal producing the milk a diet of feed comprising a substituted 1,2-dihydroquinoline compound.

Abstract: Animal feeds, which include compositions utilizing mucosa byproducts derived from mucosal material, such as digested gut material, are provided. The feeds can include a mucosa byproduct which contains at least about 10 wt. % nucleic acid material; at least about 20 wt. % mucopolysaccharides; and no more than about 10 wt. % proteinaceous material. The mucosa byproduct is produced by a process which includes digesting animal mucosal material to form a mucosal digest; and separating the mucosal digest to provide (a) a protein-enriched stream and (b) a polyanionic-enriched stream, which includes mucopolysaccharides and nucleic acid material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chewing gum and confectionery compositions and methods for reducing dental caries in mammals. In particular, the compositions may include a gum base or carrier, sweetening agents and casein phosphopeptide-calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP). The compositions may be employed to slow the progression and enhance the regression of carious lesions in mammals, particularly in humans.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for producing a fatty acid salt, the method comprising reacting a fatty acid with a metal oxide or a metal hydroxide by use of an extruder having at least a stock supply zone, a kneading/reaction zone, and a cooling zone. The invention provides a high-productivity, highly efficient method for continuously producing a fatty acid salt and a method for effectively producing a fatty acid salt having a high unsaturated fatty acid content and a low melting temperature.

Abstract: The invention described in this application relates to a method of increasing the amount of weight gained by the mammal during a feeding period, to a method of increasing the amount of milk replacer consumed by the mammal during a feeding period, to a method of decreasing the amount of scour of the ruminant during a feeding period, to a method of decreasing the amount of respiratory distress of the mammal during a feeding period, to a method of feeding the ruminant, to a mammal ration, to a daily mammal ration, to a method of feeding mammals an animal feed that contains resistant starch, and to a method of increasing the feed efficiency of a mammal during a feeding period that entails feeding the mammal an effective amount of a fluid animal feed during the feeding period and feeding the mammal an effective amount of resistant starch during the feeding period.

Abstract: The present invention provides formulations which greatly improve the physical and chemical stability of pesticides such as insect growth regulators, in liquid feeds, and liquid feed supplements. The present invention prevents or reduces stratification in liquid feeds and liquid feed supplements.

Abstract: Method of preventing parturient hypocalcemia and milk fever (parturient paresis) in lactating animals comprising administering to the animal during the dry period a compound which reduces absorption of calcium from the drinking water and/or from the ration of said animal. The method is based on the powerful, natural calcium regulating mechanisms and is applicable under commercial farming conditions.

Abstract: A non-toxic, germicide, fungicide and healing composition and a method of topically applying the composition in powdered form to the skin of domesticated farm animals including dairy cattle are disclosed. The composition comprises (a) finely divided, particulate chlorhexidine-containing material, (b) finely divided, particulate zinc-containing material and (c) an inert powdered carrier, with the chlorhexidine-containing material and the zinc-containing material being present in an amount to achieve effective germicidal activity. The chlorhexidine-containing material is preferably chlorhexidine acetate. The zinc-containing material is preferably selected from the group consisting of zinc stearate, zinc chloride, zinc nitrate, zinc oleate, zinc oxide, zinc phosphate, zinc peroxide, zinc iodide, elemental zinc and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shelf-life extending pesticide formulation, and methods of making and methods of use. The present invention prolongs the shelf-life many fold. In addition, methods of controlling insects on cattle are also provided.

Abstract: A method of feeding ruminants, the method including feeding a ruminant a fluid animal feed during a feeding period, the fluid animal feed including an animal feed component and the ruminant consuming greater than about 1.25 pounds of the animal feed component per day, based on the dry weight of the animal feed component, during the feeding period; and the method further including feeding the ruminant a psyllium composition during the feeding period.

Abstract: Feeding yeast cell wall-containing compositions, including those compositions comprising mannanoligosaccharide(s), to animals exposed to or infected with coccidia, especially poultry exposed to pathogenic species of Eimeria, results in improved livestock performance and physical condition as compared with those animals who were not fed such compositions.

Abstract: A composition including a bait and a borate is used to mitigate a population of target insects and/or mollusca. The composition may include attractive by-products of agriculture and manufacturing with or without semiochemicals or biopesticides prepared as point source units (such as pellets or microcapsules). The by-products attract insects and/or mollusca to a food source for the purpose of mitigating the target organism. The bait is combined with borates and is pelletized and/or encapsulated into micron size particles. The pelletized and/or encapsulated particles are broadcast (spread) over areas infested with the target insect. The insects ingest the composition and regurgitate the composition to the remainder of the insect population. Significant mitigation of the population of the target insects results with little to no effect on the environment. The composition is also passed on to the next generation due to cannibalism of the target insects.

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 relates to the use of a combination of a protease and an inner salt of a quaternary amine carboxylic acid for the preparation of an agent for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of coccidiosis and bacterial infections such as necrotic enterities in animals. Preferred embodiments of the invention comprise the inclusion of a xylanase and/or an ?-amylase in the agent. A nutritional additive comprising a combination of an inner salt of a quaternary amine carboxylic acid protease and (optionally) a xylanase and an ?-amylase is also disclosed. It can be used for improving the rate of weight gain of animals.

Abstract: A veterinary delivery system in the form of a pliable film comprising at least one binder, at least one lubricant, at least one solvent for the binder and lubricant, and an effective amount of at least one effective agent. According to one embodiment, a flavorant is included in a pliable hydrophilic film in order to enhance oral acceptability by the animal. In other embodiments, the films preferably have a moisture content of about 2–15%, preferably about 3–7% by weight. The hydrophilic films most preferably have at least one effective agent distributed homogeneously throughout the film.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a handleable, flowable coated cottonseed product is provided which involves coating cottonseed with a composition of (a) water or a liquid feed product, (b) one or more organic acids and (c) a metal compound capable of interacting with the one or more organic acids to form a coating on the cottonseed, and curing the coating formed thereby, and the flowable cottonseed product formed thereby, as well as its use as a feed supplement for ruminants such as cattle, as a plantable source of cottonseed, in a method for treatment and/or prevention of urinary calculi or prevention of milk fever in cattle, or in a method for increasing milk fat in dairy cattle, a method for increasing milk production in dairy cattle, and a method for preventing ketosis in ruminants.

Abstract: This invention describes feed supplement, and processes which increase the amount of essential fatty acids in the milk, eggs, meat and other by-products from animals including dairy cattle, beef cattle, goats and poultry. The food supplement described herein includes specific fish meal, fish oil, algae or plant dietary supplements combined with a natural ingredient/coating mixture, which can be either talc, clay or combinations; or mixtures of talc or clay with flax sprout powder to achieve enhanced levels of the essential fatty acids in the milk, eggs, meat and processed livestock products from animals fed this dietary supplement. In ruminants, the natural ingredient/coating mixture prevents microbial degradation of the essential fatty acids in the rumen stomach of the animals fed with this composition, thus providing more of the essential fatty acids to the animal, for their use. This in turn results in improved concentrations in the milk, meat and processed products from these animals.

Abstract: An intraruminal device is provided for the time release dispensation of a medicament to a ruminant. The device has no metal parts which may damage slaughterhouse equipment or injure a human upon consumption of ground meat from a ruminant from which the device was not properly removed. The device may use a nonmetallic bladder assembly having a to supply a compressive force to the medicament matrix to keep the matrix abutted against the first end of the device. The device may also use a piston to create a fluid-tight seal allowing part of the device to be pressurized, allowing the piston to provide a compressive force to the medicament matrix. The matrix surface at the first end is exposed to ruminal juices for dissolution of the matrix and dispensation of the medicament into the rumen.

Abstract: Fecal bacterial contamination in an animal is reduced by providing it with drinking water containing a microbiocidally-effective amount of halogen-based microbiocide resulting from mixing with water (A) a product formed in water from (i) bromine, chlorine, or bromine chloride, or any two or more thereof, (ii) a water-soluble source of sulfamate anion, and (iii) a water-soluble base; (B) at least one 1,3-dihalo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin in which one of the halogen atoms is a chlorine atom and the other is a chlorine or bromine atom, and in which each alkyl group, independently, contains in the range of 1 to about 4 carbon atoms; (C) at least one 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin in which one of the alkyl groups is a methyl group and the other alkyl group contains in the range of 1 to about 4 carbon atoms; or (D) any two or more of (A), (B), and (C).

Abstract: The invention is a dietary supplement for animals, especially dogs, for treating arthritis and joint discomfort. A biscuit form of the supplement may be in the form of a conventional carrier composition of, for example, typical dog biscuit materials including cereal grains, vegetables or animal meat, fat and by-products. Typically, the biscuit contains about 89-97 weight percent (wt. %) of the conventional carrier composition. Optional vitamins and minerals may also be added to the carrier material, typically in about the 1-5 wt. % range. Importantly, the biscuit of the present invention contains about 3-7 wt. % of an arthritis-treating combination, namely, glucosamine sulfate, vitamin C and an array of intracellular ions namely potassium, sodium and iodine. The glucosamine component is present by weight at approximately the same level as the vitamin C, and at approximately 10 (ten) times the level of the sum of the above-named intracellular ions.

Abstract: A rumen bypass fat supplement for ruminant animals such as cattle is produced by: (a) blending about 40 to 90 parts by weight fat and about 1 to 10 parts by weight of an emulsifier; (b) adding about 5 to 20 parts by weight water to form an emulsion; (c) adding about 5 to 20 parts by weight of a Group II metal compound to the emulsion to form a reaction mixture and to initiate a salt formation reaction; (d) stirring the reaction mixture until it forms a hardened mass; (e) cooling the hardened mass to a temperature below about 100° F.; and (f) grinding the hardened mass into small particles.

Abstract: Method of preventing parturient hypocalcemia and milk fever (parturient paresis) in lactating animals comprising administering to the animal during the dry period a compound which reduces absorption of calcium from the drinking water and/or from the ration of said animal. The method is based on the powerful, natural calcium regulating mechanisms and is applicable under commercial farming conditions.

Abstract: A ruminant direct fed microbial composition of matter comprising an acidosis inhibiting effective amount of Propionibacterium P-63 is provided. Also disclosed is a process for reducing acidosis in ruminants or scours in swine by administration of the bacterium to the ruminant or swine. The microbial composition may be administered by itself, or combined with animal feed and/or lactic acid producing cultures.

Abstract: A method of enhancing milk component production in a ruminant, the method including providing a feed that includes a sugar alcohol and supplying the sugar alcohol to the abomasum of the ruminant.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for promoting production gains in animals, and of enhancing the efficacy of therapeutic agents. The gains are achieved through reduction in stress, including through the use of antistress agents. Compositions comprising therapeutic agents such as anthelmintics, and antistress agents are provided.

Abstract: A liquid vitamin composition comprising (a) a first liquid vitamin formulation comprising vitamins A, D3, B12 and optionally vitamin E, (b) a second liquid vitamin formulation comprising vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and H, and (c) a third liquid vitamin formulation comprising vitamin K3 wherein the three formulations are separate solutions.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved chlortetracycline-containing animal feed compositions and processes and apparatuses for their preparation. In certain embodiments, raw fermentation broth comprising chlortetracycline is divided into two portions. The first portion is mixed with a compound that complexes chlortetracycline. The second portion is acidified and the solids are removed. The acidified liquid is treated with a complexing agent to produced a chlortetracycline complex. The first and second portions thus treated are then mixed and the mixture is passed on to a filter press or other means for separation of the solids to produce a wet cake comprising complexed chlortetracycline. In alternative embodiments, the second portion may be acidified and filtered and admixed with the first portion prior to the complexing step. The resulting mixture is passed on to a filter press or other means for separation of the solids.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a handleable, flowable coated cottonseed product is provided which involves coating cottonseed with a composition of (a) water or a liquid feed product, (b) a soluble phosphorous source and (c) a metal compound capable of interacting with the soluble phosphorous source to form a coating on the cottonseed, and curing the coating formed thereby, and the flowable cottonseed product formed thereby, as well as its use as a feed supplement for ruminants such as cattle, as a plantable source of cottonseed, and in a method for treatment and/or prevention of urinary calculi or prevention of milk fever in cattle.

Abstract: The invention relates to adjuvants that contain a lecithin, an oil and an amphiphilic surfactant and that are capable of forming a stable oil-in-water emulsion vaccine so as to minimize local reactions to the vaccine in the injected animal.

Abstract: A method of supplying a ruminant with its nutritional requirements for methionine is provided wherein a hydroxy analogue of methionine that is available for absorption by a ruminant is administered to the ruminant. Preferably, the, ruminant is administered an isopropyl ester of a hydroxy analogue of methionine, wherein at least 40% of the isopropyl ester of the hydroxy analogue of methionine is available for absorption by the cow.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for providing controlled protection for hygroscopic ingredients that will be exposed to moist or humid environments for significant periods of time by encapsulating the hygroscopic ingredients with a controlled-protection lipid coating. The methods and compositions are particularly useful for stabilizing a hygroscopic bioactive substance, such as choline chloride or lysine hydrochloride, in an animal feed composition and also providing adequate rumen protection in ruminant feeds.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel flavored extended release composition which forms a non-effervescent suspension when dropped into a liquid, and the methods of using said supplement, thereby minimizing and eliminating gastric discomfort. This flavored extended release composition provides the additional benefits of palatable taste and pleasant appearance.

Abstract: Pasture grass and legume seeds are protected with an outer coating of insoluble fatty acid salts. The coated seeds are fed to ruminants and bypass their digestive tract. When the coated seeds exit the digestive tract in the manure, they provide ranchers a no-till broadcast technique to easily reseed or improve pasture forage. Legume seeds are preferably coated twice, first with Rhizobia and then with the insoluble fatty acid salts. The Rhizobia coating will improve the legume rate of growth. Alternatively, discreet particles of Rhizobia can be coated with insoluble fatty acid salts and fed to the ruminants along with coated legume seeds.

Abstract: A drug delivery device for delivering hormonal and other veterinary treatments intra-vaginally. A substance dispenser (21) is separate from the supporting device (20). The dispenser is in the form of drug impregnated gills or vanes (6, 7). In other aspects the drug may be dispensed by a micro-pump in the supporting device or the drug may be coated on the dispenser.

Abstract: Seaweed supplement is included in diet of mammals and poultry to enhance immune response. In one embodiment, pasture forage is treated with seaweed supplement. In another embodiment, seaweed meal is directly fed to mammals and enhanced immune responses is manifested by increased width response after intradermal injection of phytohemaglutinin. In an independently inventive embodiment, seaweed supplement is administered to pigs exposed to PRRS disease to impart resistance to said disease and improve performance. In stilt another independently inventive embodiment, seaweed supplement is administered to lactating mares prior to weaning to mitigate the stress of weaning.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and compositions for controlling food borne enteric bacterial pathogens in animals. Populations of enteropathogenic bacteria may be substantially reduced or eliminated by treatment of animals with an effective amount of the compound Xm(ClO3)n, wherein X is a cationic moiety and m and n are independently selected from integers necessary to provide a net valency of 0. The compounds may be administered orally, providing a reduction in the populations of the enteropathogenic bacteria in the alimentary tract of the animal, or they may be applied externally onto the animal to reduce the populations of any such bacteria which may be present as contaminants on the surface of the animal. The method and compositions are particularly useful for the control of Salmonella species, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, and Clostridia species.

Abstract: A method and packaging for vaccinating or medicating an animal by implanting a solid dose medicament in an animal. The solid dose medicament, or plurality of such medicaments, are each color-coded to identify a particular active ingredient, then packaged in a pellet magazine through which the doses are visible, and thereafter the pellets are implanted, usually subcutaneously, into the base of the ear or in the neck of an animal. The same system can be used for colored ballistic implants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for supplying bioavailable methionine to a cow which comprises supplying to the cow an ester of methionine or methionine amide and/or an ester of the hydroxy analogue of methionine or a salt thereof.