Abstract: The present invention relates to feed additives for cats. The invention provides methods for making a biological compositions comprising yeast cells that can improve the immune functions of cats. The invention also relates to methods for manufacturing the biological compositions, and methods of using the biological compositions as feed additives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to feed additives for dogs. The invention provides methods for making a biological compositions comprising yeast cells that can improve the immune functions of dogs. The invention also relates to methods for manufacturing the biological compositions, and methods of using the biological compositions as feed additives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to feed additives for chicken. The invention provides methods for making a biological compositions comprising yeast cells that can improve the immune functions of chicken. The invention also relates to methods for manufacturing the biological compositions, and methods of using the biological compositions as feed additives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to feed additives for cattle. The invention provides methods for making a biological compositions comprising yeast cells that can improve the immune functions of cattle. The invention also relates to methods for manufacturing the biological compositions, and methods of using the biological compositions as feed additives.

Abstract: The invention concerns a multi-enzyme product with glucoamylase, proteolytic and xylanase activities, characterized in that it consists of wheat bran fermented with an Aspergillus niger strain, said enzymatic glucoamylase, proteolytic and xylanase activities being present in the following minimum values: glucoamylase activity: at least 100 UG per gram of dry matter; proteolytic activity: at least 100 UP per gram of dry matter; xylanase activity: at least 100 UX per gram of dry matter, provided that at least one of the following conditions is satisfied: the gluycoamylase activity is at least 750 UG per gram of dry matter, or the xylanase is at least 300 UX per gram of dry matter. The invention is useful for producing ethanol or monogastric animal feed.

Abstract: A process is provided for limiting weight gain in cats. The process includes feeding the cat a pet food composition that includes a source of protein, a source of fat, and a source of carbohydrates from a grain source that excludes rice. Use of preferred low glycemic index grain sources that comprise a blend of corn and sorghum; a blend of corn, sorghum, and barley; or a blend of corn, sorghum, and oats, has the effect of decreasing the postprandial blood glucose and insulin response of the cat as compared to when feeding a rice-based diet. The result is that the animal becomes satiated and voluntarily decreases its intake of food, causing less weight gain. This effect is even more marked when the composition is fed to male cats.

Abstract: The invention provides sponges (foams) produced from hydrocolloids by the expansion of gels of these. The foams have properties which can be varied, such as water absorption, biodegradibility, pore size and structure. Edible products can be produced which may contain an edible plasticizer, a sugar or sugar substitute and possibly also a flavoring agent or taste enhancer. The novel sponges are produced by preparing a gel of a hydrocolloid, and either sealing it in a closed vessel with a liquid of similar composition, pressurizing the vessel and abruptly releasing the pressure, followed by freeze drying, or by incorporating in such a gel a suitable microorganism, such as a yeast and inducing fermentation in the presence of a suitable nutrient medium, so that the carbon dioxide formed results in the expansion and foam formation, which is processed to the final product. The sponges-foams of the invention are such, that the initial network of the gel is maintained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing arachidonic acid. In one embodiment, Mortierella sect. schmuckeri microorganisms are cultured in fermentation medium, preferably containing a component of a complex nitrogen source. Further disclosed is a food product which includes Mortierella sect. schmuckeri microorganisms or lipid isolated from such microorganisms to enhance the arachidonic acid content of the food product.

Abstract: A method for preparing a solid fermentation-promoting substance, the method including the steps of: subjecting a residue obtainable from the process of production of a fermented liquor to acid treatment and separating supernatant from the acid treatment to obtain a liquid fermentation-promoting substance; and subjecting the resulting liquid fermentation-promoting substance to neutralization treatment to obtain the solid fermentation-promoting substance.

Abstract: A process is described for manufacturing dietary supplements (food integrators) by means of a natural fermentation, including the following steps: a) preparation of a “mix” at a 18° Centigrade temperature, containing one or more types of pasteurized milk from animal origin; b) introduction in such a “basic material” of a 1.5-4.5% in weight of polysaccharide “grains” mainly formed “friendly bacteria”; c) maintenance of the previous substance at a 18-25° Centigrade temperature for a first period of 6-12 hours then adding a quantity of 1-3 % in weight of a second pool of polysaccharide “grains”, mainly formed by yeasts; d) maintenance of the substance at 18-25 ° C. during a second period of 6-12 hours, by adding again 2.5-65% in weight of “grains” mainly formed by yeasts, then adding some minerals (calcium, magnesium, etc.) in proportion 0.2-1.

Abstract: There is provided a method of production of an immunostimulatory &bgr;-glucan-mannan preparation, comprising the step of autolysis of cells of a microorganism at a pH of 5 to 6 and a temperature of 35 to 60° C. for 6 to 48 hours, and separating solid material roam the autolysed product. The &bgr;-glucan-mannan preparation may be incorporated as a food component or be used as a pharmaceutical for treatment of conditions such as immuno-suppression, hypercholesterolaemia, hypoglycaemia and heavy metal excretion.

Abstract: A process and equipment for preparing flavoring compositions, in particular a process for preparing flavoring compositions by so-called Maillard reactions, more in particular fast Maillard reactions.

Abstract: A pharmacological composition including a component having pressure reductive activity obtained from Mycoleptodonoides aitchisonii fruit body which is safe and cheap, harvested constantly year-round by artificial cultivation, with equal quality, and useful for prevention and/or amelioration of symptom of hypertension caused by angiotensin I converting enzyme or the like. The invention also includes foods or beverages containing the pharmacological compositions, and methods of preventing or treating hypertension by administration of the composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrolysate and a process for the production of the hydrolysate. The process includes a fermenting step wherein a Koji substrate of a protein containing material and a carbohydrate that has been injected with a culture of a lactic acid bacteria that is capable of imparting a specific characteristic note to the hydrolysate is fermented to produce a fermented Koji and a hydrolysis step wherein the fermented Koji is hydrolyzed at a temperature of between about 2° C. and 50° C. and a pH of from about 5.6 to 7.0 for a period of from about 1 to 20 days to produce a hydrolysate. The characteristic note of the hydrolysate is stronger than if the inoculation with the lactic acid bacteria occurred after the fermentation stage.

Abstract: A nutrient formulation including moisture which is designed for use in poultry and other animals, and a method of feeding it which improves subsequent livability, cumulative feed efficiency and weight gain is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing arachidonic acid. In one embodiment, Mortierella sect. schmuckeri microorganisms are cultured in fermentation medium, preferably containing a component of a complex nitrogen source. Further disclosed is a food product which includes Mortierella sect. schmuckeri microorganisms or lipid isolated from such microorganisms to enhance the arachidonic acid content of the food product.

Abstract: A product which contains a health-promoting component and a process for preparing such a product, in the present invention, using a pulse crop as a raw material. The product accomplishes health promotion very effectively by means of at least one member of the group consisting of liver function improving constituents, cardiac function improving constituents, anti-inflammatory constituents, antifat constituents, antioxidation consititents, antimutagen constituents, and components which have an intestine-regulating effect in single-stomached animals; and the method produces such a product with good efficiency. The product of the present invention can be used directly “as is”; and alternatively, specified components may be concentrated or may be usefully utilized in applied products which use the product of the present invention as a raw material, e. g., food products, livestock feeds, pet foods or drug raw materials, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fermentation process to have a high productivity with a novel mutant of Torula sp. DS101 (KCMM-10171), more specifically, for preparing erythritol using mother liquor produced from purification process, which comprises 30˜60% of trehalulose, 10˜30% of palatinose, 5˜15% of fructose, 5˜25% of glucose and 0˜10% of sucrose.

Abstract: A precursor mixture of flavorings and a food composition containing the precursor mixture of flavorings. The precursor mixture of flavorings includes at least one polysulfide and at least one non-volatile source of sulfur having at lease one sulfhydryl group. The precursor mixture generates an aromatic note due to the formation of thiols when heated to provide a roasted or grilled flavor to the food composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing arachidonic acid. In one embodiment, Mortierella sect. schmuckeri microorganisms are cultured in fermentation medium, preferably containing a component of a complex nitrogen source. Further disclosed is a food product which includes Mortierella sect. schmuckeri microorganisms or lipid isolated from such microorganisms to enhance the arachidonic acid content of the food product.

Abstract: Proces for the preparation of malted cereals, wherein the steeping step includes one or more wetting stages at a temperature and 30° C. preferably between 10 and 20° C., until the material has a moisture content between 20 and 60% by weight, preferably between 38 and 47%, wherein aftr a germination period between 2 and 7 days, preferably between 3 to 6 days at a temperature between 10 and 30° C., preferably between 14 and 18° C., the steeped and germinated cereals are preferably kilned by increasing the temperature to values between 40 and 150° C. until the material has a moisture content between 2 and 15% by weight, and wherein one or more microbial cultures selected from the group consisting of one or more bacteria and/or one of more activated spores are added in one or more times during the process.

Abstract: A process for producing acetephenone from a source of cinnamic acid is carried out with high amounts of oxygen and sugar in the presence of a bacteria species. Fragrance compositions and foodstuff compositions are augmented and enhanced by the presence of the product compound.

Abstract: Compositions useful in the treatment of dietary disorders, and as dietary additives to provide a source of fiber and of short chain fatty acids, to reduce the level of serum cholesterol, increase HDL cholesterol levels and as bulking agents in humans and animals, as well as methods of use therefor are described. The compositions and methods are based on whole .beta.-glucans.

Abstract: A treatment for stabilizing wine against tartaric acids and proteins by adding mannoproteins extracted from yeast walls by enzymatic digestion, is disclosed. A method for carrying out the treatment by extracting mannoproteins from yeast by enzymatic digestion, and the resulting mannoprotein, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed which comprise red rice fermentation products, that can be used as natural dietary supplements and/or medicaments for the treatment or prevention of hyperlipidemia and associated disorders and symptoms, such as cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, asthenic breathing, chronic headache, chest pain and tightness, limb swelling and distention, loss of appetite and excess expectoration. The methods and compositions are effective in lowering both the serum cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels in humans, and can be used for maintaining cardiovascular health. The invention also encompasses particular Monascus strains that yield fermentation products with the desired biological activities.

Abstract: A refrigerated dough system is provided which includes a dough in a container flushed with a gas. The dough contains a leavening agent capable of generating gas in the dough after the dough is sealed in the container. The container is provided with a pressure release mechanism to release excess pressure generated within the container as the dough leavens and during storage. The dough system is capable of sustaining a leavened dough structure during storage so that upon baking the dough, the resulting baked product resembles a freshly prepared and baked dough.

Abstract: Compositions useful in the treatment of dietary disorders, and as dietary additives to provide a source of fiber and of short chain fatty acids, to reduce the level of serum cholesterol and as bulking agents in humans and animals, as well as methods of use therefor are described. The compositions and methods are based on whole .beta.-glucans.

Abstract: A nutrient formulation including moisture which is designed for use in poultry and other animals, and a method of feeding it which improves subsequent livability, cumulative feed efficiency and weight gain is disclosed. The method comprises making available for consumption ad libitum a high moisture material containing at least about 20% by weight water to the poultry or other animals before they are offered dry food ad libitum.

Abstract: A method for producing powdery seasoning with constant quality, with no occurrence of coagulation under storage. The method comprises culturing koji mold in heated and expanded defatted soybean, maintaining a dispersion of the resulting culture in a sodium chloride solution under enzymatically active conditions, separately collecting a liquid dispersion medium from the enzymatic reaction product, adding a liquid seasoning to the liquid dispersion medium, and spray drying the resulting mixture.

Abstract: A nutrient formulation including moisture, a coloring agent, a palatability modifier, and/or an adjuvant which is designed for use in poultry and other animals, and a method of feeding it which improves subsequent livability, cumulative feed efficiency, weight gain, and resistance to disease challenge or other stresses is disclosed.

Abstract: A seasoning composition is prepared by preparing a koji and in the absence of added salt, hydrolyzing the koji in the presence of a culture of lactic acid bacteria at a temperature between 15.degree. C. and 60.degree. C. and at a pH of from 4.5 to 10 for a period of from 6 hours to 28 days, and the seasoning composition is obtained without preparing a moromi. Inoculation with the lactic acid bacteria culture is carried out either in the hydrolysis stage or in the koji preparation stage, and the hydrolysis may be carried out in two stages with the culture present during the first stage and so that the temperature of the first stage hydrolysis is between 20.degree. C. and 60.degree. C. and particularly between 25.degree. C. and 50.degree. C. and so that the second stage temperature is from 2.degree. C. up to 20.degree. C., and the second stage hydrolysis is carried out for at from 12 hours to 25 days and the first and second stage hydrolysis are carried out for a combined time of from 18 hours to 28 days.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing beers having yeast turbidity, in particular wheat beer, in which it is possible to metabolize virtually completely the oxygen which has unavoidably passed into the container during packaging, and nevertheless to perform continuous pasteurization integrated into the filling device. For this purpose, prior to packaging, yeast and beer wort are again added to the beer, and the yeast in the beer present in a package is destroyed within 24 hours of packaging. By this means, sterile beer having very high flavor stability can be produced, which is also suitable for sale of canned beer and for export even to distant countries.

Abstract: A flavorant agent is prepared by incubating a medium of baker's yeast, elemental sulfur and a reducing sugar to obtain a reaction medium from which hydrogen sulfide gas evolves and then the reaction medium is treated with heat to obtain the flavorant agent. A further flavorant agent is obtained by separating the supernatant of the reaction medium from reaction medium residue, and the reaction medium or supernatant may be mixed with a flavor precursor material and heated to obtain a flavorant composition.

Abstract: A nutrient formulation including moisture which is designed for use in very young poultry, and a method of feeding it which improves subsequent livability, cumulative feed efficiency and weight gain is disclosed. The method includes feeding a high moisture solid containing at least about 20% by weight water to the poultry before the poultry is allowed to eat dry food ad libitum.

Abstract: A process of treating a fermented protein koji prepared from a protein containing material and a carbohydrate, for the production of a seasoning, by hydrolyzing a mixture of the fermented protein koji together with a yeast at a temperature of from about 20.degree. to 25.degree. C. and a pH of from about 4.5 to 10 for a period of from about 6 hours to 28 days. The production time is reduced by at least one week compared to conventional methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing arachidonic acid. In one embodiment, Mortierella sect. schmuckeri microorganisms are cultured in fermentation medium, preferably containing a component of a complex nitrogen source. Further disclosed is a food product which includes Mortierella sect. schmuckeri microorganisms or lipid isolated from such microorganisms to enhance the arachidonic acid content of the food product.

Abstract: A process for preparing grain products to use as foods, livestock feeds, aquacultural feeds. The grains used are soybean, rice, barley, wheat, oats, rye and corn, and defatted products or brans thereof, and the like and which are extremely excellent in digestion efficiency. Conventional products made from a grain are poor in digestion efficiency, and processes for preparing such products are also poor in efficiency. One of the main features of the process resides in that phytic acid in a grain is hydrolyzed removed to obtain a product having high digestion efficiency.

Abstract: Process for developing a baker's yeast strain having an Lti property, in which a haploid Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain having an Lti property is first crossed with a haploid Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain having at least one MAL allele which is active but under catabolic repression, then in a second stage, the segregants are crossed, and finally, a prototrophic diploid strain having an Lti phenotype, a Mal phenotype which is active but under catabolic repression, and a potential for growing in a fed-batch process, is selected. Industrial baker's yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae which has a growth yield in a fed-batch process of 0.1 to 0.5 g of dry biomass/g of sugar, a CO.sub.2 production of less than 15 ml/h/kg of dough up to 8.degree. C., of less than 20 ml/h/kg of dough up to 12.degree. C., and also less than 10 ml per g of compressed yeast up to a temperature of 18.degree. C., after 4 days of culture in maltose-containing medium.

Abstract: A micron yeast which can be used as a fat substitute. The product comprises fragmented water insoluble yeast solids, which fragments primarily are less than 3 microns in size, less than about 5% whole cells, less than about 10% ghost cells, 55-80% crude protein and substantially the same percentage of nucleic acid as was present in the starting yeast. The insoluble yeast solids are fragmented in one pass at 12,000-23,000 psi through a microfluidizer and can be recovered as a yeast paste which forms a minimum viscosity of 20,000 centipoise at 10% solids in an aqueous suspension. The solubles are recovered as yeast extract. The process includes an incubation or conditioning of the fragmented slurry of 60-120 minutes at 45.degree.-55.degree. C. and pH 5.5-7.0 followed by heating the slurry to 70.degree.-80.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to astaxanthin-containing zooplankton such as Brachionus pricatilis obtained by culturing, a method for culturing the zooplankton in a liquid containing astaxanthin and a method for breeding fry fish by feeding the above astaxanthin-containing zooplankton.The survival rate in breeding fry fish may be remarkably improved by feeding the astaxanthin-containing zooplankton to fry fish.

Abstract: This invention disclosed herein provides an alcohol acetyl transferase ("AATase"), an AATase encoding gene and a yeast having an improved ester producing ability due to transformation with the AATase encoding gene, This invention also provides a process for producing an alcoholic beverage having an enriched ester flavor using the transformed yeast.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for debittering spent brewer's yeast, aiming at maximal efficiency with minimal impact on yeasts for their further use as live cells. The process consists in bringing a yeast suspension in contact with a surfactant containing unsaturated fatty acids, like Tween 80.RTM. (0.2% to 20% v/v), adjusting pH to 10.0 with NaOH 2N and agitating during 5 minutes at 50 rpm and 50.degree. C. A bitterness reduction of 98% is obtained, without affecting yeast viability or protein content. Furthermore, the debittered yeasts treated with 20% Tween 80.RTM. can be reactivated (viability of 100% and increased production of CO.sub.2) by growing them in a suitable medium for a sufficient time (about two to six hours). These reactivated yeasts have restored biological properties which are expected to allow the use of these spent yeasts in complete or partial replacement of new yeasts in bakery industry and in spirit and beer fabrication.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel strain of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae having accession number MTCC Y0022B211 (=NCYC 2647), which is useful for the preparation of ethanol by the fermentation of sugars. The invention also encompasses a process for the preparation of this strain of yeast, which process comprises: (a) growing a diploid strain of S. cerevisiae designated MTCC Y0001 (=NCYC 2646) in a known medium, sporulating the strain, treating the sporulated cells with a lytic enzyme to liberate the spores, collecting the liberated spores; (b) growing a haploid strain of S. cerevisiae designated MTCC Y0002 (=ATTC 90506); (c) mixing the spores obtained in step (a) with the cells obtained in step (b), incubating the resultant spore-cell mixture at a temperature in the range of 15.degree. C. to 37.degree. C. for a period of 1 to 10 days; (d) spreading the incubated spore-cell mixture on a non-medium, and incubating the mixture at a temperature in the range of 15.degree. to 37.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for the production of a light-colored seasoning liquor, which comprises forming a koji-making and fermenting material from a blend material of (A) 90-70% by weight of a material consisting of 25-100% by weight of gluten and 75-0% by weight of wheat and (B) 10-30% by weight of soybeans, and then carrying out subsequent koji-making and fermentation steps by a conventional method to form a fermented koji product, which is then squeezed to obtain the seasoning liquor.

Abstract: A seasoning agent is prepared by adding water to a koji and hydrolyzing at a temperature of from 2.degree. C. to 25.degree. C. at a pH of from 4.5 to 10 for a time of from 6 hours to 28 days. Salt is added to the hydrolyzed koji to form a moromi, which is fermented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing foods and beverages having a desirable flavor which comprises bringing an animal-derived, ethyl butyrate-synthesizing enzyme having a potency in the range of 0.1 unit/mg protein or higher under the conditions that ethyl butyrate is formed by reacting 0.5% (w/w) ethanol with 2.6% (w/w) butyric acid, or a substance containing the enzyme into contact with the foods and beverages during their production process.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of making a refrigeratable dough composition that includes a step of heating the dough to at least a threshold inactivation temperature of yeast in the dough to substantially inactivate the yeast substantially without baking dough. The present invention also includes a yeast strain of the genus-species Saccharomyces cerevisiae characterized by a thermally labile pyruvate kinase enzyme activity that substantially prevents anaerobic growth by the yeast strain at or above about 36.degree. C.

Abstract: A modified cultured yeast product for human and animal consumption is produced by combining yeast cream and yeast centrate to produce a cream/centrate mixture, autolyzing the mixture, inactivating by heating the mixture and optionally drying. After autolysis, hydrolysis may be carried out by the use of acids, alkalis or enzymes. The yeast cream and yeast centrate are preferably produced by culturing Kluveromyces marxianus or Candida intermedia in a whey permeate and separating yeast cream and yeast centrate from the cultured whey permeate. The cream and centrate are combined such that the ratio of total solids of cream to total solids of centrate is between about 0.3 and 1.6 and preferably about 1:1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving the rheological properties of dough and quality of baked products by addition of a yeast derivative, preferably in combination with a reducing agent and/or enzyme preparations having amylase, hemicellulase, oxido reductase and/or protease activities.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing flavors from the spent mash of a fermentation mixture is provided wherein the spent mash of the fermentation mixture after distillation is separated into two constituent portions, the thin stillage and the wet distillers' grains. The thin stillage portion is then combined with a base to adjust pH thereof to between about 7 and about 11. The pH-adjusted thin stillage portion is then cooked at a temperature between about 130.degree. F. and about 210.degree. F. for a period of about 4 to about 14 hours. The cooked solution is concentrated in an evaporator until about 30% wt. solids level is obtained. The product is then dried to about 5-about 10% wt. moisture content. The product obtained has different flavors, depending on the base added and the pH of the cooking step. If the base is sodium hydroxide, the product has a bland, sweet or yeasty flavor if the pH is 8.5, maple or caramel flavor if the pH is 9.5, and a cracker or nutty flavor if the pH is 10.5.