Abstract: A pet food composition and method is provided for reducing inflammatory response in cats. The method includes administering a pet food composition including omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in a weight ratio of about 5:1, where the majority of omega-3 fatty acids comprise alpha-linolenic acid. Flaxseed oil is the preferred source of alpha-linolenic acid.

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 provides a method of improving the growth rate and/or feed conversion efficiency of ruminant livestock during the starter/adaptation phase of feedlotting, wherein said method includes or consists of feeding to the ruminant livestock, protected carbohydrate such that 30-80% of said protected carbohydrate is capable of passing through the rumen undigested leaving 30-80% of said protected carbohydrate available for digestion post-ruminally.

Abstract: The invention is a method for producing pelletized whole fuzzy cottonseed. The method comprises selectively delivering a measured amount of linted cottonseed to a screw extruder. The screw extruder having a bore and screw that decreases in diameter from one distal end to the other. Thereby, the linted cottonseed is subjected to predetermined increases in pressure and ground to a pasty oatmeal-like consistency before being extruded at the output end to a delivery system feeding the pellet forming mechanism having as its output pelletized linted cottonseed.

Abstract: An inexpensive cultured fish feed contains a prescribed amount of proanthocyanidin to thereby make an addition amount of carothenoid small. Proanthocyanidin is added by 0.004-0.04 weight percent to a culture feed containing crothenoid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions to meet the needs of aged pets and other animals. Pet foods, pet treats and pet supplements with anti-aging effects are disclosed whose compositions include the R-&agr;-lipoic acid in the amount of 0.10 grams to 1.5 grams and L-carnitine in the amount of 0.10 grams to 3 grams in addition to the usual composition. Optionally, coenzyme Q can be added in an amount of at least 1 mg/day. Optionally, creatine can be added in an amount of at least 0.2 grams/day. These additional components fight age-related declines in mitochondrial function, which result in less energy and other signs of aging.

Abstract: A process for formulating a ruminant food ration in which the methionine needs of the ruminant are determined, a plurality of natural or synthetic feed ingredients and the nutrient composition of each of said ingredients are identified wherein one of said ingredients is 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid or a salt, amide or ester thereof, and a ration is formulated from the identified feed ingredients to meet the determined methionine needs of the ruminant which comprises one or more grains, a hydroxy analog of methionine, and optionally a bypass fat wherein (i) the hydroxy analog of methionine is selected from the group consisting of 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid and the salts, amides and esters thereof, (ii) the hydroxy analog of methionine is added separately from any bypass fat which is included in the ration, and (iii) the ration is formulated on the basis that at least 20% of the hydroxy analog of methionine is assumed to be available for absorption by the ruminant.

Abstract: A dual texture pet or animal food product having inner and outer components. The soft inner component contains a mixture of lipid and solid ingredients and has a water activity, aw, less than about 0.65 and a total moisture content less than about 15 wt %. The outer component is a cereal based shell containing at least one ingredient comprising a carbohydrate, fat, protein or combination thereof, the shell component having a total moisture content less than about 20 wt %. The shell component completely surrounds the soft inner component and is formed by the co-extrusion of the soft inner component within the shell component to form one dual component pet or animal food product.

Abstract: A food composition, particularly for pets, is prepared by adding and mixing cereal, vegetable protein, animal meal, vegetable by-products and lipid ingredients together and extrusion-cooking the mixture and then passing the extrusion-cooked mixture via a cone member and then a die member to obtain, from the die member, a product wherein a plurality of extrudate band layers form a lamellar structure, after which the lamellar-structure product is cut into pieces to obtain pieces which have a band layer lamellar structure, and then, the pieces are dried. The ingredients are employed and the process is carried out so that the dried product has a protein content of between 14% and 35%, a lipid content of between 2% and 20%, a carbohydrate content of at least 25%, a moisture content of between 2% and 15% and a density of between 0.3 and 0.6 g/cc.

Abstract: The present invention provides a feed for poultry for increasing the egg weight in the early period of egg-laying by laying hens and preventing the decline of egg weight in the summer season. Feed containing soybean germs or defatted soybean germs is given (to the hens).

Abstract: The invention includes a method of processing solid and pulp-like vegetable remnants obtained by steam peeling into two high value vegetable components, namely, vegetable juice and animal fodder. In one embodiment, the invention comprises feeding vegetable steam peelings into a tank, separating the vegetable remnants from the vegetable juice contained in the remnants to produce (1) solid vegetable remnants with a dry matter content of greater than approximately 15% suitable for use as directly administrable animal fodder having a greater value per kilogram than the original vegetable remnants and (2) extracted vegetable juice.

Abstract: A process for the production of pellets containing nicotinamide by droplet-processing of molten nicotinamide by means of laminar jet disintegration in a tower and cooling of the molten droplets by heat exchange until solidified spherical particles are formed.

Abstract: The subject invention provides artificial diet compositions for rearing mites, insects, and other beneficial organisms. These artificial diets are particularly advantageous because they make it possible to raise organisms efficiently and economically.

Abstract: A pet food product includes a mixture of chopped carrots; water; rolled oats; and an acidifying agent, glucono delta lactone. The mixture preferably includes 2.8 percent to 4.9 percent carrots; 67.00 percent to 89.0 percent water; 3.20 percent to 9.9 percent oats; 3.00 percent to 10.25 percent molasses; and 0.20 percent to 1.25 percent glucono delta lactone, all percentages being by weight. A method is provided of making the pet food product which is edible when frozen, the method including the steps of mixing food product ingredients to form a mixture; heating the mixture to a temperature for sufficient length of time to achieve sterilization of the mixture; packing the mixture while the mixture is maintained at a sterilizing temperature within a product package; substantially hermetically sealing the mixture within the product package; and storing the mixture at ambient temperature.

Abstract: A method for enhancing or increasing the metabolisable dietary content of a plant-based animal feed, the method comprising reacting the feed with an enzyme capable of releasing a metabolisable dietary component from the feed under the influence of microwave irradiation such that the metabolisable dietary content of the feed is enhanced or increased.

Abstract: A method of obtaining beef of reduced pathogenic E. coli content comprises the step of directly feeding seaweed supplement to cattle during the feedlot finishing period or grazing cattle on forage on or into which seaweed supplement has been incorporated. Beef and beef products of improved safety are the result.

Abstract: A dog biscuit is disclosed for controlling malodorous breath in dogs. The dog biscuit includes about 8-12 parts by weight whole wheat flour, about 4-6 parts oat bran, about 2-3 parts non-fat dry milk, and about 2-3 parts brown rice flour. The dog biscuit also includes water, vanilla extract, parsley, alfalfa powder, vegetable oil, peppermint extract, tarragon, peppermint leaf powder, and spearmint leaf powder. The vegetable oil includes an antioxidant and is preferably sunflower oil. The parsley is preferably fresh parsley, and the ratio of parsley to whole wheat flour is about 1:4 by weight. The dog biscuit is readily eaten by dogs and effectively neutralizes malodorous breath in them. Also part of the invention is a method of making the dog biscuit.

Abstract: A magnesium-enriched vegetable feed composition for a layer which improves the eggshell quality and which prevents the occurrence of shell mottling. The feed consists essentially of a vegetable feed, the magnesium content in said vegetable feed being in the range of 0.21-0.28% by weight.

Abstract: This invention relates to a food composition for young chicks, which food composition contains a monosaccharide, a disaccharide, an oligosaccharide or a mixture thereof, preferably in an amount of 2.5-25 percent by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition. The food composition is especially provided for feeding young chicks during the first days after hatching. Thereafter, they can be fed with the usual food for chickens.

Abstract: An animal food composition effective in reducing the amount of cholesterol in an egg including an animal food and an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, preferably a, statin, is described. A method of reducing the amount of cholesterol in an egg by administering to an egg-laying animal an amount of a cholesterol-reducing component effective in reducing the amount of cholesterol in said egg and the eggs produced are also described.

Abstract: A delivery system for process unstable or sensitive ingredients that consists of a dual texture food product having a first and second component. The first component contains a mixture of lipid and solid ingredients forming a cream-textured matrix that is formed without an aqueous phase and a total moisture content less than about 15 wt %. The first component includes a process unstable or sensitive ingredient. The second component contains at least one ingredient comprising a carbohydrate, fat, protein or combination thereof. The second component has a total moisture content less than about 20 wt %. The second component completely surrounds the cream-textured matrix of the first component thereby maintaining the viability of the process unstable or sensitive ingredient. The food product delivery system is formed by the co-extrusion of the first component within the second component to form one dual component extrudate.

Abstract: Coenzyme Q is added to a feed composition for broilers, preferably in an amount of from 0.0005 to 0.003% by weight of the total amount of the composition, and the composition is controlled to have a metabolizable energy value of not smaller than 3150 kcal/kg. The coenzyme Q-containing composition is pelletized into pellets. This is fed to broilers for 7 days or longer while the broilers being fed therewith are of 10 to 35-days age. Feeding broilers with the pelletized, coenzyme Q-containing feed composition provided by the invention makes it possible to well prevent the broilers from having ascites and to increase the growth rate of the broilers, whereby raising rate of the broilers is increased and the rearing period thereof is shortened. According to the feeding method of the invention, the productivity in broiler raising is much increased.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for raising an edible animal, in which a finely pulverized product of a plant tissue of Stevia is added to feed in an amount of 0.5% to 7% by weight, thereby preventing exudation of meat juice from meat of the edible animal, decreasing fat content without turning meat of the edible animal stale, producing DHA-containing meat of the edible animal, or preventing an egg of the fowl (preferably, a hen's egg) from being broken.

Abstract: The present invention relates to animal feed additives, which additives comprise a monocomponent xylanase derived from a strain of Byssochlamus, Chaetomium, Humicola, Malbranchea, Mucor, Myceliophthora, Paecilomyces, Talaromyces, Thermoascus, or Thielavia. In other aspects, the invention relates to monocomponent xylanase preparations, DNA constructs, recombinant expression vectors, host cells, and methods of producing monocomponent xylanase preparations.

Abstract: A pet food composition containing a small but sufficient amount of simmondsin component to provide a simmondsin activity within the range of 0.1% by weight of said pet food dry matter mix to about 1.5% by weight of said pet food dry matter mix. Also disclosed as part of the invention is a method of weight reduction of companion pets by adding pet food that contains the above-defined range of simmondsin activity contributed by a simmondsin component, simmondsin analogues or mixtures thereof, such as derived from defatted jojoba seed meal, and thereafter feeding the pet food to a companion pet on a regular and sustained basis until weight reduction occurs and then maintaining the pet's weight.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for treating plant material such as sunflower seed meal with water and a hydrolytic enzyme in an aqueous environment to increase its nutritional value and to enzymatic methods for converting plant derived material into useful products.

Abstract: An amino acid-enriched feed, industrially produced mixed feed or premix thereof which is obtainable by mixing (a) a feed raw material containing predominantly at least one feed component selected from the group consisting of corn gluten meal powder, corn gluten feed powder and an intermediate product thereof, said intermediate product being one obtained in a corn wet milling step with (b) an amino acid fermentation broth containing 3 to 80% by weight of an amino acid or its treated solution and thereafter drying the resultant mixture or by conducting drying during mixing of the raw materials (a) and (b). It has improved powder characteristics in flowability and homogeneity of the mixing components as compared with the case that crystalline amino acid is used as feed additive.

Abstract: A granular feed nutrient supplement is formed by pelletizing a mixture of minerals, vitamins and other nutrients along with a carrier such as cornmeal or the like and optionally a lubricant such as fat and/or a binder. The pellets are rolled to a desired size and combined with bulk feed. The size of the formed granules are maintained close to the average particle size of the bulk feed thereby ensuring that the granules remain suspended in the feed and do not separate. Preferably the density of the granules is close to (+30%) the density of the feed.

Abstract: A composition and process are provided for controlling postprandial glycemic and/or insulinemic response in companion animals such as dogs. The pet food composition includes a source of protein, a source of fat, and a source of carbohydrates from a grain source which excludes rice. Use of the preferred carbohydrate sources including a blend of corn and sorghum; a blend of corn, sorghum, and barley; a blend of corn, sorghum, and oats; and a blend of oats and barley tends to modulate the animal's glycemic and insulinemic responses after a meal. This effect is even more marked when the composition is fed to geriatric companion animals such as dogs.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a compound feed to be given especially as a silage supplement, for increasing the protein-fat-ratio of the milk and improving nitrogen utilization of a dairy cow. The compound feed is characterized in that its crude protein content is not more than 14% by weight as calculated from the weight of the compound feed, whereby the histidine fraction of the crude protein preferably is between 2.8 to 4.0% by weight.

Abstract: This invention provides a ruminant feedstock with a content of non-protein nitrogen supplement which yields a safe controlled-release generation of ammonia under rumen incubation conditions. In another embodiment, this invention provides a ruminant feedstock supplement for controlled-release of non-protein nitrogen which comprises urea particles encapsulated with a rumen-degradable polymeric coating.

Abstract: DNA encoding novel xylanases, vectors containing such DNA, hosts transformed with such DNA, enzyme preparations, and the use of such preparations are described.

Abstract: A treat for pets, primarily for dogs is made by first preparing a wet dough composition that includes approximately 25 to 50 percent by weight of corn flour; approximately 0.2 to 2.0 percent by weight of a palatability enhancer selected from the group consisting of vegetable digest, liver digest, poultry digest, beef digest; approximately 2 to 15 percent by weight of a protein, preferably selected from the group consisting of soy protein, whey protein and beef protein; approximately 0.1 to 5.0 percent by weight of a nutraceutical composition, and approximately 35 to 55 percent by weight of an aqueous solution that optionally includes a palatability enhancer where the palatability enhancer is present in the solution by approximately 1.0 to 5.0 percent by weight. The wet dough composition is baked and thereafter rebaked or fried.

Abstract: A method of preserving plant matter for use as animal feed and animal feed prepared in accordance with the method. A first step involves ensiling live plant matter for a sufficient time duration that the plant matter is preserved as silage. A second step involves dehydrating the silage sufficiently that the dehydrated silage does not spoil when exposed to air. The animal feed derived from following the teachings of this method has unique properties and, in particular, a unique aroma and a unique flavor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improving the biological efficiency of utilization of protein in ruminant feeds by protection of such protein from substantial degradation in the rumen without markedly reducing the subsequent absorption of the amino acid constituents of the protein in the lower digestive tract. In one aspect of the invention this is achieved by mixing a protein containing material with a reducing carbohydrate and subjecting the mixture to heat, pressure and shear forces.

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: The present invention provides novel emulsion formulations which comprise oil bodies. The invention also provides a method for preparing the emulsions and the use of the emulsions in various domestic and industrial compositions. The emulsions are especially suited for the preparation of food products, personal care products, pharmaceutical products and industrial products.

Abstract: Compositions providing increased energy content of animal feed using plant crop biomass which include a polyhydroxyalkanoate have been developed. In one embodiment, the compositions can be prepared using conventional techniques for harvesting and processing plant crops into forms useful as animal feed, wherein the plant, or parts thereof, have accumulated PHA, preferably in excess of 2% by dry weight of the plant tissue. In a preferred embodiment, the PHA is accumulated in corn or an oilseed. The feed compositions can include the PHA-containing meal byproduct from corn or oilseed processing. In another embodiment, the PHA can be provided with the green tissue of plants, such as clover, alfalfa, sorghum, and silage corn.

Abstract: A conjugated linoleic acid is prepared in industrial scale as a hydrolyzed isomerized product for blending into bulk domestic animal feeds. The CLA-containing isomerized hydrolyzed oil from sunflower and safflower seeds has sufficiently low levels of phosphatides and sterols to permit crude processing and incorporation into feeds of an undried, undistilled oil fraction without toxic or unpalatable effects.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a solution of 78.0-93.0% by weight propionic acid, 0.5-5.0% by weight ammonia, 1.0-6.0% by weight propanediol, 0.1-10.0% by weight water, where the amounts of individual components add up to 100% by weight, and its use in livestock nutrition.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for improving the efficiency of feed utilization and/or for promoting the growth of animals in which an animal is fed a diet which comprises a composition comprising feed substance and a ready for use phospholipase additive. Preferably said composition also comprises at least one phospholipid. Said compositions are used to improve fat digestibility and to promote growth of the animal. The phospholipid is preferably lecithin and the preferred phospholipase is a mammalian phospholipase A2. In a preferred embodiment the phospholipase is produced using recombinant DNA technology to express the enzyme in a suitable host such as a microorganism or a transgenic plant.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel emulsion formulations which comprise oil bodies. The invention also provides a method for preparing the emulsions and the use of the emulsions in various domestic and industrial compositions. The emulsions are especially suited for the preparation of food products, personal care products, pharmaceutical products and industrial products.

Abstract: A completely digestible highly nutritious dog chew formulated primarily of beaded corn starch or a mixture of beaded corn starch and potato starch, and calcium carbonate, the texture of hardness or which is easily modified to suit a particular dog by the dog owner. By irradiating the chew in a microwave oven, the chew is caused to expand and is thereby rendered more easily chewable.

Abstract: A process for feeding an animal a diet which alters the function and morphology of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), a large lymphoid organ in the animal and which improves glucose metabolism, satiety, and nutrient absorption. The process involves feeding a companion animal such as, for example, a dog or cat a diet of a pet food composition containing fermentable fibers which have an organic matter disappearance (OMD) of 15 to 60 percent when fermented by fecal bacteria for a 24 hour period, the fibers being present in amounts from about 1 to 11 weight percent of supplemental total dietary fiber. The animal is maintained on the diet for a sufficient period of time to allow the fermentable fibers to ferment in the GIT of the animal.

Abstract: A semi-artificial diet of monarch butterfly larva and a process for making such a diet are provided. The diet consists of a substantial amount of dried milkweed powder and small but effective amounts of mold inhibitor and antibiotic.

Abstract: A process for the heterotrophic or predominantly heterotrophic production of whole-celled or extracted microbial products with a high concentration of omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids, producible in an aerobic culture under controlled conditions using biologically pure cultures of heterotrophic single-celled fungi microorganisms of the order Thraustochytriales. The harvested whole-cell microbial product can be added to processed foods as a nutritional supplement, or to fish and animal feeds to enhance the omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acid content of products produced from these animals. The lipids containing these fatty acids can also be extracted and used in nutritional, pharmaceutical and industrial applications.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a non-hygroscopic free-flowing product comprising a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic component. Preferred products comprise a hydrophobic protein such as corn gluten meal together with hygroscopic components such as lactose, dextrose and choline such as whey permeate. The present invention further discloses a method for making such a product. Furthermore animal feed compositions containing the non-hygroscopic free-flowing product are disclosed.

Abstract: A poultry feed composition including protein, vitamins and minerals, and a source of carbohydrates from the group consisting of soybean meals and corn supplemented with an &agr;-galactosidase that catalyzes the degradation of the galactoside. The addition of the &agr;-galactosidase increases the ratio of gain to feed, increases the amount of white meat, or decreases the amount of fat deposited during growth of a chicken fed the feed composition, relative to the chicken fed on an identical feed composition absent the &agr;-galactosidase.

Abstract: Nutritionally balanced, firm, flexible gels are prepared in shapes attractive to animals, e.g. in the shape of fish for fish-eating animals, the gels comprising: A. At least one gelling agent, e.g. a gelatin and/or a gum; B. At least one animal protein; and C. Water. The gel optionally comprises other nutritionally valuable ingredients such as various oils and fats, plant protein, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and the like. In one embodiment, the gel is prepared by first blending the appropriate ingredients into a homogenous mass, casting the mass into a block, and then cutting the block into the desired shapes using a patterned cutter.

Abstract: A composition and method for preparing a food supplement. The composition consisting essentially of at 70% by weight of an oil seed constituent, at least 8% by weight of an additional plant constituent and at least 4% by weight of yeast wherein oil seed constituent, additional plant constituent and yeast are prepared by blending and cutting for less than about 20 minutes at a temperature of less than about 100.degree. F. and in the presence of light of a wavelength not greater than that of red light and of an intensity not greater than that of a darkroom light to thereby inhibit oxidation of the components of the composition.