Abstract: An apparatus for carrying a compressed hay bale. The apparatus comprises a strap surrounding the compressed hay bale and a handle extending from the strap and from an exterior surface of the compressed hay bale. The handle may be secured around the strap or may be integral to the strap. The apparatus may further include additional straps around which the handle is secured, or additional handles may be secured to the additional straps. Alternatively, the apparatus may comprise a handle coupled to a stopper via a coupler. The handle in this alternative embodiment extends from the exterior surface of the compressed hay bale and the coupler is disposed within the interior of the compressed hay bale. The stopper may be disposed within the interior of the compressed hay bale or against another exterior surface of the compressed hay bale that may be opposing the exterior surface from which the handle extends.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high density bale of shredded pulp. The bale contains pulp and additive which are compressed while dry to obtain a bale of 40-65 lb/ft.sup.3 density. Twine or straps secure the bale. Animal feed bales of this invention contain low additive concentrations and low or no sugar content.

Abstract: A chemical enhancer for ruminant animal digestion of organic matter roughage is presented, the addition on a ppm based of total feed ration of one or more formate salts to the ruminant diet improves or enhances the digestibility of low digestible roughage allowing the treated roughage as a substitute for more traditional and expensive feed rations such as alfalfa hay without loss of energy available to the animal. The use of formate salts in the ppm range based on total diet increases the anaerobic microbial activity thus enhancing digestibility rather than just enhancing the availability of dissolved organics and can be utilized in feedlot roughage rations for improved weight gain, range cattle weight maintenance and milk production for mother cows, dairy roughage diets providing milk production in a safe and an environmentally friendly methodology to both meat and milk production.

Abstract: Parboiled rice, or a similar starch-containing product, is produced by moistening the rice in a preheating installation 1 and, thereafter, applying steam to heat the rice to boiling temperature. The rice is kept at the boiling temperature in a heat-retaining vessel 9 for cooking rice. Thereupon, the rice is dried in a drying installation 12 and cooled, if necessary.

Abstract: A pressed juice of green leaves of true grasses or its dry powder wherein the total amount of chlorine (Cl) and nitrate group (NO.sub.3) is not more than 9% by weight based on the solids content, and a process for producing same using an ion exchange membrane or an ion exchange resin. The above pressed juice or its dry powder is substantially free from additives as a natural food, has less amounts of chlorine and nitrate group which are undesirous to a human body, is improved in palatability and preservability, and is useful in the field of food, food additives, drugs, or the like.

Abstract: Anti-fungal and anti-microbial bacterial strains of Serratia are used in the preparation and preservation of animal feedstuffs made from forage. Bacterial strains of Serratia rubidaea are particularly useful for such purposes, and permit hay to be baled at higher moisture content. Mixtures of this strain with another anti-fungal bacterial, such as Bacillus subtilis, and/or lactic acid-producing bacterial strains, such as strains of Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Lactococcus and Pediococcus are used in the preparation and preservation of silage.

Abstract: A method for conversion of comminuted cellulosic agricultural wastes into a form edible by ruminant animals comprises treating such wastes, e.g., straw, corn stalks and husks, cotton wastes, peanut shells, saw dust, grains (corn, sorghum), etc. by treating with an aqueous solution of a mixed oxidant gas, at a pH of about 7-9, to produce a total water content of less than 20%, a pH of about 7.5-8.3, and NaOH content of less than 5.0% in the waste. The mixed-oxidant gas is produced by a novel electrolytic cell having an anode compartment, cathode compartment and membrane separating the compartments to permit a limited flow of electrolyte therebetween. The anode compartment contains a plurality of anodes and bi-polar electrodes supported in a substantially co-planar relation spaced laterally from each other. The anodes are electrically connected and the bi-polar electrodes are insulated therefrom.

Abstract: There is described a method for the manufacture of fodder and/or soil improving agents by anaerobic or aerobic fermentation of environmentally disturbing aquatic plants, specifically water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), which, if desired, have been comminuted.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a process to correct and optimise the feed-composition on basis of testing the levels of so called FIL-lectines in the blood. This correction is exerted by adding certain sugars and amino acids to the feed. Hereby the FIL-level may be adjusted in order to optimize the growth.

Abstract: A method for improving the digestibility or crop residues and feed grains for livestock is disclosed in which such crop residues and grains are treated with an aqueous solution of chlorites at a pH at or above 9, except for sorghum grain which is buffered so that the solution has a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. The treated grains are satisfactory feed for ruminant animals, improved by about 50% in digestibility and are non-toxic.

Abstract: A feed grain conditioning composition including an aqueous tempering agent including a Yucca extract containing saponin and an antifreeze agent. Preferably, the Yucca extract contains sarsasaponin. The antifreeze agent is preferably selected from the group consisting of calcium chloride and propylene glycol. In a preferred embodiment, the amount of antifreeze agent is sufficient to depress the freezing point of the tempering agent to about -30# F. or less. A method of tempering feed grain by applying the feed grain conditioning composition to feed grain is also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition and method thereof for increasing milk production in dairy cattle by balancing the essential amino acids via a particular complete feed, concentrate, or blender or base mix form of the composition which delivers essential amino acids post ruminally, wherein the composition generally comprises wheat middlings; corn; soybean meal; corn gluten meal; distillers grains or distillers grains with solubles; blood meal; fat; macro-minerals, which include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chlorine and sulfur; trace minerals, which include cobalt, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, selenium and zinc; and vitamins, which include vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin E.

Abstract: A process and feed composition for supplying fatty acids to ruminant animals which comprises feeding saturated fatty acids in the form of triglycerides to the animals. These highly saturated triglycerides may be added in an amount preferably between 2-5% of the total dry matter of the ratio. The highly saturated fatty acids according to the present invention have an iodine value of less than 25.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low moisture hot rolling process for preparing expanded grain products without the extended time or high energy requirements of prior art processes. More particularly, the present process comprises wetting parboiled grain to a moisture content of between 8-16%; optionally tempering the moistened grain; plasticizing the moistened grain; compressing the moistened grain to reduce kernel thickness; and, toasting the compressed grain to obtain an improved expanded grain product.

Abstract: In a method for determining the dry matter content and nutritional value of moist vegetable material, such as silage, liquor is expressed from a sample of known quantity by applying thereto a reproducible pressure regime, the quantity of expressed liquor is measured, and the expressed liquor is analyzed for parameters, such as pH, ammonia, lactic acid, free sugar and alpha-amino nitrogen, from which the nutritional value can be estimated by regression. The nutritional value of silage can be expressed in terms of its fermentability in the rumen. The invention includes a portable facility for use in `on farm` analysis of silage to determine its nutritional value.

Abstract: A method of formulating dairy cow rations based on the amounts of ruminally available protein (RAP) and carbohydrates (RAC) in the total daily ration, which includes both grain and forage components. Quantities necessary for determining RAP and RAC values are obtained from conventional chemical analysis and in situ techniques. Statistical analysis of experimentally obtained data showed optimized lactation response is obtained from a total daily ration containing RAP and RAC in the ranges of about 10.5-12.5% and 35.0-45.0%, respectively. Other important nutritional factors such as microbial synthesis and feed escape protein were also shown to be optimized by total daily rations containing RAP and RAC levels within or near the lactation optimization ranges.

Abstract: A composition and method thereof for increasing milk production in diary cattle by balancing the essential amino acids via a particular complete feed, concentrate, or blender or base mix form of the composition which delivers essential amino acids post-ruminally wherein the composition generally comprises wheat middlings; corn; soybean meal; corn gluten meal; distillers grains or distillers grains with solubles; blood meal; fat; macro-minerals, which include calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chlorine and sulfur; trace minerals, which include cobalt, copper, iodine; iron, manganese, selenium and zinc; and vitamins, which include vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin E.

Abstract: A method for conversion of comminuted cellulosic agricultural wastes into a form edible by ruminant animals comprises treating such wastes, e.g., straw, corn stalks and husks, cotton wastes, peanut shells, saw dust, etc. by spraying with an aqueous solution of a mixed oxidant gas, at a pH of about 11-12, to produce a total water content of less than 20%, a pH of about 11.4-11.7, and NaOH content of less than 5.0% in the waste. The mixed-oxidant gas is preferably produced by a gas generator comprising an electrolytic cell having an anode compartment, a bipolar electrode in the anode compartment, a cathode compartment and a membrane separating the compartments to permit only a limited flow of electrolyte therebetween. When a low salt concentration solution is electrolyzed in this cell, the output is a mixed oxidant gas containing chlorine and various oxygen-containing species. The gas generator which is preferred is that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,248,681.

Abstract: Koalas are natives of Australia and are one of the few mammals whose diet consists almost exclusively of the leaves of native eucalypt trees. The present invention provides a method of preparing a feedstuff for koalas.

Abstract: Feed compositions are provided for raising meat-producing ruminants and polutry. .beta.-hydroxcy-.beta.-methylbutyric acid or an edible salt thereof (HMB) is incorporated in the ruminant or poultry feeds to obtain a substantial increase in meat and/or to improve the quality of the lean meat.

Abstract: This invention relates to aqueous compositions suitable for ensiling substrates said composition comprising formic acid and octanoic acid. The composition may contain in addition other components such as propionic acid and ammonia to improve ease of handling.The feature of the invention is that octanoic acid, which when used alone, has no ensiling or fermentation activity, has enhanced ensiling activity when used in conjunction with formic acid and thus increases nutritionally desirable sugars in the ensiled product.

Abstract: A hydrous aluminosilicate adsorbent composition in which the active adsorbent is a mixture of non-fibrous clay with non-fibrous zeolite. The composition is useful as a feed supplement in animal husbandry, and as a topical adsorbent for veterinary use. The mixture has a high capacity for adsorption of ammonium cations, and a synergistically high selectivity for their adsorption. Beneficial effects as feed supplement may arise from lowering the amount of ammonia passed to the liver from the alimentary canal.

Abstract: A sheet seed structure primarily for use in hydroponic systems. The sheet structure includes a substrate of biodegradable and digestible material such as cellulose. The seed is deposited on the substrate and is retained thereon by a sugar or starch adhesive. The sheets are of predetermined size and provided with indicia. At time of use, the appropriate seed sheet is selected and removed from the package and placed in the growing chamber of the hydroponic unit. The seed is sterilized and is charged with a biologically active material such as a probionic.

Abstract: A plant fiber product for use in food products is prepared from straw by cutting and cooking in sodium hydroxide containing liquor, followed by a treatment with ClO.sub.2 in an acid medium, treatment with H.sub.2 O.sub.2 in a basic medium, and again treatment with ClO.sub.2 in an acid medium, said processing steps being carried out for such a period and with such an intensity that substantially all lignin is removed, that the final product is obtained with great whiteness and purity, thereby making the product suitable for the intended purpose.

Abstract: To increase the efficiency of utilizing protein in feed by ruminants, feed containing a protein and a reducing sugar are mixed in quantities suitable for the Maillard reaction. The mixture is heated at a temperature, pH and time sufficient to cause early Maillard reactions but not advanced Maillard reactions.

Abstract: A high moisture, high energy liquid feed supplement and concentrate for animals (ruminants, cattles) is disclosed which is capable of remaining in stable suspension while containing a high porportion of fat. The suspension is maintained by salts of fatty acids formed in the added fat. Formation of the fatty acid salts is produced by reacting an aqueous base with the fat at an elevated temperature to form the fatty acid salts therein and subsequently adding the additional materials therein.

Abstract: An extruded feed intake limiting composition for use in free choice horse feeding also prevents colic, and founder and other digestive disorders. The horse ration, which has a low-to-medium energy content, is carefully balanced nutritionally as to nutrient density, soluble carbohydrate and fiber content. The ration can be fed to a horse on an ad libitum basis as the sole source of nutrition for the horse excluding water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of preserving forage, a Lactobacillus plantarum strain used in the process, the use of the strain in the preservation of forage, and forage preserved according to the invention. The bacterial strain is preferably used in combination with at least one other preservative, such as cellulase and oragnic acid and/or in combination with at least one other lactic acid bacterium.

Abstract: Koalas are natives of Australia and are one of the few mammals whose diet consists almost exclusively of the leaves of native eucalypt trees. The present invention provides a method of maintaining koalas in captivity by feeding koalas a substitute feedstuff.

Abstract: A method for conversion of comminuted cellulosic agricultural wastes into a form edible by ruminant animals comprises treating such wastes, e.g., straw, corn husks, cotton wastes, peanut shells, saw dust, etc. by spraying with an aqueous solution of a mixed oxidant gas, at a pH of about 11-12, to produce a water content of less than 40% and a pH of about 11.4-11.7 in the waste. The mixed-oxidant gas is preferably produced by a gas generator comprising an electrolytic cell having an anode compartment, a cathode compartment and a membrane separating the compartments to permit only a limited flow of electrolyte therebetween. When a low salt concentration solution is electrolyzed in this cell, the output is a mixed oxidant gas containing chlorine and various oxygen-containing species. Another gas generator which may be used is that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,248,681. The oxidant gas produced from dilute salt solutions contains chlorine, chlorine dioxide and other oxygen-containing gases.

Abstract: A method is provided for raising meat producing domestic animals to increase lean tissue development. .beta.-hydroxcy-.beta.-methylbutyric acid or an edible salt thereof (HMB) is administered to the animals in an effective amount for a sufficient length of time to obtain a substantial increase in lean tissue weight. Feed compositions for use in practicing the method are also provided. The method and feed compositions are particularly adapted for use with ruminants, including beef cattle and lambs, since HMB is not subject to appreciable rumen destruction. The method can also be practiced with other domestic animals, including chickens, and turkeys.

Abstract: The effect of different chemical treatments applied to barley straws, timothy and alfalfa hays were determined. Treatments consisted of four concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (3%, 5%, 7% and 9%) in combination with 4% ethanolamine with or without the addition of sodium hydroxide, which was added to increase the pH. The ability of each treatment to improve the nutritive value of the forage and their effect on rumen function was ascertained.

Abstract: A process for conditioning and compacting vegetable fodder prior to storage and shipment which comprises breaking standard-sized bales and adjusting the moisture level of the fodder to reduce pulverization during subsequent compacting and handling; while at the same time injecting mold inhibitors and nutritional additive before repackaging the fodder into more compact bales, cubes or pellets for shipment.

Abstract: To increase the efficiency of utilizing protein in feed by ruminants, feed containing a protein and a reducing sugar are mixed. The mixture is heated at a temperature, pH and time sufficient to reduce degradability of the feed protein by rumen microorganisms and provide significant protein digestibility in the post rumen tract. Preferably, the sugar is xylose obtained by mixing sulfite liquor with the feed.

Abstract: A method for cutting a generally oblong, compressed bale of hay or forage into a plurality of elongated sub-sections, is disclosed. The method comprises moving compressed bales continuously through a sawing section having a first and second series of saws arranged transversely for progressively cutting the bale at a series of vertical and horizontal planes to form the hay sub-sections. The cut sub-sections are caused to fall on a conveyor belt which dispenses them from the end of an outlet chute. The sawing of the bale minimizes leaf and fibre damage, and the cut subsections of hay readily break apart to make them easily consumable by livestock.

Abstract: Alfalfa, grass and other hay crops are sprayed with a coating agent such as a terpene to prevent leaf-shedding during drying or harvesting.

Abstract: A process for conditioning and compacting vegetable fodder prior to storage and shipment which comprises breaking standard-sized bales and adjusting the moisture level of the fodder to reduce pulverization during subsequent compacting and handling; while at the same time injecting mold inhibitors and nutritional additive before repackaging the fodder into more compact bales for shipment.

Abstract: A process is described for drying and packaging moisture-sensitive materials such as roughages and other feedstuffs for animals. The process involves producing particles, drying the particles, cooling the particles, and then compressing them into a container or package. The package can be sealed to keep out moisture. Preservatives, molasses, or other additives may be included with the particles before packaging. The types of feedstuff or other material which is processed and packed may vary. Blends of particles can also be packaged.

Abstract: A method for the delignification of lignocellulosic materials with acidic aqueous solutions of monoperoxysulfuric acid for the production of cellulosic pulps for use in papermaking and regenerated cellulose products and for use as animal feeds and other products where removal of lignin is required.

Abstract: A process for producing silage from fermentable forage chop is provided. The process consists of first preparing a microbial product by incubating fermentable vegetable matter in a brine and isolating the microbial product from the brine. The forage chop is then inoculated with the microbial product at a rate of from 10.sup.2 -10.sup.7 colony-forming units/g forage chop. The microbial product is characterized, and an improved pickling tank producing the microbial product is described.

Abstract: A synergistic combination of high-shear mechanical disruption and alkali pretreatment in a high solids reaction mixture constitutes a significant improvement in the alkaline peroxide treatment of lignocellulosic materials. The simultaneous application of these conditions greatly reduces the amounts of reagents otherwise required, and also eliminates the waste stream of liquid byproducts. Suitable sources of substrate treatable by this process include nonwoody plant parts, crop residues, and agricultural byproducts. The products of this treatment are nontoxic and characterized by high cellulose availability. These products are thereby useful as carbohydrate sources in ruminant feeds, as microbial feedstocks, and as sources of dietary fiber for humans and other monogastrics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel binder combination for pelletized and compressed animal feed. This binder comprises a chemically reactive, molasses-free, mixture of a reactive phosphate source plus a reactive metal oxide, hydroxide, or salt.

Abstract: An alkaline supplement for ruminant feeds is a fluid suspension comprising the components: about 20 to about 40 percent by weight water; about 2 to about 10 percent by weight sodium carbonate; about 2 to about 10 percent by weight calcium phosphate; about 10 to about 40 percent by weight molasses; about 5 to about 30 percent by weight limestone; up to about 15 percent by weight urea; up to about 5 percent by weight magnesium oxide; up to about 20 percent by weight dolomite; up to about 30 percent by weight fat; up to about 30 percent by weight protein meal; and a suspending agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preservation of high moisture animal feeds which utilize a fermentation (either natural or induced) to improve the quality of the animal food. More specifically, this invention utilizes dimethyl fumarate (DMF) in plant feeds in combination with fermentation microorganisms to produce an animal feed which is high in nutrient value and low in spoilage microorganisms.

Abstract: Silage is preserved by treating it with a small but silage preserving effective amount of the microorganism Propionibacterium jensenii or the genetic equivalents thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the preservation of hay and other forages for animals and is characterized by distributing to the forages in finely dispersed form and in active amounts to block the growth of fungi and any other biological activity an agent with the ability to achieve a high osmotic pressure in the humidity of the forage. The so treated forage is then brought to storage.The agent according to the invention is a concentrated water solution of an electrolyte with high water solubility stable at actual working temperature, which does not contain elements harmful for animals or humans.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating a lignocellulosic substrate in order to imrpove its nutritive value wherein a plant substrate is treated with a sufficient amount of an alkaline material and hydrogen peroxide, or a compound capable of generating hydrogen peroxide, for a sufficient period of time and the reaction mass is extruded to produce a product having increased nutrient availability.

Abstract: To increase the efficiency of utilizing protein in feed by ruminants, feed containing a protein and a reducing sugar are mixed in quantities suitable for the Maillard reaction. The mixture is heated at a temperature, pH and time sufficient to cause early Maillard reactions but not advanced Maillard reactions. Preferably, the sugar is xylose obtained by mixing sulfite liquor with the feed.

Abstract: Aqueous compositions suitable for the treatment of alfalfa are provided herein. The aqueous compositions contain a hydrocarbon, a lower alkyl ester of a fatty acid and/or alkali metal carbonate. A process for applying said aqueous compositions to the alfalfa at the time of cutting to reduce drying time is also provided.

Abstract: By giving mammals, fowls, fish, etc. feeds containing Bacillus subtilis C-3102 FERM BP-1096), an excellent body weight gain and feed efficiency can be obtained.