Abstract: A process for the production of a formulated emulsion product which has a meat-like appearance. A protein source is emulsified and then alkali is added to the emulsion to raise the pH to above 8. The emulsion is rapidly treated in an emulsion mill to causes the protein in the heated emulsion to at least partially coagulate. The heated emulsion is then allowed to coagulate and form striations and is cut into chunks. The formulated emulsion product so produced contains about 45% to 85% by weight moisture and has a chewy texture and a high striated appearance.

Abstract: A new Edible Container For Administering Medication To Animals for administering medication to a pet without the pet realizing the presence of the medication, where the medication may comprise pills, powder, liquid, or other substances. The inventive device includes a length of a swaged tubular member the size of which the animal may consume and where the swaged tubular member is constructed from an tasty edible material which conceals the medication within, and an impermeable wrapper removably encloses the length of swaged tubular member.

Abstract: An artificially produced feline milk substitute composition is provided. The composition comprises casein, whey, and as expressed on a dry matter basis, from about 30 to about 50 percent protein, from about 25 to about 50 percent fat, and from about 10 to about 25 percent lactose. The casein and whey in the composition have a ratio of about 1:1.

Abstract: A method of producing extrudates such as high protein, high fat sinking aquatic feeds is provided wherein a high protein starting material is initially preconditioned and passed through an extruder; in the extruder barrel a zone of reduced pressure is created upstream of the die for densifying the final extrudate. Fat may be added to the starting mixture at any desired point in the process, and/or may be added as a surface coating to the final extrudate. Preferably, the method further involves measuring a density value of the extrudate such as bulk density, and adjusting the magnitude of the reduced pressure conditions in the barrel in response to such measurement.

Abstract: A pet food product which is useful for reducing the amount of harmful bacteria in the small intestine is provided. The pet food composition contains, on a dry matter basis, from about 0.2 to 1.5 weight percent of a fructooligosaccharide and is fed to a pet, such as a dog, cat or horse.

Abstract: A formulation and process to produce a pet food or treat that has been reshaped to various sizes and shapes such as strips, pellets, sheets, etc., from the addition of a number of raw ingredients which were mixed and heated and fused together to form a continuous matrix which remains flexible and non-brittle at low moistures of 20-40%, water activity of 0.30-0.65, and having a low glass transition compound as the major adhesive component of the matrix, thus being stable at minimum or no packaging atmosphere at room temperature is herein described. The process is carried out in a twin-screw, self-wiping, corotating and intermeshing extruder.

Abstract: A fish-breeding feed which refloats after initially sinking. The fish-breeding feed contains conventional feeds, glucose and other materials which enhance the overall quality of the feed.

Abstract: The invention discloses a bait for fishes and shellfishes characterized in that the bait comprises a matrix material containing a microorganically fermented product of a plant residue obtained by separating from a plant at least one liquid selected from the group consisting of vegetable juice, fruit juice, plant essential oil, juice extracted from a processed plant product, plant milk and mixtures thereof, or disintegrated product of said microorganically fermented product, wherein the matrix material has incorporated therein (A) an amino acid having 2 or 3 carbon atoms, and (B) amino acid having at least 4 carbon atoms in an (A)/(B) molar ratio of 1:1 to 40:1.

Abstract: Jerky products having a high proportion of meat are produced on a mass production basis. Meat which is at least substantially frozen is comminuted and then heated to a temperature of least about 140.degree. F. to at least partially denature protein of the meat. The cooked meat is then cooled to a temperature sufficiently low to solidify the fat which melted during the cooking step. A binding agent, most preferably a cold water soluble starch and guar gum, is admixed with the cooked meat to compensate for the loss of binding power resulting from denaturing of the protein during the cooking step. Mixing of the binding agent with the cooled, cooked meat and other ingredients such as seasonings and fillers is conducted to obtain a machinable meat-based dough.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a convenient and economical method for improving the rate of raising newborn piglets from the pregnancy of the sow to the weaning of the piglets. The method reduces the incidence of premature piglets and increases the lacteal yield of breeding sows by feeding the breeding sows a feed containing saccharides mainly composed of oligosaccharides.

Abstract: A biomass is provided which consists essentially of cells of dinoflagellates of the class Dinophyceae which have been cultivated to produce high cell mass and high DHA content. Biomass consisting of cells of Crypthecodinium cohnii is preferred. The cells are cultivated in an aerobic fermentor to achieve a cell density of a least 10 grams biomass per liter of nutrient solution by maintaining in the fermentor a dissolved oxygen level of at least about 10% of air saturation, and by inducing a stationary phase with a limiting nitrogen source in the nutrient solution. Under these conditions a single cell oil which contains at least 20% docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the triglyceride form at a concentration of at least about 1.5 grams per liter of nutrient solution is produced in the biomass. The biomass is suitable as an aquaculture feed.

Abstract: N-methyl-aspartic acid (NMA) is used to increase the growth rate, feed efficiency and/or decrease the amount of body fat of an animal, such as a chicken, pig, fish or human. Administration of NMA can be via injection or can be oral or transdermal administration or via subcutaneous implant.

Abstract: A food composition having improved palatability to cats comprising a nutritious food mass and an palatability enhancing amount of a choline compound. The choline compound is incorporated within, or applied to the surface of, the cat food composition.

Abstract: A new form of dried krill is provided by a plurality of substantially separate whole dried krill carcasses substantially all of which have a natural red color and sufficient strength and integrity to withstand normal handling without crumbling into small pieces and retain a strong wholesome fish aroma and flavor. The krill are dried by a method wherein a sequence of energy applications are applied at pressures below atmospheric and the surface of the product simultaneously swept by air to remove moisture. During the process the krill are subjected to a tumbling action. The energy applications are preferably microwave energy applications.

Abstract: A composition and method for preparing a food supplement. The composition consisting essentially of at least 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.

Abstract: An enhanced hydration extrusion cooking system, method and extruded product are provided which utilize a conventional extrusion cooking system with a material feed bin feeding material to a conditioning cylinder, from which it is fed to a cooking or forming extruder. An enhanced hydration subsystem is provided for providing a high-starch slurry to the conditioning cylinder, which can be gelatinized immediately prior to or promptly upon entry to the conditioning cylinder. The enhanced hydration subsystem includes a make-up tank receiving high-starch powder and water, which are mixed therein to form a slurry. The slurry is transferred to a pumping tank, from which metered amounts of the slurry are pumped to the conditioning cylinder. The slurry provides a source of pre-gelatinized starch which facilitates the extrusion cooking process and provides a number of desirable characteristics in the extruded product.

Abstract: Improved sea urchin feeds are provided which are very efficiently utilized by sea urchins and significantly increase gonadal development. The feeds are semi-moist, stable, extruded solid pellets or bodies which sink in sea water and have protein and carbohydrate fractions as well as a moisture content of from about 12-40% by weight. The feed bodies have an as manufactured water activity of up to about 0.8, are storable at ambient temperature for a period of at least two months, and are self-sustaining in sea water for a period of at least about 24 hours. Preferred feeds include kelp, fish oil and humectant.

Abstract: A substantially pure rawhide product and a mechanical method for manufacturing a substantially pure rawhide treat or chew for pets utilizing a double screw extruder with a number of heating zones and interchangeable extrusion dies. The method allows for the use of wet rawhide or rawhide scraps and contemplates the addition of various additives to the rawhide product. Also claimed is a double screw extruder especially adapted for the preparation of substantially pure rawhide treats.

Abstract: Method for the preparation of premixes for zootechnic and veterinary use, suitable for uniform distribution in feeds, consisting in coating the granule cores made of feed-grade organic material with a layer made of water-soluble materials, with an active ingredient being incorporated therein or firmly fixed thereto, the formation of said layer being obtained by mixing the ingredients fed in an appropriate order, in a mixer for powders, in the presence of an antitacking agent.

Abstract: A product densification method for producing sinking aquatic feed, densified cattle "range cubes" or the like includes a conventional cooking extruder into which feed ingredients, including cereal grains and additives, are introduced. The feed ingredients are cooked, gelatinized and expanded in the cooking extruder to form an intermediate feed product. The intermediate feed product is then loaded onto a cooling conveyor where it is transported to a product densification unit or PDU. The PDU is a specially designed high speed, low shear extruder which is adapted to densify and shape the intermediate feed product into a final feed product which is dense enough to sink in water and stable enough to stay together for a considerable period of time while submerged or exposed to weather. The density of the sinking feed, and therefore, the sink rate thereof, can be controlled by controlling the shaft speed of the high speed screw in the PDU.

Abstract: A food product for animal consumption is prepared from an animal by-product, preferably a complete avian carcass. A heated hydrolyzing agent is applied by spray or dip coating to the carcass exterior. After initiation of hydrolysis, the carcass is ground, enhanced by additives, then steam heated to a temperature of about 200 degrees F. The heated by-product is provided as a slurry or as dry particulates to a twin screw extruder. As it is transported across several zones of the extruder, the by-product is thoroughly dispersively mixed and subjected to high pressures and temperatures, vented to release moisture, neutralized with a neutralizing agent, and blended under high temperatures and pressures sufficient to completely sterilize what has become a highly uniform and homogeneous by-product mass. The by-product mass is extruded and cut into pellets, which then are dried to a moisture content at or below 10 percent.

Abstract: A chew product useful against the build-up of dental calculus on the teeth of animals contains an amount of sodium hexametaphosphate effective to reduce the development of dental calculus. The chew product in one embodiment is prepared by soaking the product in an aqueous solution containing from about 0.5% to about 3.0% by weight sodium hexametaphosphate. Also disclosed are methods for preparing the novel chew product and for using the chew product containing sodium hexametaphosphate to reduce and/or prevent the build-up of dental calculus on the teeth of animals.

Abstract: Fish foods and food supplements are provided that comprise an amount of preserved immature insects, e.g., dried housefly or soldier fly larvae or pupae, effective to improve the growth, feeding efficiency, or coloration of fish, including, but not limited to, koi, trout, bass, catfish, and tropical aquarium fish. Also provided are related methods of improving the growth, feeding efficiency, or coloration of fish.

Abstract: A pet food product and process for treating gastrointestinal disorders are provided. The pet food product contains fermentable fibers which have an organic matter disappearance of 15 to 60 percent when fermented by fecal bacteria for a 24 hour period. The fibers are present in amounts from 3 to 9 weight percent of supplemental total dietary fiber.

Abstract: From 2% to 15% by weight of solid pieces of a gel having a water content of above 95% and a size of from 2 mm to 10 mm are mixed with a meat base or fish base to obtain a heterogeneous composition which has a water content of at least 82% by weight. The gel is prepared with K-carragheenin or gellane.

Abstract: A method for promoting growth in fish comprising administering a low level dosage amount of zearalanol to fish. The zearalanol may be conveniently administered to the fish via a novel fish feed formulation comprising a conventional feed mixture supplemented with a relatively low dosage amount of zearalanol ranging from 1 to 20 parts per million (ppm) zearalanol in the feed. In another embodiment, the zearalanol may be administered to the fish in the form of a novel complex of zearalanol and a cyclodextrin compound which further enhances the growth process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of encapsulating digestible micronutrients or other additives within coatings which are indigestible by other than mechanical means, and the encapsulated additives. The invention includes a method for coating digestible micronutrients with indigestible polymers which can be mechanically broken down within the gizzards of avian species where the digestible micronutrients may be absorbed. The encapsulated additives are stabilized against degradation under harsh conditions within silos, and can be added directly to ensiled vegetable matter without chemical degradation of the encapsulated additive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of a powdered protein product from whole blood or a blood cell fraction separated from whole blood, the protein product being highly digestible, having a low content of iron and salts, being light brown, watersoluble and having good adhesive properties. The method for the production of the powdered protein product is characterized in that an aqueous blood cell material is subjected to hydrolysis at a temperature of between 140.degree. and 190.degree. C. and that the treated material is separated into a low-iron, liquid phase containing soluble proteins and an iron-rich, solid phase containing insoluble proteins, the liquid phase subsequently being concentrated or dried to a low-iron protein product, if desired.

Abstract: A method of growing fish and crustaceans at increased conversion, growth and survival rates by feeding the fish or crustacean with a particulate foodstuff composition which includes polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) having a K-value of 15-120 to bind said foodstuff in the form of a pellet of sufficient strength and hardness in water to enable the fish or crustaceans to feed effectively on said composition during both their early and late growth stages.

Abstract: A pet food premix product is provided, comprising a mixture of about 40 to 70 wt % of non-rendered meat and the balance at least one farinaceous and/or plant proteinaceous carrier substrate. One or more meats may be employed. A process is provided by which meat can be efficiently dehydrated and starch can be partially or completely gelatinized, then incorporated into an extruded dry or moist food at levels from 5 to 50% of a total formulation ration. The premix, when incorporated into an extruded pet food product, will increase its operational performance while delivering nutrients and palatability to the pet food product. In addition, a dried bakery product, is provided, which is useful as the farinaceous carrier substrate in the fabrication of the pet food premix product. The dried bakery product provides a naturally low pH pet food product having a pH in the range of about 5.7 to 6.4 and also unexpectedly provides an energy reduction in extrusion of pet food containing this ingredient.

Abstract: A complete food for dogs and cats contains dairy substances in a significant amount and meat or meat byproducts as well as meat substitutes. The milk solids derive from hydrolyzed fermented milk.

Abstract: A coated, baked canine biscuit having enhanced palatability. The edible coating includes: (a) about 20 to about 40 weight percent of at least one dextrin or at least one maltodextrin; (b) about 0.2 to about 2 weight percent of at least one edible acidulent; (c) about 0.1 to about 1 weight percent of at least one edible antimycotic agent; (d) about 0.5 to about 5 weight percent of lecithin or at least one modified lecithin; (e) about 0.3 to about 5 weight percent of at least one polysaccharide gum; (f) about 1 to about 10 weight percent of at least one flavorant; (g) about 1 to about 10 weight percent of at least one food starch or at least one modified food starch; (h) about 1 to about 10 weight percent of vegetable fat; (i) about 30 to about 70 weight percent of meat solids; and (j) about 3 to about 16 weight percent of animal fat. All of the weight percents are based on the total weight of the dried coating minus the moisture content thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates broadly to a novel ambient-temperature process for making aquatic animal feed including fish and crustaceans and to the aquatic animal feed so produced.

Abstract: A dog treat food product is disclosed which is extruded from a nutritionally balanced mixture of carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. The dog treat food product exhibits improved resistance to breakage on impact by drying pieces of the extrudate under controlled conditions of humidity to a moisture level of between 6-10% by weight at a relative humidity of about 5 to about 25%, a dry bulb temperature of about 150.degree. to about 250.degree. F., a wet bulb temperature of about 105.degree. to about 150.degree. F. and for at least 15 minutes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manufacture of a pet food having a transverse, fibrous striated matrix which imparts a superior mechanical cleaning action to the teeth of a pet when chewed. The apparatus includes an extruder through which a fiber bearing food mixture is advanced, the discharge outlet end of which is equipped with a die assembly which induces a state of laminar flow in the food material stream. The die assembly is constructed of a first spacer plate having an annular opening positioned to receive and stabilize the food stream advanced through the die assembly. A breaker plate adjacent to the first spacer plate, receives the flow stabilized food stream and effects a first, discontinuous, alignment of the fibers in the stream. A second spacer plate receives the food stream discharged form the breaker plate. The second spacer plate has a length at least twice that of the first spacer plate, whereby the fibers in the food stream are aligned into a continuous transversely aligned state.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an environmentally safe composition of a non-toxic, edible, biodegradable skeet that is used for trap shooting. The skeet of the present invention is designed in such a way that it can be stackable as well as being able to withstand the throwing force of the trap. The skeet is fabricated from a mixture of flour, water, and another edible granular element, such as birdseed. This substance is placed in a mold and is baked to harden. The resulting skeet is one which is easily breakable by a shotgun blasts as well as strong enough to withstand the throwing force of the trap. The design and shape of the skeet of the present invention is such that it possesses an aerodynamic structure which permits the target (skeet) to be projected with considerable speed into the air by the trap.

Abstract: A process for preparing a cohesive, retort-stable, shaped food piece. The process comprises: (a) preparing a premixture comprising, by weight, (1) from about 15% to about 65% by weight protein, (2) from about 15% to about 65% by weight starch, (3) from 0% to about 9% by weight fat, (4) from 0% to about 0.7% by weight added sulfur, and (5) from 0% to about 2% by weight dicalcium phosphate; (b) combining the premixture with water to form a secondary mixture, wherein the ratio of premixture to water is in the range of from about 1.6:1 to about 4:1; (c) mixing the secondary mixture for a period of time sufficient to obtain a substantially uniformly mixed dough and under conditions such that the temperature of the secondary mixture and uniformly mixed dough in the mixing operation are maintained in the range of from about 15.degree. C. to about 45.degree. C.; and (d) extruding the uniformly mixed dough into a desired shaped piece.

Abstract: A process for preparing a cohesive, retort-stable, shaped food piece. The process comprises: (a) preparing a premixture comprising, by weight, (1) from about 20% to about 80% by weight gluten, (2) from about 20% to about 80% by weight flour, (3) from 0% to about 50% by weight meat and bone meal, (4) from 0% to about 9% by weight fat, (5) from 0% to about 0.7% by weight added sulfur, and (6) from 0% to about 2% by weight dicalcium phosphate; (b) combining the premixture with water to form a secondary mixture, wherein the ratio of premixture to water is in the range of from about 1.6:1 to about 4:1; (c) mixing the secondary mixture for a period of time sufficient to obtain a substantially uniformly mixed dough and under conditions such that the temperature of the secondary mixture and uniformly mixed dough in the mixing operation are maintained in the range of from about 15.degree. C. to about 45.degree. C.; and (d) forming the uniformly mixed dough into a desired shaped piece.

Abstract: A pet food product prepared from a fiber containing nutritionally balanced mixture of carbohydrate protein, fat, vitamins and minerals, the product having an expanded striated structural matrix which fractures when chewed by the pet. The product when chewed by the pet exhibits an improved mechanical tooth cleansing function whereby a substantial reduction in plaque, stain and tartar on the pet's teeth is affected. The product is prepared by extruding a plasticized mixture of food ingredients through a discharge passageway, the internal walls of which are maintained at a coefficient of friction no greater than 0.2 so that a condition resembling laminar flow exists in the extrudate.

Abstract: An edible pet chew product having a flexible cellular matrix in which is contained a cellulosic fibrous material such as corn cob fractions having a mechanical cleansing function, which when chewed by the pet, effects a reduction in plaque, stain and tartar on the pet's teeth. An oral care additive may be incorporated in the matrix to inhibit dental problems, the composition of the cellular matrix being substantially inert to the oral care additive.

Abstract: Breath freshening, dry pet foods, e.g., pet biscuits are prepared by topically applying a breath freshening amount of a water-soluble zinc salt to a farinaceous-based baked or cooked pet food. The amount of the water-soluble zinc salt is sufficient so that said topically-applied water-soluble zinc salt contains from about 2 mg to about 6 mg of zinc ion per 10 gm of the breath freshening pet food. Consumption of the dry pet food controls the malodorous breath of the animal. Rawhide chew coated in the same manner also provides breath freshening when chewed.

Abstract: Highly palatable, shelf-stable, moist, pasta-type extruded food products are provided which can be formulated as a human food (e.g., a confection) or as a pet food. The extruded products of the invention include a substantially completely gelatinized matrix including therein from about 35-70% by weight starch, dry basis, together with quantities of protein and sugar. The extruded products should have a moisture content of from about 15-30% by weight, and a water activity of from about 0.6-0.9. The products are made by forming a mixture of ingredients followed by preconditioning, extrusion and drying and/or cooling to achieve the final desired moisture.

Abstract: An animal feeding system includes a self-supporting bowl made from edible material having a bottom, a top and a side providing in combination a container for holding animal food, the bowl being of selected size and configuration to contain a desired quantity of food depending on animal size and dietary requirements. There is further provided an animal feeding system and related method wherein an edible bowl is provided in combination with a water bowl to provide a self-contained meal package for an animal.

Abstract: A chew toy for pets which is made from a molded synthetic thermoplastic having animal meal dispersed in the plastic.

Abstract: To enrich fat with polyunsaturated fatty acids and phospholipids a presscake is formed of iced fjord herring containing polyunsaturated fatty acids and phospholipids. The presscake is dissolved in a fat dissolving polar alcohol; the solids are separated; and the liquid evaporated until a precipitation of a first fat fraction occurs. The first fat fraction is separated; and evaporation resumed until the precipitation of a second fat fraction. The second fat fraction, with a higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids and phospholipids than the first fat fraction, is separated from the remainder of the solution.

Abstract: An edible pet chew product having a flexible cellular matrix in which is contained a cellulosic fibrous material such as corn cob fractions having a mechanical cleansing function, which when chewed by the pet, effects a reduction in plaque, stain and tartar on the pet's teeth. An oral care additive may be incorporated in the matrix to inhibit dental problems, the composition of the cellular matrix being substantially inert to the oral care additive.

Abstract: The novel agents for preventing dental calculus in domestic animals of the present invention are sequestering agents that are applied as coatings to commercially-prepared diets for domestic animals and that are significantly superior in terms of their anticalculus efficacy to the soluble pyrophosphate crystal growth inhibitors of the prior art. The sequestering agents of the present invention form soluble calcium complexes in saliva and dental plaque fluids thereby preventing the calcification of dental plaque. Sodium hexametaphosphate has been utilized as the preferred sequestering agents of the invention to date.

Abstract: The pet food of the present invention contains lactosucrose which is substantially uniformly mixed in a meal in a range of 0.025 to 3.0% by weight on a dry basis. Lactosucrose keeps intestines of the pets in order, and provides a good taste and a great effect on deodorizing feces and urine discharged by the pets.

Abstract: An encapsulated food product for any type of animal has a readily removable non-food capsule surrounding an edible core. An interface between the capsule and core facilitates separation of the capsule and edible core. The capsule is fabricated to facilitate separation from the interface and core as two or more pieces. The invention encompasses simulated seeds and simulated nuts for the animal food industry and snacks for primates including humans.

Abstract: An animal feed which is improved by the addition of a nonviable antibiotic biomass. The biomass may be obtained by drying a fermented biomass of an organism capable of producing an antibiotic which is effective against mycotoxin contamination. The resultant animal feed is substantially free of fungal mycotoxin contamination.