The present application relates to nutritional compositions comprising lactic acid-producing bacteria.

Provided herein, inter alia, are granules for inclusion in feed or feed additive compositions as well as methods for making and using the same for improving the performance of a ruminant animal with respect to one or more of improved feed conversion ratio (FCR), improved weight gain, improved feed efficiency, improved carcass quality, and/or improved milk production.

Pulverulent compositions of a complex between an acid and a metal form an at least partially spherical particle. The acid is selected from 2-hydroxy-4-methyl-thiobutanoic acid (HMTBA), methionine, aspartic acid, the alginic acids, the pectinic acids, and the corresponding anions, in particular 2-hydroxy-4-methyl-thiobutanoate, methioninate, aspartate, the alginates and the pectinates. The metal is divalent or trivalent. The particle has an amorphous fraction the mass of which represents at least 50% of the total mass of the particle. The particle is substantially devoid of uncomplexed acid or anion and of uncomplexed metal or metal cation.

The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having protease activity and isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding the proteases. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells, including plant and animal cells, comprising the nucleic acid sequences, as well as methods for producing and using the proteases, in particular the use of the proteases in animal feed.

The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having protease activity and isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding the proteases. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells, including plant and animal cells, comprising the nucleic acid sequences, as well as methods for producing and using the proteases, in particular the use of the proteases in animal feed.

A method and system are provided for preparing micro-ingredient feed additives for use in designated feed rations. A micro-ingredient system of the invention includes a plurality of bins that store designated micro-ingredients therein. A master controller of the delivery system provides signals to control system components based on programmed commands corresponding to micro-ingredient batches to be prepared. Slide gate mechanisms are used to prevent loss of micro-ingredients delivered to a receiving receptacle of the system. During delivery of the micro-ingredients to the receptacle and during processing, the micro-ingredients can become airborne and subsequently lost. The slide gate mechanisms also provide controlled access to the receiving receptacle to prevent system errors such as contamination of ingredients in the receptacle, or improper batching of a prescribed micro-ingredient mixture to be delivered to a designated feed ration.

A consumable having replenishment properties to be consumed by animals to maintain and/or restore proper hydration and electrolyte levels includes a base portion and an electrolyte portion. The base portion is processed by at least one of pureeing, juicing, liquefying and macerating. The base portion can include one or more of an item of produce. The base portion can be all-natural. The electrolyte portion can include one or more of a sugar, potassium and sodium. The electrolyte portion is combined with the base portion to generate the consumable. The consumable can also include a natural supplement such as vitamins, minerals and/or proteins. The consumable has a melting point and may be frozen prior to consumption or may be consumed in its liquid-like or slurry-like form.

The invention is directed to a potassium containing preparation or potassium bolus for the prevention or treatment of potassium deficit and optionally other deficit of minerals in ruminants, a process for the production thereof as well as the use thereof. The present invention makes it possible to provide a potassium containing preparation or potassium bolus with a high content of up to 70 wt.-% of potassium salt, based on the total weight of the potassium containing preparation, by adding only a relatively small amount of calcium chloride (15 to 40 wt.-%) and water (10 to 22 wt.-%) to the potassium salt.

The present invention is an improved superfood supplement for dogs.

Described are strains including Enterococcus faecium strain 8G-1 (NRRL B-50173), Enterococcus faecium strain 8G-73 (NRRL B-50172), Bacillus pumilus strain 8G-134 (NRRL B-50174) and strains having all of the identifying characteristics of each of these strains. One or more of the strains can be used to reduce negative energy balance in a ruminant. They can also be used to improve other measures of ruminant health and/or performance. Methods of using the strains, alone and in combination, are described. Methods of making the strains are also provided.