New compositions and methods are provided for controlling a parasitic infection in a horse through administration of an effective amount of D. flagrans. In certain aspects, multiple, distinct strains of D. flagrans are administered. In additional aspects, the amount and treatment regimen of D. flagrans administered to a horse is based on one or more pre-identified characteristics of the horse, is combined with additional therapeutic agents for more comprehensive parasite control, or is accomplished via custom made, pre-measured daily dose packages. In another aspect, compositions and methods are provided that comprise combined use of 1) D. flagrans and 2) one or more insect growth regulators.

The present invention provides plant based food compositions that are effective in creating a creamy consistency, non-dairy, plant based, frozen desert treat for animals that is comparable to dairy based ice cream. The product is a dry preparation that is in a shelf stable, dry powder form. For consumption, composition is rehydrated and blended to form an emulsion. Emulsion is placed in freezer safe container and in temperature below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Product is served frozen, similar to the way dairy based ice cream is served.

The present invention provides plant based food compositions that are effective in creating a creamy consistency, non-dairy, plant based, frozen desert treat for animals that is comparable to dairy based ice cream. The product is a dry preparation that is in a shelf stable, dry powder form. For consumption, composition is rehydrated and blended to form an emulsion. Emulsion is placed in freezer safe container and in temperature below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Product is served frozen, similar to the way dairy based ice cream is served.

A method of treating or preventing a bacterial infection in an animal comprises administering to the animal an effective amount of an antibacterial peptide, the antibacterial peptide being derived from degraded date pits which are degraded by solid state degradation by a fungus, Trichoderma reesei. The antibacterial peptide has a molecular mass of less than 10 kDa and an amino acid sequence including (a) SEQ ID NO:4 or (b) SEQ ID NO:6. The bacterial infection is caused by a Gram-positive bacteria or a Gram-negative bacteria, for example, a Salmonella species, a Campylobacter species, a Shigella species, an Escherichia species, a Pseudomonas species, and a Staphylococcus species.

Processes to produce microorganisms that can be incorporated into a microbial-based product that results in high viable cell yields and shelf-stable products are disclosed. These microbial-based products are useful for inhibiting pathogenic growth and as a food additive. A preferred microorganism is a lactic acid producing bacteria. In one embodiment, the process comprises inoculating a lactobacillus fermentation medium with lactic acid producing bacterial cells, harvesting the lactic acid producing bacterial cells at mid to late log phase, concentrating the lactic acid producing bacterial cells, and preserving the lactic acid producing bacterial cells at a concentration of at least 5×10.sup.9 cfu/ml.

Processes to produce microorganisms that can be incorporated into a microbial-based product that results in high viable cell yields and shelf-stable products are disclosed. These microbial-based products are useful for inhibiting pathogenic growth and as a food additive. A preferred microorganism is a lactic acid producing bacteria. In one embodiment, the process comprises inoculating a lactobacillus fermentation medium with lactic acid producing bacterial cells, harvesting the lactic acid producing bacterial cells at mid to late log phase, concentrating the lactic acid producing bacterial cells, and preserving the lactic acid producing bacterial cells at a concentration of at least 5×10.sup.9 cfu/ml.

A food product ingredient formed from a keratinous protein-containing material, e.g, feathers, and methods of making the same. The methods include cleaning the keratinous protein-containing material, combining the keratinous protein-containing material with a cereal bran to form a mixture, and hydrolyzing the mixture to form the food product ingredient. Optionally, of the keratinous protein-containing material is cleaned and/or frozen within 5 hours of collection. The methods generate fewer unpleasant odors, and food product ingredients produced by the method can similarly benefit. The food product ingredient may be incorporated into a food product, such as a pet food product.

A method for using treated biochar to reduce the overall environmental impact of farming and minimize the carbon footprint of farms is provided. The method comprising engaging in one or more of the following practices: (1) combining treated biochar with feed or using biochar as feed for animals to reduce methane from enteric fermentation and increase animal health and nutrition; (2) combining treated biochar with compost, animal bedding or manure piles to reduce odor and increase nutrient retention; (3) applying treated biochar to lagoons to reduce odor and treat water; (4) applying treated biochar to pastures to increase pasture health; (5) applying treated biochar to crops to increase crop productivity, healthier roots and prevent fertilizer leaching; and (6) using the carbon negativity of a produced biochar to reduce the overall farm or ranch carbon footprint.

A method for using treated biochar to reduce the overall environmental impact of farming and minimize the carbon footprint of farms is provided. The method comprising engaging in one or more of the following practices: (1) combining treated biochar with feed or using biochar as feed for animals to reduce methane from enteric fermentation and increase animal health and nutrition; (2) combining treated biochar with compost, animal bedding or manure piles to reduce odor and increase nutrient retention; (3) applying treated biochar to lagoons to reduce odor and treat water; (4) applying treated biochar to pastures to increase pasture health; (5) applying treated biochar to crops to increase crop productivity, healthier roots and prevent fertilizer leaching; and (6) using the carbon negativity of a produced biochar to reduce the overall farm or ranch carbon footprint.

A method of feeding a monogastric mammal, the method including feeding the monogastric mammal a milk replacer during a feeding period and feeding the monogastric mammal a psyllium composition during the feeding period.