Provided in the present disclosure is a mixture, comprising 86-89 wt % of a methionine hydroxy analog and an oligomer thereof, more than 99.95 wt % being a monomer, dimer and trimer, and the ratio of monomer:dimer:trimer by weight being 77-80:18.5-19.5:3-4; 9.2-13.5 wt % of water; and less than 0.5 wt % of ammonium sulfate and ammonium bisulfate. The viscosity of the mixture at 10° C. is lower than 200 mPa.Math.s. Further provided is a method for processing a mixture containing a methionine hydroxy analog and an oligomer thereof.

Provided in the present disclosure is a mixture, comprising 86-89 wt % of a methionine hydroxy analog and an oligomer thereof, more than 99.95 wt % being a monomer, dimer and trimer, and the ratio of monomer:dimer:trimer by weight being 77-80:18.5-19.5:3-4; 9.2-13.5 wt % of water; and less than 0.5 wt % of ammonium sulfate and ammonium bisulfate. The viscosity of the mixture at 10° C. is lower than 200 mPa.Math.s. Further provided is a method for processing a mixture containing a methionine hydroxy analog and an oligomer thereof.

A method for screening an active ingredient of a saltiness enhancer, the screening method including the following steps: (i) a step for determining whether a test substance is a compound capable of promoting functional expression of the TMC4 gene or TMC4 protein; and (ii) a step for selecting, as an active ingredient of a saltiness enhancer, a test substance that has been determined in step (i) to be a compound capable of promoting functional expression of the TMC4 gene or TMC4 protein.

Provided herein are methods and compositions for food and feed applications, e.g., for targeting one or more microorganisms resident in a host insect, the modulation resulting in an increase in the fitness of the host. The invention features a composition that includes a modulating agent (e.g., phage, peptide, small molecule, antibiotic, or combinations thereof) that can alter the host's microbiota in a manner that is beneficial to the host. By promoting favorable microbial levels, microbial activity, microbial metabolism, and/or microbial diversity, the modulating agent described herein may be used to increase the fitness of a variety of insects utilized in human food or animal feed industries.

Provided herein are methods and compositions for food and feed applications, e.g., for targeting one or more microorganisms resident in a host insect, the modulation resulting in an increase in the fitness of the host. The invention features a composition that includes a modulating agent (e.g., phage, peptide, small molecule, antibiotic, or combinations thereof) that can alter the host's microbiota in a manner that is beneficial to the host. By promoting favorable microbial levels, microbial activity, microbial metabolism, and/or microbial diversity, the modulating agent described herein may be used to increase the fitness of a variety of insects utilized in human food or animal feed industries.

The present invention relates to a wet pet food palatability-enhancing composition comprising at least: —one or more free amino acids A1, —one or more sugars A2, and —one or more inorganic phosphate compounds B with an amount P of phosphorus, wherein the amount P of phosphorus is from 1% to 5% based on the total weight of said wet pet food palatability-enhancing composition, and wherein the ratio R1 of A1/(A1+A2+P) is superior to 0.30. The present invention also relates to a method for producing this wet pet food palatability-enhancing composition as well as a wet pet food having enhanced palatability comprising this wet pet food palatability-enhancing composition.

The invention relates to methods for modulation of the gut flora and/or for supporting immune system function in animals comprising administration of one or more sophorolipids to an animal in need thereof. Animal feed compositions comprising sophorolipids are also provided.

The invention relates to methods for modulation of the gut flora and/or for supporting immune system function in animals comprising administration of one or more sophorolipids to an animal in need thereof. Animal feed compositions comprising sophorolipids are also provided.

The application relates to a process for drying a composition comprising an alkali metal salt of a compound of general formula (I) R.sup.1R.sup.2N—CHR.sup.3—COOM or formula (II) R.sup.1R.sup.2N—CHR.sup.3CHR.sup.3—COOM, in particular N,N-dimethyl glycinate salt, and the use thereof. In the process, the composition, in particular the N,N-di methyl glycinate salt, is dried by feeding the composition into a fluidized bed dryer and subjecting the composition to a heat treatment by contacting the composition in the fluidized bed dryer with a drying gas stream, and during the heat treatment a solution or dispersion of the composition is sprayed onto at least a portion of the composition present in the fluidized bed dryer, or alternatively or in addition the composition, in particular N,N-dimethyl glycinate salt, is fed into a fluidized bed dryer and subjected to heat treatment in the fluidized bed dryer by contacting the composition with a drying gas stream, and the temperature of the composition in the fluidized bed during the heat treatment does not exceed 50° C.

A composition for use in a method for the treatment of an amino acid deficiency to a non-mammalian monogastric animal, such as a poultry animal, a fish or a crustacean is described, wherein said composition comprises (i) a mixture of active components comprising or, alternatively, consisting of at least one amino acid or an analogue, (ii) a lipid matrix embedding said (i) mixture of active components and, optionally, (iii) at least one acceptable pharmaceutical or food grade additive and/or excipient. Furthermore, a feed or feed additive for a non-mammalian monogastric animal, such as poultry species and/or aquatic species comprising the composition is also described.