The present invention relates to methods of stabilizing phospholipids (PLs) and lysophospholipids (LPLs) in water. One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of stabilizing PLs and LPLs comprising treatment of the PLs and/or the LPLs with surfactants, co-surfactants, and a salt. Another aspect of the present invention relates to increasing the dispersion of PLs and LPLs in water and maintaining phase stability over a time period of over 12 months and a temperature range of −10 to 50° C. There are many advantages of the present invention including but not limited to improved feed mill efficiency, pellet quality, oil-water emulsification and animal performance when included in the feed.

The present invention relates to a carrier for facilitating the oral ingestion of at least one active substance by animals, characterized in that it comprises: at least one bead comprising said at least one active substance, a gelled appetizing matrix surrounding said at least one bead, the pH of said matrix being less than 4, wherein the Aw (residual water) of said matrix and of said at least one bead is identical and from 0.4 to 0.9. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing such a carrier, and also to the uses thereof. The present invention also relates to a non-therapeutic method for feeding animals, in particular dogs and cats, by means of this carrier.

The present invention relates to a carrier for facilitating the oral ingestion of at least one active substance by animals, characterized in that it comprises: at least one bead comprising said at least one active substance, a gelled appetizing matrix surrounding said at least one bead, the pH of said matrix being less than 4, wherein the Aw (residual water) of said matrix and of said at least one bead is identical and from 0.4 to 0.9. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing such a carrier, and also to the uses thereof. The present invention also relates to a non-therapeutic method for feeding animals, in particular dogs and cats, by means of this carrier.

Use of a compound having the formula (1) (2) (3) (4) or, or combinations thereof, for providing a source of butyrate with improved organoleptic properties wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are independently a long chain fatty acid having between 16 and 20 carbons for use in promoting immune response and/or preventing and/or treating bacterial and/or viral infections.

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A method for evaluating spectra of a biological substance of animal and/or vegetable origin, may include (a) detecting a spectrometer in a network formed of at least one spectrometer and an input/output device, (b) requesting the individual status of each spectrometer in the network of (a), and displaying the detected spectrometers and their status on the input/output device, the status reflecting if a spectrometer is available for recording a spectrum or not, (c) receiving a selection from the spectrometers being available for recording a spectrum on the input/output device, (d) recording a spectrum of a sample material of animal origin, vegetable origin or a mixture thereof on the spectrometer selected in (c), (e) predicting a value for at least one parameter from the spectrum of (d) by a calibration function and/or calibration graph suitable for predicting the parameter value, and (e) displaying the result from (e) on the input/output device.

A nutritional supplement composition that enhances the incorporation of calcium and other bone building elements in bone and that prevents bone breakdown, specifically due to the chronic metabolic acidosis that the typical Western diet generates each day. The transcription factor NFKB (Nuclear Factor Kappa B), which underlies some of this physiology, has also been shown to adversely affect fat metabolism. The enzymatic protein complex, AMP Kinase (Adenosine Monophosphate Kinase), a key regulator of energy metabolism, has been shown to reverse the effects of excessive NFKB activity on bone and fat metabolism. The novel nutrients modulate nutrient partitioning and fat metabolism in a human or animal so as to increase oxidation of fat, decrease storage of fat and promote increased storage of glycogen. They are composed of one or more of nutrients selected from the group consisting of Hesperidin, Berberine, Epigallocatechin 3-Gallate (EGCG), Resveratrol, Curcumin, Ginsenosides, Gingerols, Hispidulin, Honokiol, Magnolol and Quercetin. A method for modulating nutrient partitioning in a human involves orally or parenterally administering the aforementioned composition to the human or animal, preferably on a daily basis, for a therapeutically effective period of time. Preferably, the method further involves having the recipient follow a specific dietary regimen wherein the glycemic index is less than 60 and the daily calorie consumption from carbohydrates is less than about 50% and the daily calorie consumption from protein is at least about 20%. Optionally, the method further involves an exercise program, a stress reduction program and/or a blood donation program.

A bacterial strain with enhanced biosurfactant-production capabilities is provided, as well as methods of its use in, for example, agriculture, livestock husbandry and environmental protection. In a specific embodiment, the present invention is directed to a bacterial strain that has novel properties for producing a mixture of lipopeptides that is unique to its genus and species. Specifically, the bacterium is a novel strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.

The present invention relates to a method for converting insects into a nutrient stream, such as a puree, an enzymatically hydrolysed puree, a fat fraction and a protein fraction. The invention further relates to the (hydrolysed) puree and to the fractions obtainable by said methods and to their use as a food or feed product or as an ingredient therefore. The invention also relates to a method for converting insect larvae into a composition with anti-oxidant properties. Thus, the invention also relates to a method for converting insect larvae into an antioxidant composition. In addition, the invention relates to a composition with anti-oxidant properties obtainable by said method and to the use of the composition as a health promoting food ingredient or as a feed ingredient.

The present invention relates to a method for converting insects into a nutrient stream, such as a puree, an enzymatically hydrolysed puree, a fat fraction and a protein fraction. The invention further relates to the (hydrolysed) puree and to the fractions obtainable by said methods and to their use as a food or feed product or as an ingredient therefore. The invention also relates to a method for converting insect larvae into a composition with anti-oxidant properties. Thus, the invention also relates to a method for converting insect larvae into an antioxidant composition. In addition, the invention relates to a composition with anti-oxidant properties obtainable by said method and to the use of the composition as a health promoting food ingredient or as a feed ingredient.

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.