A novel alga mutant having improved pigment productivity is provided. The mutant can be used to produce carotenoid-based pigments, particularly, xanthophyll by using a small amount of energy, and thus can effectively produce pigment on an industrial level. In addition, the mutant can be used as a source for foods, health functional foods, and medications which contain a pigment. Further, when account is taken of the physiological characteristics of the euryhaline microalgae Dunaliella and the geological characteristics of Korean, the three sides of which are in contact with the sea, sea-water can be used as a culture medium, with the expectation of reducing the cost and leading to the development of related industries.

The invention provides composition and methods for improving hydration and water intake in an animal. In one embodiment, a hydration composition can comprise water and a hydration additive, where the hydration additive consists essentially of a sugar alcohol and a protein, where the sugar alcohol includes glycerol and the protein includes whey. Additionally, a method of improving hydration and water intake in an animal can comprise administering the hydration composition with water to the animal.

Dietary supplements comprising at least one probiotic and at least one of animal digest, dried brewers yeast, vitamin C; vitamin E, beta carotene, zinc proteinate, manganese proteinate, ferrous sulfate, copper proteinate, calcium iodate, and sodium selenite. The probiotics and other ingredients are present in the supplement in amounts sufficient to enhance the palatability of the probiotics and compositions containing the probiotics, enhance the immune system to augment the beneficial effects of the probiotics, or extend the life of the probiotics.

Dietary supplements comprising at least one probiotic and at least one of animal digest, dried brewers yeast, vitamin C; vitamin E, beta carotene, zinc proteinate, manganese proteinate, ferrous sulfate, copper proteinate, calcium iodate, and sodium selenite. The probiotics and other ingredients are present in the supplement in amounts sufficient to enhance the palatability of the probiotics and compositions containing the probiotics, enhance the immune system to augment the beneficial effects of the probiotics, or extend the life of the probiotics.

The invention provides a novel class of natural red azaphilone pigments: cavernamines and their hydroxyl-derivatives; as well as the orange/yellow precursor cavernine. Additionally, methods for their production by fermentation using a fungal strain belonging to the species Aspergillus cavernicola, is provided; and further the use of the novel pigments as a colouring agent for food items and/or non-food items, and for cosmetics. The cavernamine pigments have the structure of Formula I or II, the hydroxyl-derivative of said cavernamine pigment has the structure of Formula III: Cavernine pigments having the structure of Formula IV or V are precursors f the cavernamine pigments I-III above.

The present invention provides a pet chew, comprising edible glue, vegetable protein, humectant, dispersant agent, crosslinking agent, flavor substance, functional substance, nutrient and water, wherein the edible glue comprises gelatin, vegetable glue or a compound of the gelatin and the vegetable glue. The present invention further provides a preparation method of the foregoing pet chew. The pet chew provided by the present invention does not contain stodgy animal skins and the crosslinking reaction occurs under a specific process to combine some beneficial ingredients, such that the pet chew has a plurality of specific functions, has a relatively good flavor and relatively high palatability, and is more interesting and entertaining.

The present invention provides a pet chew, comprising edible glue, vegetable protein, humectant, dispersant agent, crosslinking agent, flavor substance, functional substance, nutrient and water, wherein the edible glue comprises gelatin, vegetable glue or a compound of the gelatin and the vegetable glue. The present invention further provides a preparation method of the foregoing pet chew. The pet chew provided by the present invention does not contain stodgy animal skins and the crosslinking reaction occurs under a specific process to combine some beneficial ingredients, such that the pet chew has a plurality of specific functions, has a relatively good flavor and relatively high palatability, and is more interesting and entertaining.

The present invention relates to pulverulent compositions of at least one carotenoid selected from the group consisting of β-carotene, astaxanthin, canthaxanthin, citranaxanthin, lycopene and lutein, a process for the production of these pulverulent compositions, and the use of the pulverulent compositions.

The present invention relates to pulverulent compositions of at least one carotenoid selected from the group consisting of β-carotene, astaxanthin, canthaxanthin, citranaxanthin, lycopene and lutein, a process for the production of these pulverulent compositions, and the use of the pulverulent compositions.

The present invention relates to a method of improving pigmentation by carotenoids in a monogastric animal comprising administering to the animal an animal feed or animal feed additive comprising one or more microbial muramidases.