The presently disclosed subject matter relates to methods of diagnosing and treating chronic kidney disease (CKD) in an animal, comprising determining the amount of magnesium in a sample of the animal and providing the animal with a treatment regimen. In certain embodiments, the treatment regimen comprises administering an effective amount of magnesium.

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to methods of diagnosing and treating chronic kidney disease (CKD) in an animal, comprising determining the amount of magnesium in a sample of the animal and providing the animal with a treatment regimen. In certain embodiments, the treatment regimen comprises administering an effective amount of magnesium.

The present invention relates to methods of releasing galactose from legumes using polypeptides having alpha-galactosidase activity. The invention also relates to polypeptides having alpha-galactosidase activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing the polypeptides. The invention also relates to compositions comprising the polypeptides of the invention and the use of the polypeptides in animal feed.

The present invention relates to methods of releasing galactose from legumes using polypeptides having alpha-galactosidase activity. The invention also relates to polypeptides having alpha-galactosidase activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing the polypeptides. The invention also relates to compositions comprising the polypeptides of the invention and the use of the polypeptides in animal feed.

The present invention is located in the field of industrial biotechnology and sustainable agriculture, referring to a process of renewable origin for the production of fertilizer from by-products of animal origin, with an innovative raw material, animal blood in natura. The invention aims at the use of raw materials such as animal blood, both in natura form and in the form of blood meal, also considering a synergistic mixture of blood meal with in natura blood, to obtain fertilizers with innovative characteristics. The synergy promoted by the stages of the developed process, combined with the qualities of the selected raw materials, promoted the development of products with high levels of free natural amino acids, total organic carbon and organic matter. The developed fertilizer product can be applied in liquid form, as a liquid fertilizer, both in soil and in foliar form, as well as in solid form, after the introduction of a drying step at the end of processing. The product adds, depending on the chemical composition obtained, both fertilizer and soil conditioning agent characteristics. The invention results in sustainable products with high added value.

The present invention is located in the field of industrial biotechnology and sustainable agriculture, referring to a process of renewable origin for the production of fertilizer from by-products of animal origin, with an innovative raw material, animal blood in natura. The invention aims at the use of raw materials such as animal blood, both in natura form and in the form of blood meal, also considering a synergistic mixture of blood meal with in natura blood, to obtain fertilizers with innovative characteristics. The synergy promoted by the stages of the developed process, combined with the qualities of the selected raw materials, promoted the development of products with high levels of free natural amino acids, total organic carbon and organic matter. The developed fertilizer product can be applied in liquid form, as a liquid fertilizer, both in soil and in foliar form, as well as in solid form, after the introduction of a drying step at the end of processing. The product adds, depending on the chemical composition obtained, both fertilizer and soil conditioning agent characteristics. The invention results in sustainable products with high added value.

A suspendable feed block system for animals has a feed block formed of a hardened mass of feed supplement material in block form, wherein the feed supplement material provides a source of magnesium. The feed block is molded around and encases a feed block support. The support has an elongated flexible element including, a plurality of protuberances located intermittently along a length of the element. At least one end of the elongated flexible element protrudes from the feed block and is fastenable to a separate suspending component. A method of manufacturing the suspendable feed block system for animals is also provided. A mold can be used for forming the feed block with the support suspended or encased therein, and the mold can be biodegradable, edible, or both.

A suspendable feed block system for animals has a feed block formed of a hardened mass of feed supplement material in block form, wherein the feed supplement material provides a source of magnesium. The feed block is molded around and encases a feed block support. The support has an elongated flexible element including, a plurality of protuberances located intermittently along a length of the element. At least one end of the elongated flexible element protrudes from the feed block and is fastenable to a separate suspending component. A method of manufacturing the suspendable feed block system for animals is also provided. A mold can be used for forming the feed block with the support suspended or encased therein, and the mold can be biodegradable, edible, or both.

A pet food composition specifically formulated for a small dog can include a combination of specific amino acids and probiotics to maintain or increase absorption of amino acids. Methods of increasing absorption of amino acids are also provided.

A pet food composition specifically formulated for a small dog can include a combination of specific amino acids and probiotics to maintain or increase absorption of amino acids. Methods of increasing absorption of amino acids are also provided.