Biosolids-based food additive for animal feed, methods of production, and business application thereof

Abstract

The present invention is directed to processes and business methods and wastewater treatment units for converting the waterborne residuals from wastewater generated by food processing plants into an ingredient suitable for use in animal feeds. The ingredient produced by the processes of the present invention has a high protein content and can be used as a replacement for conventional sources of animal feed protein such as fish meal.

1 - 44 . (canceled) 
     
     
         45 . A composition comprising:
 a dried and deactivated bacterial mass comprising a mixture of bacteria, wherein the true protein content is at least about 50%, wherein the dried bacterial mass is suitable for use as a feed for animals used for human consumption and complies with the requirements of the American Association of Feed Control Officials Official Publication (2007).   
     
     
         46 . The composition of  claim 45 , wherein the bacteria are selected from the group consisting of genetically modified bacteria, Micrococci, Bacilli, Flavobacteria, methanogens, Pseudomona, Nitrosomona, Nitrobacteri, Alcaligenes, nitrifying bacteria, aerobic heterotrophs, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         47 . The composition of  claim 45 , wherein the crude protein content of the dried and deactivated bacterial mass is about 60% or greater. 
     
     
         48 . The composition of  claim 45 , wherein the dried and deactivated bacterial mass has a Vitamin B12 content of greater than about 5.0 mg/kg. 
     
     
         49 . The composition of  claim 45 , wherein the dried and deactivated bacterial mass has a true protein content of greater than about 55%. 
     
     
         50 . The composition of  claim 45 , wherein the dried and deactivated bacterial mass has a pMC value of about 90 or more. 
     
     
         51 . The composition of  claim 45 , wherein the protein/ash ratio of the dried and deactivated bacterial mass is about 6.0/1 to 8.0/1. 
     
     
         52 . (canceled) 
     
     
         53 . (canceled) 
     
     
         54 . The composition of  claim 45 , further comprising carbon compounds from sources selected from the group consisting of vegetables, fruits, and sugars.