A method for coloring live bait worms comprises adding to a cultivation bed containing one or more worm storage media, a non-toxic amount of a colorant to form a coloring medium, and incubating live bait worms in the coloring medium at a temperature and for a time sufficient to allow the bait worms to become colored by ingesting the coloring medium. The colorant is preferably a D&C coloring additive such as a xanthene dye, most preferably D&C Yellow No. 8, and/or D&C Yellow No. 7, and the worm s...

An apparatus and process for the efficient vermicomposting of organic containing wastes. A continuous thin layer of biomass is formed in which worms are established and encouraged to compost and migrate. The thinness of the biomass layer increases uniformity and allows for a higher rate of worm activity. By moving the biomass upon a conveying surface a continuous open system is created. New matter is introduced, digested and withdrawn while maintaining the active worms within a portion of the bi...

The present invention relates to a method of cultivating, in medium, Steinernema kushidai (hereinafter simply called kushidai) which is one type of Nematoda. Kushidai has a strong insecticidal ability to kill larvae of coliopterous insects, and cultivation of large quantities of kushidai having the strong insecticidal ability requires conditions different from the techniques of cultivating other nematodes parasitic on insects. Kushidai is cultivated in a medium including asteroid. This increases...

A shipping container for sea worms contains a fibrous bed of vegetable matter which is degraded by fermentation. The bed is both wetted and seeded with a microorganism in order to insure the fermentation.

The present invention is directed to a novel product and method for isolating ectoparasite saliva proteins, and a novel product and method for detecting and/or treating allergic dermatitis in an animal. The present invention includes a saliva protein collection apparatus capable of collecting ectoparasite saliva proteins substantially free of contaminating material. The present invention also relates to ectoparasite saliva proteins, nucleic acid molecules having sequences that encode such protei...

Infective juvenile nematodes can be stored for long periods of time when contained in a layer having pseudoplastic characteristics. The pseudoplastic layer immobilizes the infective juveniles, but the pseudoplastic nature of the compositions permits easy dispensing of the composition when required. Suitable pseudoplastic agents include rhamsan gum and xanthan gum.

The present invention provides a method for inducing gamete maturation in marine worms of the family arenicolidae and which exhibit epidemic spawning. In the method, male and/or female worms in a housing substrate (such as sand) in sea water are maintained at a temperature of 4 to 8.degree. C. for 14 to 24 days, preferably 5 to 7.degree. C. for 20 to 22 days. Spawning of the worms can them be induced either by exposure to suitable spawning promoting hormones or by raising the temperature of the ...

A method of controlling a growth rate and other characteristics of marine worms is disclosed. The method concerns the control of light to which the worms are subjected, and allows the rate growth to be manipulated (i.e. increased) outwith the normal growing season.

A soil-less habitat medium, especially for ants, allows the sustained viability of an ant or ant colony without the provision of additional nutrients. The medium comprises the combination of a culture medium and a chemical agent to reduce or prevent microbial contamination of the culture medium. The medium is preferably in the form of a clear or tinted gel, and allows the ants to be observed throughout the medium. The medium is of particular value for use in an ant vivaria.

A multi-site in ovo injection apparatus and related methods for treating live eggs is disclosed. The multi-site injection apparatus includes one or more injection delivery devices which are configured to deliver multiple treatment substances to predetermined areas of eggs. The treatment substances can be provided so that they are spatially and/or temporally separate. The devices and methods enable the effective use of a plurality of treatment substances even those that are effective when used al...