Ruminant feed composition and method of making

Abstract

A nutrient or medicinal composition for administration to ruminants, which includes a core of one or more biologically active substances coated with a film of polyurethane, overcoated with an “intermediate” wax is disclosed. This polyurethane / wax coating is resistant to rumen conditions, but will release the biologically active substance(s) in the abomasum and subsequent digestive tract of the ruminant animal.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to feed additives for ruminants. More particularly, the invention relates to a feed additive composition and method of making comprising a biologically active substance that is coated with a coating composition which minimizes release of the biologically active substance in the rumen, but provides for the primary release of the biologically active substance in the abomasum and subsequent digestive tract of the ruminant animal. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [0002] Increasing the milk production of lactating dairy cattle, and meat production in cattle raised for meat, is an ongoing challenge to the farmer. It is possible to provide, or even exceed, the crude protein requirements of these animals when seeking higher milk or meat production. However, due to the nature of the ruminant digestive system, it may not be possible to “balance” the higher crude protein intake with essential amino acids or other biologically active substances req...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] The present invention overcomes the problem of moving a biologically active substance through the rumen with little degradation, and yet allows the biologically active substance to be available in the abomasum and subsequent digestive tract for use by the ruminant animal. The composition of the invention comprises an inner core of a biologically active substance, preferably being spherical and having a smooth surface; a polyurethane coating surrounding the inner core of the biologically active substance, and a wax coating of the “intermediate type” coating the polyurethane coating which surrounds the inner core. The composition of the invention takes advantage of the biological activity of the rumen, abomasum, small intestine, and large intestine. The passage of the coated biologically active substance through the rumen exposes the outer wax coating to the rumen contents, which begin to degrade the wax coating. However, the outer wax coating and the inner polyurethane coating serve to protect the core of biologically active substance from the rumen contents, so that the core material is released only minimally during the passage of the coated core through the rumen. As the coated core moves out of the rumen and into the remainder of the animals digestive tract, the wax coating is further degraded. This allows the inner core contents to be released over the time of transit through the abomasum, small intestine, and large intestine, for the benefit of the ruminant animal.

[0013] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a composition having a biologically active substance which will not significantly release in the rumen but will primarily release in the abomasum and subsequent digestive tracts of the ruminant. A preferred biologically active substance is an amino acid, preferably lysine, which will provide for increased milk production in dairy cattle or meat production in meat cattle.

[0014] Another primary object of the present invention is to provide a composition having a biologically active substance having a protective coating which coating prevents significant release of the biologically active substance in the rumen. A preferred coating comprises a first polyurethane coating layer and a second coating layer of an intermediate wax.

[0016] Another primary object of the present invention is to provide a composition and method of making the ruminant feed additive which provides for reliable and predictable release of a biologically active substance in the ruminant's abomasum and subsequent digestive tracts.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a ruminant feed composition and method of making which is effective, cost efficient and / or easier to make and less complex than the prior art methods and compositions.

Problems solved by technology

However, the outer wax coating and the inner polyurethane coating serve to protect the core of biologically active substance from the rumen contents, so that the core material is released only minimally during the passage of the coated core through the rumen.