Post-ruminal delivery systems

Abstract

Livestock industry and organization for animal wellfare underlie the need for drug and nutrient delivery systems for ruminants that protect active ingredients from ruminal fermentation. To deliver drugs or nutrients directly to the small intestine for absorption, therapeutical systems must meet the safety and cost criteria. An effective post-ruminal delivery system is a prerequisite to implement some significant advances in animal nutrition and health in ruminants. Comparing with the products developed for human use, cost constraints have impeded the development of effective post-ruminal delivery systems and rumenstable products. This article outlines physiological and technical considerations encountered in the design of effective post-ruminal delivery systems. The requirements and formulation of a pH-dependent rumen stable coating systems and possible future developments will be discussed.

Keywords

• ruminant
• amino acid deficiency
• active ingredient delivery
• rumenstable product