WO2011041083A1

WO2011041083A1 - Agglomerates containing one or more biological agents and methods for producing the same

Info

Publication number: WO2011041083A1
Application number: PCT/US2010/048339
Authority: WO
Inventors: George F. Collings; Keith D. Cochran; Gregory Scott Peeden
Original assignee: Provimi North America, Inc.
Priority date: 2009-09-29
Filing date: 2010-09-10
Publication date: 2011-04-07

Abstract

The present invention relates to an agglomerated particle enrobed in a hydrophobic coating composition comprised of highly hydrogenated oils, waxes, and glycerides. The particle is specifically comprised of one or more biological agents of nutritional or biological value to a ruminant, which are agglomerated with a binder. The particle is specifically formed to have a substantially round surface with minimal surface irregularities. Thus, the particle is more uniformly coated with the hydrophobic coating composition, and the biological agents are better insulated from the degradation within the rumen.

Description

AGGLOMERATES CONTAINING ONE OR MORE BIOLOGICAL AGENTS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING THE SAME

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to provisional patent application serial no. 61/246,590 filed September 29, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to agglomerate particles and methods of producing the same with encapsulation systems to provide one or more biological agents to a ruminant.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In ruminants, the first stomach (i.e. the rumen) is a fermentation vat of microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, fungi, protozoa, and viruses. These microorganisms collectively create the rumen's normal microflora and initiate the digestive degradation of feed components consumed by the ruminant. Digestive degradation essentially begins with these microbes converting the feed into microbial proteins, saccharides, fatty acids, etc., which are both used by the microbes themselves and absorbed by the ruminant in the later stages of its digestive process. This symbiotic relationship is advantageous to the ruminant because feed types that would ordinarily be indigestible (e.g. hemicellulose, cellulose, and other fibers) or would otherwise lack nutritional value may be converted by the microorganisms to a digestible form and either immediately absorbed by the rumen or absorbed by the digestive organs further posterior to the rumen (e.g. an acid stomach, small intestinal absorption and large intestine) . Such a digestive structure however is not without its limitations, and, in certain instances, the nutritional demands of the host ruminant are not maximized by the microbial conversion. Indeed, the normal flora microorganisms of the rumen are not limited to only degrading indigestible compounds; they also digest nutritional components and nutraceuticals that, in their native state, are nutritionally valuable to the host ruminant. Of even greater significance, these compounds are often converted to forms having significantly lower nutritional value. Specific examples of such conversion include, but are not limited to, the conversion of amino acids to carbon dioxide, volatile fatty acids, and ammonia; the conversion of the hygroscopic trimethylated choline into methane gas; the conversion of hygroscopic lysine into pipecolic acid; and the conversion of various vitamins and minerals considered essential to the ruminant into a multitude of unusable or indigestible forms. Accordingly, ruminants would benefit greatly from a feed type where these essential nutritional compounds are able to by-pass the rumen and its microflora for later digestion and/or absorption .

Numerous proposed solutions have been attempted to achieve rumen by-pass. Each of these solutions essentially relate to agglomerating one or more biological agents into a core particle, which attempts to insulate the agents from the rumen environment and allow for controlled release of the biological agent. U.S. Patent Nos. 4,713,245;

4,832,967; 4,876,097; and 6,238,727, for example, each disclose a core granule containing a bioactive material that is randomly dispersed within a coating composition. This composition aims to prevent degradation within the neutral or slightly acidic pH of the rumen, yet allow degradation at the lower pH found in the post-rumen digestive tract. These granules, thereby, provide both a mechanism for protecting the biological agent from the rumen and facilitating later release and absorption of the agent.

One problem with the foregoing was that the granules were discovered to "float" on the contents of the rumen. This made them susceptible to being regurgitated, which was determined to be destructive to the coating. U.S. Pat. No. 6,013,286 teaches a method to overcome this problem by adjusting the density of the capsule or granule and applying a surfactant to a hydrophobic coating of the particles.

Other types of biological agents, such as hygroscopic agents, are affected not just by the pH of the rumen, but by its moisture content as well. U.S. Patent No. 6,797,291 addresses this problem by encapsulating the granules with a lipid coating formed from a hydrogenated oil and/or wax. The method of manufacture however relates a one-step process of manufacturing and coating the particle, thus, subjecting the core particle to surface irregularities that decrease the efficacy of administration.

Beyond the foregoing teachings, there have been numerous alternative methods of achieving rumen by-pass. U.S. Reissued Patent No. RE 35,162, for example, provides an alternative method of coating a core particle using stearic or palmitic acid and, optionally, calcium phosphate or a fatty acid. Another alternative was provided in U.S. Patent No. 7,297,356, which discloses that the granule may be insulated using a gum coating extracted from a seed or grain oil.

Each of the foregoing solutions, however, is limited in applicability because each is used to coat irregularly shaped granules. Such irregularities are primarily due to defects in previously performed process steps, in particular, either multi-step processes where the active ingredient is dispersed within the coating or a single-step methodology where particles are simultaneously formed and coated. Irregularities are presented as large peaks and valleys randomly generated across the surface of the granule. Of critical concern, is the fact that these irregularities inhibit uniformity in coating the granule providing for areas of increased coating and areas with a thin or entirely absent coating. High variance in the coating uniformity weakens the ability of coating composition to protect the core particle within the rumen. Thus, environmental elements of the rumen more easily penetrate the coating, disrupt the granule and reduce the efficacy of the biological agent contained therein. These irregularities on the granule surface ultimately prevent the intended effect of rumen by-pass.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a process of producing an agglomerate particle to facilitate rumen by^¬ pass for requisite vitamins, minerals, and agents (particularly hygroscopic agents) within ruminants. To this effect, there is a need in the art for an agglomerate having a core with a more uniformly applied coating composition and a methodology for producing the same. The present invention, through each of its embodiments, addresses at least these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to agglomerated particles, granules, or agglomerates, and process for producing the same, each enrobed in a hydrophobic coating composition comprised of highly hydrogenated oils, waxes, and glycerides. These particles are specifically comprised of one or more biological agents of nutritional or biological value to a ruminant and are agglomerated with one or more binders. Each resulting particle is specifically formed to have a substantially round exterior surface with minimal surface irregularities. Thus, the particles may be more uniformly coated with the hydrophobic coating composition, and the biological agents are better insulated from degradation within the rumen.

In one embodiment, the biological agent (s) of the present invention is comprised of one or more hygroscopic compounds, derivatives thereof, or salts thereof. Such hygroscopic compounds may include lysine or choline, with salt forms comprising lysine hydrochloride, lysine sulfate, lysine magnesium phosphate, choline chloride or the like. The present invention, however, is not limited to these embodiments of hygroscopic compounds and may include any hygroscopic compound known in the art, particularly hygroscopic compounds considered necessary to a ruminant diet .

The biological agent (s) of the present invention is not necessarily limited to a hygroscopic compound. Rather, any biological agent (s) may be used that is known in the art to be degraded within the rumen, yet necessary to the diet of the ruminant. Non-limiting examples of such biological agents include, but are not limited to, amino acids, vitamins, minerals or other known nutritional or biological agents discussed herein or otherwise known in the art.

The binder may be comprised of any binder understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to agglomerate a biological agent. Such binders may include any pellet binder, starch binder, fiber binder, any water-soluble type binder or any hydrophobic type binder discussed herein, or otherwise known in the art. In one embodiment, for example, the binder may be comprised of lignin sulfonate.

As discussed below, the agglomerated core particles are substantially rounded in shape so as to minimize or subdue irregularities present on the particle surface. These rounded particles may be adapted to be between 3-4 mm in diameter. This size range, however, is not limiting to the present invention, and the particle formed may be of any size, and density, to sufficiently pass through the digestive tract of the ruminant.

The core particle of the present invention may be enrobed with an elastic coating composition, which may be formed from highly hydrogenated oil(s) and may also include at least one wax and/or glyceride. The highly hydrogenated oil(s) form the base component of the coating composition and may be provided from vegetable oil extracts discussed herein or otherwise known in the art.

The wax component of the coating composition may be comprised of any wax that is discussed herein or otherwise known in the art for coating an agglomerate. In one embodiment, the wax may comprise between about 0.1% to 25% of the coating composition. In a further embodiment, the wax component may comprise between 2.0% and 15.0% of the coating composition. In a further embodiment, the wax component may comprise between 2.5% and 10.0% of the coating composition. In certain embodiments, the wax component comprises 2.5 %, 5.0%, 7.5%, 8.25% or 10% of the coating composition. The wax component of the coating, however, is not limited to this range and may be provided in any amount to achieve the objectives and advantages discussed herein. The glyceride component of the coating composition may be comprised of mono-glycerides , di-glycerides , or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the glyceride component of the present invention is comprised of a mixture of mono- and di-glycerides wherein the mono-glycerides comprise between 40-75% of the glyceride component and di- glycerides comprise between 25-60% of the glyceride component. In further embodiments, about 52% of the glyceride component is comprised of mono-glycerides and about 48% is comprised of di-glycerides. The chain lengths of the mono- and di-glycerides may be of any length known in the art and may be obtained from any source discussed herein or otherwise known in the art.

In one embodiment, the glyceride component comprises between about 0.01% to 10.0% of the coating composition, with less than 1.5% of the glyceride component being comprised of free glycerin. In further embodiments, the glyceride component may comprise between 1.0% and 5% of the coating composition, with less than 1.5% of the glyceride component being comprised of free glycerin. In certain embodiments the glyceride components comprise about 0.72%, 1.3%, 1.8%, 2.0%, 2.5%, or 3.6% of the coating composition, again, with less than 1.5% of the glyceride component being comprised of free glycerin. The glyceride component of the coating, however, is not limited to these ranges and may be provided in any amount to contribute to objectives and advantages discussed herein.

As applied to the core particle, the coating composition may provide greater than 30% w/v of the final agglomerate. In further embodiments, the coating composition may provide for about 30-50% w/v of the total weight of the agglomerate. In one embodiment, the core particle is manufactured using an agglomeration technique where the resulting particle core has a substantially round surface. One non- limiting example of such a process is admixing the components in a rotary drum agglomerator . The present invention, however, is not limited to this technique and may also include adaptations of agglomeration techniques otherwise known in the art such as, but not limited to, spray drying agglomeration, tumble drying agglomeration, fluid bed drying agglomeration, extrusion granulation, compression granulation, etc. Again, these techniques are adapted such that the agglomerate is substantially round in shape with a smooth surface.

Enrobing the particle cores with the foregoing coating composition also may be performed by any method known in the art, particularly those achieving uniformity in coating. In one embodiment, for example, the core particles are coated using a Falling Curtain drum and a high pressure pump. Alternative techniques, however, may include fluidized bed coating, pan dish coating, and other methods discussed herein or otherwise known in the art.

The particles and the process of their production present numerous advantages over known ruminant feeds. First, the rounded surface area reduces any irregularities that could inhibit or interfere with the coating application. To this end, a more uniform coating is applied to the particles, thus providing the particle with better insulation from degradative influences within the rumen. The reduction in irregularities has the added advantage of reducing the amount of coating material required by the process, thus increasing cost efficiency in production. To this end, the present invention cost efficiently insulates the biological agents within uniformly coated particle, thus achieving effective by-pass of rumen and release of the biological agent in the targeted organ. Additional advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art based upon the disclosure provided below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 provides an enlarged view of the coated agglomerates of the present invention and illustrates the substantially round surface with subdued irregularities on the particle surface.

Figure 2 provides the total lost percentage of N for each batch tested in a first Run.

Figure 3 provides the total lost percentage of N for each batch tested in a second Run.

Figure 4 provides a graph illustrating the normal nonlinear response of plasma lysine at low dosage levels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an agglomerated particle enrobed in a hydrophobic coating composition comprised of highly hydrogenated oils, waxes, and glycerides. The particle is specifically comprised of an agglomeration of one or more biological agents and a binder, which is formed to have a substantially round surface with minimal surface irregularities. Such minimal surface irregularities allow for a more uniform coating of the core particle. The biological agents are, thereby, better insulated from the degradative environmental factors (i.e. pH and moisture) and microbes of the rumen and are able to be absorbed by the ruminant's downstream digestive organs. As used herein a "ruminant" is any mammal that digests plant-based food using a regurgitating method associated with the mammal's first stomach or rumen. Such mammals include, but are not limited to, cattle, goats, sheep, giraffes, bison, yaks, water buffalo, deer, camels, alpacas, llamas, wildebeest, antelopes and pronghorns . In certain embodiments, although not limited thereto, the ruminant of the present invention is cattle.

As noted above, at least one biological agent is agglomerated with one or more binders to form a core particle. In one embodiment, the biological agent of the present invention is a hygroscopic compound, wherein a hygroscopic compound refers to any compound that absorbs or adsorbs moisture from the surrounding environment. While not limited thereto, the hygroscopic compound of the present invention may be comprised of the essential amino acid lysine, a derivative thereof, or a salt thereof. Salt forms of lysine may be comprised of any salt form known in the art such as, but not limited to, lysine hydrochloride, lysine sulfate, lysine magnesium phosphate, or the like.

In an alternative embodiment, the hygroscopic compound of the present invention is comprised of choline, a derivative thereof, or a salt thereof. Salt forms of choline may be comprised of any salt form known in the art such as, but not limited to, choline chloride.

The hygroscopic compound (s) of the present invention, however, is not limited the foregoing embodiments and may be comprised of any hygroscopic compound known in the art, particularly hygroscopic compounds that are of nutritional or biological value to a ruminant and are degraded within the rumen. In an even further alternative, the biological agent (s) of the present invention is not necessarily limited to a hygroscopic agent and may include any biological agent (s) known in the art to be degraded within the rumen, yet necessary to the diet of the ruminant. Such biological agents may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following alone or in combination with the foregoing: amino acids, vitamins, minerals or derivatives thereof. The amino acids may include, but are not limited to, any naturally occurring or synthetic amino acids with certain embodiments including one or more essential amino acids (e.g. histidine, methionine, threonine, leucine, isoleucine, tryptophan, phenylalanine, valine and glycine) or derivatives thereof. The vitamins may include, but are not limited to vitamins A, Bl, B2, B3, B5 B6, B7, B9, B12, C, D, E and K. The minerals may include, but are not limited to, phosphorus, sulfur, magnesium, zinc, copper, cobalt, sodium, potassium, chlorine, iron, calcium, iodine, molybdenum, selenium, nickel and vanadium.

Other nutritional agents known for administration to a ruminant may also be provided as a biological agent either alone or in conjunction with the foregoing. Such agents may include, but are not limited to, fiber, starch, grain, glucose, long-chain fatty acids, yeast cultures and extracts, growth factors, enzymes (e.g. glucanases, xylanases, CC-amylases, β-glucanases and phytases), growth hormones, and other food adjuvants known in the art such as sodium bicarbonate, sorbitol, propylene glycol, and sodium propionate. Additional biological agents known in the art for admixture with ruminant feed may also be included as needed. Such agents may include, but are not limited to, antibiotics such as chlortetracycline, ionophores such as monensin or lasalocid, deworming agents such as fendbendazole, antococcidials such as decoquinate and amprolium, fly control such as S-Methoprene, anti-fungals , or any other biological agents known to be provided to ruminants and/or included within ruminant feeds.

The binder (s) may be comprised of any binding agent known in the art for agglomerating a biological agent, particularly hygroscopic compounds such as lysine and/or choline, into a solid particle. In one embodiment, the binder may be comprised of lignin sulfonate. The present invention, however, is not limited to this embodiment and the binder (s) may include any pellet binder, starch binder, fiber binder, or any similar binder otherwise known in the art for agglomerating biological agents. For example, the binder may be any water-soluble type binder including, but not limited to, starch, sodium caseinate, gelatin, soybean protein, molasses, lactose, dextrin, carboxymethyl cellulose salt, alginates, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, starch glycolic acid salt, and synthetic high-molecular substances such as polymethacrylates, polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl pyrrolidone .

Alternatively, the binder may be comprised of any hydrophobic type binder including, but not limited to, natural waxes such as shellac resin, rosin, bees wax and paraffin wax; cetanol, higher fatty acids such as stearic acid and metal salts thereof; materials associated with fats and oils, such as animal and vegetable fats and oils, for example, palm oil and hardened animal and vegetable fats and oils; nonionic surfactants such as glycerin monostearate ; and semi-synthetic resins and synthetic high-molecular substances such as acetyl cellulose, polyvinyl acetate, ester gum and coumarone resin. To this end, the composition of the binder is not necessarily limiting to the present invention and any binder known in the art may be used, particularly binders used to agglomerate hygroscopic agents or other nutritionally valuable biological agents.

In accordance with the methods of producing the agglomerate, discussed below, in one embodiment the core particle is formed to be substantially rounded in shape. As used herein, and illustrated in figure 1, a "substantially rounded" shape means that the particle minimizes irregularities on its surface. Irregularities, if any, are also rounded and subdued to substantially reduce interference with the application of the coating composition. Substantially rounded, however, is not limited to being completely spherical. Rather, in certain embodiments, the rounded particle may be oval shaped, tubularly shaped, or any other shape otherwise known in the art. While the particle formed may be of any size to sufficiently pass through the digestive tract of the ruminant, in certain embodiments rounded particle shape is adequately achieved with agglomerates of a fine particle size. In certain embodiments a fine particle size is any particle with a diameter between 3-4 mm.

Effective sphericity and particle roundness may be achieved by measuring particles using a sphericity apparatus known in the art, such as those disclosed within International Fertilizer Development Center, Fertilizer Manual , Sringer, 3^rd ed. 1998, pgs . 494-495, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. To this end, in one embodiment, sample particles are distributed over an inclined moving belt. Particles of an adequate sphericity are able to roll down the incline and are collected at the bottom of the belt. Distorted particles with an inadequate sphericity are carried up the incline and discharged in a bin at the top of the belt. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand, however, that the targeted sphericity may be obtained by adjusting the incline and speed of the belt .

In an additional embodiment, the density of the particle may be adapted such that the resulting particles do not float on top of the contents of the rumen. To this end, the specific gravity of the core of the particles may be adapted in accordance with the teachings provided in U.S. Patent No. 6,013,286, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In even further embodiments, the core particle may be adapted to have a low moisture activity. In certain embodiments, the moisture activity of the core particle is less than 0.7. In even further embodiments, the moisture activity is at or about 0.1.

The core particle of the present invention may be enrobed with a coating composition. While not limited thereto, in one embodiment the coating is comprised of an elastic composition. Such an elastic composition, in certain embodiments, is formed from highly hydrogenated oil(s) and may also include at least one wax and/or glyceride.

In one embodiment, the base component of the coating composition is a highly hydrogenated oil. As used herein, the phrase "highly hydrogenated" or "highly saturated" refers to oils having carbon chains entirely or almost entirely saturated with hydrogen atoms (i.e. relatively few carbon-to-carbon double bonds) . In one embodiment, the highly hydrogenated oils refer to vegetable oil extracts including, but not limited to, those of cottonseed, corn, peanut, soybean, palm, palm kernel, babassu, sunflower, safflower, and combinations thereof. In certain non- limiting embodiments, the highly hydrogenated vegetable oil is extracted from soybean.

In further embodiments, the coating composition includes a wax component. The wax component may be comprised of any wax that is known in the art, particularly with respect to agglomerate coating compositions. Non- limiting examples of such waxes may include, but are not limited to, paraffin wax, petroleum wax, cetanol, mineral wax (e.g. ozokerite, ceresin, utah wax, montan wax, etc.), a vegetable wax (e.g. rice bran wax, castor wax, carnuba wax, Japan wax, bayberry wax, flax wax, rosin, etc.), an insect wax (e.g. beeswax, Chinese wax, shellac wax, etc.), or gums which are otherwise known in the art. In certain embodiments, the wax is comprised of beeswax.

The wax component of the coating may be provided in any amount to contribute to the hydrophobic aspect of the coating composition. In one embodiment, the wax may comprise between about 0.1% to 25% of the coating composition. In a further embodiment, the wax component may comprise between 2.0% and 15.0% of the coating composition. In a further embodiment, the wax component may comprise between 2.5% and 10.0% of the coating composition. In certain embodiments, the wax component comprises 2.5 %, 5.0%, 7.5%, 8.25% or 10% of the coating composition. The wax component of the coating, however, is not limited to this range and may be provided in any amount to achieve the objectives and advantages discussed herein.

In even further embodiments the coating composition contains a glyceride component. While not limited thereto, the glyceride component may be comprised of mono-glycerides, di-glycerides , or combinations thereof. To this end, the glyceride component of the present invention may be comprised of a mixture of mono- and di-glycerides. In such embodiments, the mono-glycerides may comprise 40-75% of the glyceride component and di-glycerides may comprise 25-60% of the glyceride component. In further embodiments, about 52% of the glyceride component is comprised of mono-glycerides and about 48% is comprised of di-glycerides.

Mono-glycerides, di-glycerides, and mixtures thereof may be obtained from any source with chain lengths of any length known in the art. In one embodiment, they may be a mixture extracted from vegetable oil such as, but not limited to, cottonseed, corn, peanut, soybean, palm, palm kernel, babassu, sunflower, safflower, and combinations thereof. While they may be of any length, the mono- and di- glycerides, in certain embodiments, have between 10 and 22 carbon atoms.

The glyceride component of the coating may be provided in any amount to contribute to objectives and advantages discussed herein. In one embodiment, the glyceride component may comprise between about 0.01% to 10.0% of the coating composition, with less than 1.5% of the glyceride component being comprised of free glycerin. In further embodiments, the glyceride component may comprise between 1.0% and 5.0% of the coating composition, with less than 1.5% of the glyceride component being comprised of free glycerin. In certain embodiments the glyceride components comprise about 0.72%, 1.3%, 1.8%, 2.0%, 2.5%, or 3.6% of the coating composition, again, with less than 1.5% of the glyceride component being comprised of free glycerin. The glyceride component of the coating, however, is not limited to these ranges and may be provided in any amount to contribute to objectives and advantages discussed herein.

The coating may also be comprised of one or more additional ingredients such as binders, fillers, lubricants, or the like. Such additional ingredients may include but are not limited to one or a combination of Mineral Oil, Glycerin Lecithin, Gums, or Alginates.

As provided herein, the coating protects the biological agents from conversion in the rumen as well as the pH and moisture conditions therewithin. With respect to the hygroscopic compounds, particularly lysine, the present coating protects these compounds from the moisture of the rumen for a specific period of time. To this end, and in accordance with the process discussed below, the coating composition may be applied to the core particle such that the coating accounts for greater than 30% w/v of the agglomerate. In further embodiments, the coating composition may be applied to account for about 30-50% w/v of the agglomerate. However, these amounts are not necessarily limiting to the invention and the amount of the coating applied may be modified to achieve the foregoing ob ectives .

As noted above the agglomerated core particle of the present invention is manufactured specifically to achieve the objectives and advantages discussed herein. In one embodiment, the core particle is manufactured using a process where the core particle is formed by agglomerating the biological agent with a binder such that the resulting particle core has a substantially round surface. While not limited thereto, such a process may include agglomeration techniques known in the art such as, but not limited to, spray drying agglomeration, tumble drying agglomeration, fluid bed drying agglomeration, extrusion granulation, compression granulation, pan granulation, etc., wherein in any of these techniques the resulting particle or agglomerate is substantially round in shape.

In one non-limiting embodiment, the biological compound may be admixed using a rotary drum agglomerator . For example, the biological agent may be comprised of the hygroscopic compound lysine wherein the compound is admixed with one or more binders to form the core particle. While the lysine may be admixed in a dry or liquid form alone, in one embodiment both a dry powder lysine component and a lysine slurry are admixed in the presence of the binder lignin sulfonate. These components are supplied to an interior chamber of a rotary drum agglomerator and admixed, ultimately forming the particle cores in accordance with the foregoing specifions. In one embodiment, approximately 92 to 97 wt% of lysine is added and approximately 3 to 8 wt% binder is added. The particles are granulated within a temperature range of ambient to 150°F for approximately 0-15 minutes, depending upon batch size. In further embodiments the particles are granulated in a temperature range of 80 to 120°F. Drum rotational speed, in certain embodiments, is 8 to 12 rpm.

In even further embodiments, the lysine is ground to a fine powder, e.g. 40 to 100 mesh, and the binder is evenly distributed over a granulation drum by spray application. After granulation, the particles are then partially dried and segregated by size. Undersized particles are returned to the granulation drum where the size is increased by addition of more lysine powder and binder. Conversely, oversized particles are crushed and returned to the granulation drum. Finished product is further dried to less than 1% water.

Enrobing the particle cores with the foregoing coating composition may be performed by any method known in the art, particularly those achieving uniformity in coating. In one embodiment, for example, the core particles are coated using a Falling Curtain drum process and a high pressure pump. Specifically, the particle cores are first preheated to approximately 140 to 150°F, then the coating is applied with a high pressure pump and spray nozzle. In certain embodiments, the coating is applied at 205 to 210°F, at a coating spray pressure of about 300 to 350 PSIG. In even further embodiments, the coating bed temperature is approximately 110 to 120°F and the drum speed is approximately 16 rpm.

The coating step, however, is not confined to using a Falling Curtain drum. Rather, other coating techniques known in the art may be used such as, but not limited to, fluidized bed coating, pan dish coating. Alternative methods may include, but are not limited to, those methods disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,511,584; 4, 537, 784; 4,497,845; 3,819,838; 3,341,446; 3,279,994; 3,159,874; 3,110,626; 3,015,128; 2,799,241; and 2,648,609, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Both the particles and the process of their production present numerous advantages. First the rounded surface area reduces or subdues any irregularities that could inhibit or interfere with the coating application. To this end, a more uniform coating is applied to the particles, thus providing the particle with better insulation from degradative factors within the rumen. The reduction in irregularities has the added advantage of reducing the amount of coating material required by the process, thus increasing cost efficiency in production .

In the case of the hygroscopic compounds, particularly lysine, the more uniform coating provides for more uniform insulation from moisture. Accordingly, the present invention prevents moisture within the rumen, or elsewhere for that matter, from penetrating the agglomerate. The particle is, thereby, adapted to effectively by-pass the rumen and be released in accordance with the methods discussed herein or otherwise known in the art. Further to this, the present invention also insulates the lysine agglomerate from conversion to a less nutritionally valuable compound by the normal flora of the rumen and/or from degradation by other environmental considerations within the rumen. Accordingly, ruminants fed the lysine agglomerate of the present invention achieve greater absorption of lysine and the associated benefits therewith.

The foregoing advantages are similarly applicable to other hygroscopic agents, or any biological agent for that matter. To this end, the present invention insulates the biological agents within uniformly coated particle, thus achieving effective by-pass of rumen and release of the biological agent in the targeted organ. Additional advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art .

EXAMPLES

Example 1 - Batch Preparation

The following batches were prepared for analysis. TABLE I

Batch Coating Composition %

Soybean BeesWax Mono- Di-Glyceride Part. Other* Oil Glycer Hydrog

ide Soy Oil

8-7-03 25 2.5 1.8

8-7-04 37.5 1.8

8-7-05 30 1.8

8-7-06 25 2.5 1.8

8-7-07 25 2.5 1.8

8-8-07 30 10

8-9-07 30 10

Batch 1 30 7.5 1.3

Batch 2 30 7.5 1.3

Batch 3 30 7.5 1.3

Batch 4 30 7.5 1.3

Composite 30 7.5 1.3

A

Composite 30 7.5 1.3

B

Composite 30 7.5 1.3

C

Other includes one or a combination of Mineral Oil, Glycerin Lecithin,

Gums, Alginates

Results :

Table II, below, provides the total percentage

detected in each batch tested: TABLE II

Percentage loss of N is measured by N determination in buffer during horizontal incubation, 39 °C, 90 rpm. Table III, below, provides the total lost percentage of N for each batch tested. Results are graphically illustrated in Figure 2 (for Run I) and Figure 3 (for Run II) .

TABLE III

RUN I

Samp1e Loss of N (% of total N)

T 0 T 2h T 6h T 24h.

3. batch #2 0.0 1.0 8.3 29.6

4. batch #3 0.1 5.6 20.2 42.6

5. batch #4 0.1 1.7 20.3 46.9

6. Aminoshure 2.9 15.1 20.3 47.3

7. 7-7-12 original 0.4 14.9 15.9 20.6

RUN II

Samp1e Loss of N (% of total N)

T 0 T 2h T 6h T 24h.

1. granulated

lysine 113.1 115.7 118.8 114.4

2. composite a 0.0 2.0 28.7 55.8

3. composite b 0.0 3.3 26.5 39.8

4. composite c 0.0 7.8 26.0 42.6

6. Aminoshure 1.8 11.3 21.4 44.5

7. 7-7-12 original 0.1 12.4 10.4 21.6

Example 2 - In vivo testing

Material and methods

The procedure included 2 phases: first phase to calibrate the plasma response of cow to graded duodenal infusion of pure lysine, and a second phase to record the plasma response to the rumen-protected products. Assuming that bioavailability of pure lysine is one, the comparison of both phases allowed estimating the bioavailability of the products. Three dry cows (BW 626 ± 42 kg) were used to test the duodenal infusion of 0, 4.8, and 15.2 g of lysine on plasma lysine concentration according to a 3x3 Latin square with periods of one week. The same cows were then used to test the effect of supplying 46g/d of three different batches of rumen-protected lysine (7-7-07, 7-7-11, and 7-7-12) on plasma lysine concentration according to a 3x3 Latin square with periods of one week. The cows were consuming 12.4 kg/d of a diet composed of 72.3% maize silage, 20.1% natural grassland hay, 6.5% of soybean meal 48, and 1.1% of minerals and vitamins.

The contents of 7-7-07, 7-7-11, and 7-7-12 are as follows :

TABLE IV

During the calibration phase, the lysine solution (101/d) was continuously infused by peristaltic pumps. During the phase of testing the product, the products were carefully introduced through the rumen canula at 6h and 17h. The last day of each period blood samples were taken from indwelling catheter inserted in both jugular veins. Friday of each period, a series (23) of blood samples (8 ml) were collected from the catheter with heparinised syringes (Monovette, Starsted) every half-hour from 6 to 17 h. The plasma obtained (10 min at 3000rpm) was protein-depleted with sulfosalicylic 6% solution. Finally, samples were pooled together to constitute an average sample per cow and per period.

Amino acids were analysed according to the method described by Pisulewski et al . (1996).

The characteristics of the three products tested, 7-7-

07, 7-7-11, and 7-7-12, are presented in Table V, below

TABLE V Product's characteristics

Results

The restricted amount of products and the objective to ensure an equilibrium state (at least 10 distributions) resulted in a distribution of a relative low dose of lysine (about 20 g/d) in comparison to those used (34 and 52 g/d) by Rulquin and Kolwalzyck (2003) . The lowest dose of lysine infused 4.8 g/d is half of the lowest dose of lysine used by Rulquin and Kolwalzyck (2003) . At this low level it would be normal to have a nonlinear response of plasma lysine (Figure 4) .

Averaged calibration curves were performed yielding the results of Table VI, below.

TABLE VI. Results of the ANOVA of Calibration Latin square

S.C.E P

Lysine Infused Plasma Lysine^* S.E.

g/d

0 1.54 0.02

4.8 2.44 0.02

15.2 3.04 0.02

*Lsmeans

The responses to protected lysine were within the range covered by duodenal lysine infusions (Table VII) . TABLE VII. Results of the ANOVA of Products Latin square

By using the curvilinear previous calibration curve we estimated that the best product is the N° 7-7-12 (43%), followed by the N° 7-7-07 (28.1%) and the N° 7-7-11 (21%) (Table VIII) . TABLE VIII. Bioavailability of rumen-protected Lysine products

Claims

CLAIMS : We claim:

1. An encoated agglomerate for administering an agent to a ruminant comprising:

a core particle comprising a hygroscopic compound agglomerated with at least one binder wherein the core particle is substantially rounded; and

a substantially uniform hydrophobic coating enrobing the core particle.

2. The encoated agglomerate of claim 1 wherein the hygroscopic compound is selected from the group consisting of lysine, choline, derivatives thereof, salts thereof, and combinations thereof.

3. The encoated agglomerate of claim 2 wherein the hygroscopic compound is comprised of lysine or a salt thereof .

4. The encoated agglomerate of claim 1 wherein the core particle is between 3-4 mm in diameter.

5. The encoated agglomerate of claim 1 wherein the binder is selected from the group consisting of a pellet binder, a starch binder, a fiber binder, a water-soluble binder, and a hydrophobic binder.

6. The encoated agglomerate of claim 1 wherein the binder is comprised of lignin sulfonate.

7. The encoated agglomerate of claim 1 wherein the coating provides between 30-50% of the final weight of the coated agglomerate and is comprised of an elastic composition.

8. The encoated agglomerate of claim 1 wherein the coating is comprised of highly hydrogenated oils.

9. The encoated agglomerate of claim 8 wherein the coating is comprised of highly hydrogenated vegetable oils.

10. The encoated agglomerate of claim 8 wherein the coating is further comprised of a wax.

11. The encoated agglomerate of claim 10 wherein the wax is selected from the group consisting of paraffin wax, petroleum wax, cetanol, mineral wax, vegetable wax, and insect wax.

12. The encoated agglomerate of claim 10 wherein the wax is comprised of beeswax.

13. The encoated agglomerate of claim 10 wherein approximately 0.1% to 25% of the coating is comprised of the wax.

14. The encoated agglomerate of claim 10 wherein about 2.5% - 10% of the coating is comprised of the wax.

15. The encoated agglomerate of claim 8 wherein the coating is further comprised of one or more glycerides.

16. The encoated agglomerate of claim 15 wherein the glycerides are selected from the group consisting of mono- glycerides, di-glycerides , and combinations thereof.

17. The encoated agglomerate of claim 16 wherein the glycerides are extracted from a vegetable oil.

18. The encoated agglomerate of claim 17 wherein the vegetable oil is selected from the group consisting of cottonseed, corn, peanut, soybean, palm, palm kernel, babassu, sunflower, safflower, and combinations thereof.

19. The encoated agglomerate of claim 15 wherein approximately 0.01% to 10% of the coating is comprised of the glycerides.

20. The encoated agglomerate of claim 15 wherein about 0.72% - 3.6% of the coating is comprised of the glycerides.

21. The encoated agglomerate of claim 15 wherein the glycerides are comprised of a mixture of approximately 40- 75% mono-glycerides and 25-60% di-glycerides .

22. The encoated agglomerate of claim 21 wherein the mixture further comprised about 1.5% free glycerin.

23. An encoated lysine agglomerate for administering an agent to a ruminant comprising:

a core particle comprising lysine, or a salt thereof, agglomerated with at least one binder wherein the core particle is substantially rounded; and

a substantially uniform hydrophobic coating enrobing the core particle.

24. The encoated agglomerate of claim 23 wherein the core particle is between 3-4 mm in diameter.

25. The encoated agglomerate of claim 23 wherein the binder is selected from the group consisting of a pellet binder, a starch binder, a fiber binder, a water-soluble binder, and a hydrophobic binder.

26. The encoated agglomerate of claim 23 wherein the binder is comprised of lignin sulfonate.

27. The encoated agglomerate of claim 23 wherein the coating provides between 30-50% of the final weight of the agglomerate and is an elastic composition comprising highly hydrogenated oils, a wax, and glycerides.

28. The encoated agglomerate of claim 27 wherein the highly hydrogenated oils are comprised of highly hydrogenated vegetable oils.

29. The encoated agglomerate of claim 27 wherein the wax is selected from the group consisting of paraffin wax, petroleum wax, cetanol, mineral wax, vegetable wax, and insect wax.

30. The encoated agglomerate of claim 27 wherein the wax is comprised of beeswax.

31. The encoated agglomerate of claim 27 wherein approximately 0.1% to 25% of the coating is comprised of the wax .

32. The encoated agglomerate of claim 27 wherein about 2.5% - 10% of the coating is comprised of the wax.

33. The encoated agglomerate of claim 27 wherein the glycerides are selected from the group consisting of mono- glycerides, di-glycerides , and combinations thereof.

34. The encoated agglomerate of claim 27 wherein the glycerides are extracted from a vegetable oil.

35. The encoated agglomerate of claim 34 wherein the vegetable oil is selected from the group consisting of cottonseed, corn, peanut, soybean, palm, palm kernel, babassu, sunflower, safflower, and combinations thereof.

36. The encoated agglomerate of claim 27 wherein approximately 0.01% to 10% of the coating is comprised of the glycerides.

37. The encoated agglomerate of claim 27 wherein about 0.72% - 3.6% of the coating is comprised of the glycerides.

38. The encoated agglomerate of claim 27 wherein the glycerides are comprised of a mixture of approximately 40- 75% mono-glycerides and 25-60% di-glycerides .

39. The encoated agglomerate of claim 38 wherein the mixture further comprised about 1.5% free glycerin.

40. An encoated lysine agglomerate for administering an agent to a ruminant comprising:

a core particle comprising lysine, or a salt thereof, agglomerated using at least one binder wherein the core particle is substantially rounded; and

a substantially uniform elastic, hydrophobic coating enrobing the core particle wherein the coating is comprised of a highly hydrogenated oil, a wax, and at least one mono- glyceride .

41. A method for manufacturing a substantially uniform encoated agglomerate comprising:

agglomerating a hygroscopic compound mixture with a binder such that the resulting particle core has a substantially rounded surface;

enrobing the particle core with a hydrophobic coating composition comprising 30% or more of the w/v of the encoated agglomerate; and

measuring the sphericity of the enrobed agglomerate.

42. The method of claim 41 wherein the hygroscopic compound mixture is comprised of a mixture of the hygroscopic compound within a dry powder and a liquid slurry.

43. The method of claim 41 wherein the binder is selected from the group consisting of a pellet binder, a starch binder, a fiber binder, a water-soluble binder, and a hydrophobic binder.

44. The method of claim 41 wherein the binder is comprised of lignin sulfonate.

45. The method of claim 41 wherein the particle core is agglomerated such that it has a diameter between 3-4 mm.

46. The method of claim 41 wherein the particle core is agglomerated using a process selected from the group consisting of spray drying agglomeration, and tumble drying agglomeration, fluid bed drying agglomeration.

47. The method of claim 41 wherein the particle core is agglomerated using a rotary drum tumbler.

48. The method of claim 41 wherein the coating is comprised of a mixture of highly hydrogenated oils, at least one wax, and at least one glyceride.

49. The method of claim 48 wherein approximately 0.1% to 25% of the coating is comprised of the wax, approximately 0.01% to 10% of the coating is comprised of the glycerides, and the remainder of the coating is comprised of highly hydrogenated oils.

50. The method of claim 49 wherein the glycerides are comprised of a mixture of approximately 40-75% mono- glycerides and 25-60% di-glycerides .

51. The method of claim 49 wherein the mixture further comprised about 1.5% free glycerin.

52. The method of claim 41 wherein the particle core is enrobed with the coating using an apparatus selected from the group consisting of a falling curtain drum, fluidized bed coater, and pan dish coater.

53. The method of claim 52 wherein the particle core is enrobed with the coating using a falling curtain drum.

54. The method of claim 41 wherein the particle core is agglomerated using a rotary drum tumbler enrobed with the coating using a falling curtain drum.