IndustryMay 25, 2026
pH-Responsive versus Lipid-Based Microencapsulation for Post‑Ruminal Delivery of Feed Additives in Ruminants
The rumen – the first compartment of the ruminant stomach – is a highly fermentative environment populated by a dense consortium of bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and archaea. While advantageous for fibre digestion, this microbial activity also degrades or transforms many bioactive feed additives before they can reach the lower gastrointestinal tract. Essential oils, exogenous enzymes, probiotics, organic acids, and certain lipids are rendered ineffective by ruminal pH (≈ 6–7), enzymatic attack, and microbial metabolism.
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