Controlled Release of Three Nutrients from Dual-layered Coated Compact Pellets

The purposes of this study were to prepare dual-layered coated compact pellets containing three nutrients Glucose, Chromium picolinate, Vitamin C) for rumen bypass. The core compact pellets were prepared by an extrusionspheronization method and then double layered coated with pH independent EC (ethyl cellulose) and pH-dependent polymers ( E100) using a fluid-bed spray coater. Depending on the coating levels of EC and E100, release profiles were variable in simulated rumen (pH 6.8) and abomasums (pH 2.0) fluid using USP apparatus I (basket method). When compact pellets were coated with EC (about 10% level in inner layer) and then E100 (20% level in outer layer) in a dual-layered manner, rumen-bypass delivery resisting rumen fluid followed by release in abomasums fluid could possible. The friability was also satisfactory based on chewing behavior of ruminants. The dual-layered coated compact pellets showed smooth surface and distinct inner/outer layers using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The current rumen bypass delivery system can be also applicable to deliver other nutrients in ruminants.