MXPA00000810A - Process for optimizing milk production - Google Patents

Abstract

A process for formulating a ruminant food ration in which the methionine needs of the ruminant are determined, a plurality of natural or synthetic feed ingredients and the nutrient composition of each of said ingredients are identified wherein one of said ingredients is 2-hydroxy-4- (methylthio)butanoic acid or a salt, amide or ester thereof, and a ration is formulated from the identified feed ingredients to meet the determined methionine needs of the ruminant which comprises one or more grains, a hydroxy analog of methionine, and optionally a bypass fat wherein (i) the hydroxy analog of methionine is selected from the group consisting of 2-hydroxy-4- (methylthio)butanoic acid and the salts, amides and esters thereof, (ii) the hydroxy analog of methionine is added separately from any bypass fat which is included in the ration, and (iii) the ration is formulated on the basis that at least 20%of the hydroxy analog of methionine is assumed to be available for absorption by the ruminant.

Description

PROCESS TO OPTIMIZE THE PRODUCTION OF MILK FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to a process for satisfying the nutritional requirements of ruminants for methionine, and more specifically, to a process for satisfying these nutritional requirements using the hydroxy analogue of methionine (2-hydroxy-4- ( methyltium) butanoic) and its salts, amides and esters. Cows with high milk production need methionine, licina and other key essential amino acids to reach their genetic potential for milk production. Although amino acids can be added directly to the diets of monogastric animals to address nutritional deficiencies, free amino acids are rapidly degraded by rumen bacteria and have little or no practical benefit in alleviating amino acid deficiencies in ruminants. Traditionally, ingestion of non-degradable protein ("UIP") such as powdered blood, fish meal and corn gluten meal and others have been used to provide essential amino acids to ruminants. However, it is difficult to accurately determine the required REF: 32542 levels of methionine and other essential amino acids without providing excessive levels of other non-essential amino acids, and any excess nitrogen that is supplied in the IPU to the rumen must be degraded and eliminated by the animal. . Consequently, formulated forages which satisfy methionine requirements using UIP sources are not only costly, but also affect the health of the cow and its productive status. As an alternative to the IPU, attempts have been made to modify or protect the methionine so that it is not susceptible, or at least less susceptible to degradation in the rumen. Several "coatings" for methionine have been proposed which, in theory, allow protected methionine in the rumen ("RPM") to be cleared or "passed" by the rumen without significant destruction by the rumen microflora, and this amino acid key to the small intestine. Once in the small intestine, the coating dissolves so it releases the methionine which is absorbed in the intestine. The practical application of protected methionine in the rumen, however, has presented certain challenges. For example, some products have limited solubility. For others, granule formation, thinner conditioning, mixing, and other normal milling practices fracture the protective coating, which renders the methionine molecule vulnerable to degradation in the rumen. Some producers of various dairy products have solved this problem by adapting protected methionine in the rumen in the final rations. This is an intense work practice, however, it does not allow the ingredient to be evenly distributed in the diet. As a result, cows in a herd can consume different amounts of methionine. It has been reported that the milk production of producing cows can be increased by supplementing the diets of the cows with the hydroxy analog of methionine and its salts and esters. See, for example, U.S. Patent No. 4,388,327. It has also been reported that 2-hydroxy-4- (methylthio) butanoic acid may be available for post-ruminal absorption when it is provided as a dietary supplement to cows. Higginbotham G.E., Schuh J.D., Kung L., Hubert J.T .: Palatability of methionine hydroxy analogue by DL-methionine for lactation dairy cows' Journal of Dairy Science, vol. 70, no. 3, 1987, pages 630-634. Previous attempts to implement this technology, however, have faced unpredictable responses in milk production. More recently, the calcium salt and the free acid form of the hydroxy analog of methionine have been combined to evade fats in a dry product for use as an ingredient in a feed ration for ruminants. How it is understood, the level of inclusion of the step fat / dry product of hydroxy analogue has been determined using a computer model which matches the nutritional requirements of the ruminant with the ingredients available in the forage. However, this solution has several disadvantages. Because the two ingredients are combined in a predetermined proportion, the product offers less flexibility in formulating a ration which satisfies the objective of lower cost and prevents the possibility of formulating a ration of forage which includes the hydroxy analogue of methionine but It does not avoid fat. In addition, the dry form of the product is susceptible to the formation of undesirable dust and uneven mixing with other ingredients in the feed ration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Among the objects of the invention, therefore, is to provide a process to meet the nutritional requirements of ruminants for methionine, to provide such a process in which it is unnecessary to coat or otherwise protect the methionine source from the rumen microflora, provide such a process in which a predictable milk response is obtained, provide such a process which prevents excessive levels of fats or other non-essential amino acids being provided to the ruminant in order to meet the needs of methionine, and provide such a process in which part of UIP in a balanced ration can be substituted with a source of lower methionine cost to provide an improvement in cost. Briefly, therefore, the present invention is directed to a process for formulating a feed ration for ruminant, for a ruminant. In this process, the methionine needs of the ruminant are determined. A plurality of natural or synthetic forage ingredients and the nutrient composition of each of the ingredients is identified, wherein one of the ingredients is 2-hydroxy-4- (methylthio) butanoic acid or a salt, amide or ester thereof. . From the identified forage ingredients, a ration is formulated to meet the determined needs of methionine of the ruminant, which comprises one or more grains, a hydroxy analogue of methionine, and optionally a passing fat, wherein (i) the Hydroxy analogue of methionine is selected from the group consisting of 2-hydroxy-4- (methylthio) butanoic acid and the salts, amides and esters thereof, (ii) the hydroxy analogue of methionine is added separately from any fat which is included in the ration, and (iii) the reaction is formulated on the basis that at least 20% of the hydroxy analogue of methionine is assumed to be available for absorption by the ruminant.

Other objects and features of this invention will be apparent in part and in part indicated in the following.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a graph of HMB (DL, 2-hydroxy-4- [methylthio] butanoic acid) versus time for the study of example 1. Figure 2 is a graph of the concentration in the duodenum of HMB (DL, acid 2-hydroxy-4- [methylthio] butanoic) versus time for the study of example 1. Figure 3 is a graph of the concentration of chromium in the rumen versus time for the study of example 1. Figure 4 is a graph of the concentration of chromium in the duodenum versus time for the study of example 1. Figure 5 is a graph of sample HMB in the duodenal rumen (DL, 2-hydroxy-4- [methylthio] butanoic acid) and the methionine response in serum after oral dosing of 90 g of HMB in dairy cows in milk production for the study of example 1.

Figure 6 is a graph showing the milk yield (kg / d) versus time for the study of example 2. Figure 7 is a graph showing the percentage of milk fat versus time for the study of example 2. Figure 8 is a graph showing the corrected milk yield in terms of fat (kg / d) versus time for the study in example 2. Figure 9 is a graph showing the percentage of protein in milk versus time for the study of the Example 2. Figure 10 is a graph showing the milk production (pound / cow / day) versus time for the study of example 4. Figure 11 is a graph showing the protein in milk (pound / cow / day) versus time for the study of the example. Figure 12 is a graph showing milk fat (pound / cow / day) versus time for the study of example 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES The optimization of milk production in ruminants requires matching the nutritional requirements of the ruminant with less expensive sources from available forage ingredients. In recent years, computer models have been developed for this purpose; These models allow a dairy nutritionist to predict methionine and other nutrient requirements for high-producing dairy cows and to formulate a forage ration using less expensive sources. Two of the best known models are the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) and the University of Pennsylvania DAIRYLP program. See, Fox, D.G. Using Computer Models in Extension to Develop More Profitable Feeding Systems, Internet Text Address: HTTP: // www. inform umd. edu; Galligan, D.T., J.D. Ferguson, C.F. Ramberg, Jr. and. Shallop. 1986. Dairy Ration Formulation and Evaluation Program Microcomputers. J. Dairy Sci. 69: 1656; Galligan, D.T., C.F. Ramberg, Jr., W. Chalupa and J.D. Ferguson 1989. J. Dairy Sci. 72: suppl 1): 445. In general, computer models use introduced data such as type of animal, body weight, fat test, level of milk production, environmental conditions, nutrient composition of available fodder, forage cost and rumen derivation rates for degradable protein and amino acid source. From this information, the models formulate a lower-cost forage ration which accurately meets the nutritional requirements of the ruminant to sustain the desired level of milk production from the available sources which typically include corn, soybeans, alfalfa , vitamins, minerals, molasses, fat sources, amino acid sources, non-degradable ingestible protein and various other food products. Based on the dose, place of administration and diet or management factors, experimental evidence to date suggests that the amount of hydroxy analogue of methionine which passes through the rumen and is available for absorption when supplied analogous to the ruminant in the absence of a passing fat, is at least about 20% on a molecular basis. The experimental passage data and the field work with dairy cattle (based on the milk response) further suggests that the amount which exceeds the rumen is at least about 40%, on a molecular basis. Additional experimental evidence suggests that approximately 8.8% of the analog is absorbed by the omasum and should be available for use. Additional experimental evidence suggests that a certain percentage of hydroxy analogue of methionine which does not pass through the rumen is actually absorbed through the epithelial lining of the rumen. In considering everything, therefore, the amount of hydroxy analogue of methionine which passes the rumen and is available for absorption is between about 40% and about 55%. In the process of the present invention, a conventional computer model is used to determine the requirements of methionine and other nutritional requirements of the ruminant and a ration of forage of lower cost which satisfies these requirements, which is what is formulated. Advantageously, the feed ration includes the hydroxy analogue of methionine and is formulated on the basis that at least 20% of the hydroxy analog is assumed to be available for absorption by the ruminant. Preferably, the ration is formulated on the basis that at least about 40% of the hydroxy analog is assumed to be available for ruminant absorption, and more preferably on the basis that between about 40% and about 55% of the hydroxy analog is assumes that it is available for absorption by the ruminant. The hydroxy analogue of methionine ("MHA") which can be used in the process of the present invention, includes 2-hydroxy-4- (methylthio) butanoic acid), its salts, esters, amides and oligomers. Representative salts of MHA include the ammonium salt, the stoichiometric and hypersteguiometric salts of alkaline earth metal (for example magnesium and calcium), the stoichiometric and hysterestoid salts of alkali metal (for example lithium), sodium and potassium), and the stoichiometric and hysterestochemical salt of zinc. Representative esters of MHA include the methyl, ethyl, 2-propyl, butyl, and 3-methylbutyl esters of MHA. Representative amides of MHA include methylamide, dimethylamide, ethylmethylamide, butylamide, dibutylamide and butylmethylamide. Representative oligomers of MHA include their dimers, trimers, tetramers and oligomers which include a greater number of repeat units. In the dairy fat industry, milk-producing cows are fed by ration, commonly referred to as the total mixed ration (TMR), which consists of a portion of forage and a portion of grain concentrate. The forage portion is typically provided by the dairy farmer and usually consists of henal or silage, with forage and portions of concentrated grain that are mixed by the dairy farmer. The concentrated portion of grain is typically prepared by a commercial forage mill and is generally prepared by mixing grains such as corn, soybeans and alfalfa with vitamins, minerals, molasses, fat sources, synthetic amino acids and a variety of other food products. These ingredients are combined in commercial forage mills using conventional milling techniques which include drilling, mixing, expansion, extrusion and granulation.

According to the present invention, the hydroxy analogue of methionine is added separately and individually as an ingredient in the portion of grain concentrate of the ration; in other words, the amount of hydroxy analogue added to the grain concentrate portion of the ration depends on the amount of step fat added (if any) to the grain concentrate portion. Preferably, the hydroxy analogue of methionine is the free acid which is liquefied, offering several handling and mixing advantages. As a liquid, it is absorbed uniformly by the grains and does not settle in the mixture before consumption by the ruminant. Since its availability for the ruminant is not derived by any protective coating, it can be mixed, drilled, exposed to steam conditioning at high temperature, extruded, expanded or granulated without loss of product activity. In addition, once consumed by the ruminant, the hydroxy analogue of methionine is not subject to loss of activity resulting from chewing and chewing of the food bolus such as calcium soaps of fatty acids (common passage fats), amino acids and other nutrients that derive their ruminant activity as a result of a protective coating. In addition, the hydroxy analog of methionine which is incorporated into the grain concentrate does not need to be coated with, or incorporated into, the passage fat in order to be available for the ruminant. This provides added flexibility to allow the hydroxy analogue of methionine to be added to the level required when rationing the ingredients and the productivity of the cows receiving the ration. In general, a passing fat is a fat which has been chemically or physically altered, or synthesized to remain insoluble or inert as it passes through the rumen of the cow. Passage fats typically remain as a solid as they pass through the first parts of the ruminant's digestive tract, including the rumen. After passing through the rumen, the fat is solubilized in the initial regions of the small intestine and becomes available for enzymatic activity through the well-known mechanisms of fat absorption. Some commercially available passing fats are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,182,126; 5,250,307; 5,391,787; 5,425,963; and 5,456,927 which describe C14-C22 fatty acids, their glycerides or their salts including but not limited to palmitic, oleic, linoleic, stearic, and lauric compounds. As used herein, however, the term "bypass fat" does not include fats of natural origin which are normally present in a cow's diet and which include, but are not limited to animal fats such as porcine fat, tallow animal, animal oil or vegetable oils such as nabine oil, coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, palm oil, peanut oil, porcine fat, sunflower oil, soybean oil or oil of saffron. To obtain benefits from the addition of the hydroxy analog of methionine, one needs to verify only that the ration supplied as forage at the expected levels of consumption is limited in its available methionine content. This is obtained through the use of computer models such as CNCPS and DAIRYLP together with the supplementation of the appropriate level of the hydroxy analog of methionine, based on its availability in the ruminant. As described in more detail in the examples presented herein, the investigation has confirmed that the hydroxy analogue of methionine is readily available as a source of methionine for ruminant animals. This work has confirmed the survival in the rumen in the hydroxy analogue of methionine and its absorption, conversion, appearance in blood plasma as 1-methionine and use for milk or muscle tissue. In particular, field trials have shown that the hydroxy analogue of methionine statistically increases milk yield versus control groups that were found to be deficient in methionine through the use of computer models. In addition, when compared to other sources of protected methionine for the rumen, or methioniha that is provided by various sources of non-degradable ingested protein, the hydroxy analogue of methionine may be one of the most economical means to provide the necessary methionine to the ruminant. When formulating a ration of forage with the flexibility of being available to identify the specific needs of methionine of highly productive cows of the hydroxy analogue of methionine instead of UIP, therefore advantages in terms of costs, livestock health and production are provided. to the dairy farming industry. The following examples will illustrate the invention.

EXAMPLE 1 Objective: To determine the passage of the rumen and gastrointestinal availability of HMB (DL, 2-hydroxy-4- [methylthio] butanoic acid) and the response of serum methionine to the HMB supplementation in dairy cows producing milk.

Experimental procedures The absorption and metabolism of 2-hydroxy-4- [methylthio] butanoic acid sold by Novus International (St. Louis, MO under the brand name Alimet ™) in four milk-producing cows, to which a type cannula was placed, is measured. T in the rumen and duodenum (10 cm distal to the pylorus). The cows are offered a basal diet of concentrate based on barley (Table I) and alfalfa hay. The concentrate is supplied as food at a level of 1 kg for every 2.5 kg of milk produced (Table I) and access to alfalfa is done ad libitum. In addition, the cows received 30 g of HMB mixed with 2 kg of ground corn grain per day for 6 days to allow adaptation of the rumen microflora. The cows were then fed with 90 g of HMB mixed with the ground corn and then given 600 ml of EDTA with chromium (3 g of Cr) (Binnerts et al., "Soluble chromium indicator measured by atomic absorption in digestion. experiments "Vet. Rec. (1968) page 470) in the rumen via the rumen cannula. Food with HMB was offered to the cows for 20 minutes before feeding in the morning and any remaining food was placed in the rumen by means of the rumen cannula. Blood, rumen and duodenum samples were collected at 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 24 hours after the HMB feeding. Blood was collected by venous puncture in the jugular with sterile 2 x 10 ml tubes (Vacutainer Brand SST tubes for serum separation, Bectin Dickenson, Rutherford, NJ), allowed to stand for 30 minutes in an ice bath and centrifuged at 3000 xg to separate the serum from the cells. The serum was divided into two fractions. The first fraction is deproteinized by adding an equal volume of acetonitrile and then centrifuged to obtain the supernatant. The deproteinized serum is then frozen (-70 ° C) until analysis. A second fraction was not deproteinized but frozen directly (-70 ° C). The rumen fluid (100 ml) collected from various sites within the rumen was sifted through four layers of cheese fat and subsampled. The subsample (30 ml) was acidified with 6 M HCl (0.5 ml) and frozen (-40 ° C). The duodenal samples that were collected (100 ml) were also stored frozen (-40 ° C). The rumen and duodenum samples were then reheated and centrifuged at 23,000 x g, at 4 ° C, for 20 minutes to obtain the clarified supernatant. The clarified rumen and duodenum samples are then frozen until analysis. The serum is analyzed for methionine determination and the rumen and duodenal samples for HMB. Chromium was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in the rumen and duodenal samples that were diluted with an equal volume of a calcium chloride solution to provide samples with approximately 400 ppm Ca2 + (Williams et al., "The determination of chromic oxide in faeces samples by atomic absorption spectrophotometry "J. Agrie, Sci., Vol 59 (1962) provides 381-385).

Results and Discussion Cows refuse to consume 90 g of HMB food, and therefore, food is placed in the rumen. The concentrations of Cr (liquid marker) and HMB in the rumen and in the duodenal fluid for each of the four cows at various times after intraruminal dosing is presented in Table II and Figures 1-4. When the data are plotted on a semilogarithmic scale (natural logarithm), a straight line is followed (data not shown). The slope of the line from the semilogarithmic graph is equal to the fractional velocity constant (K). The rate constants are calculated by linear regression of the natural logarithm of Cr and concentration of HMB versus time (Table III). The regression analysis of the Cr concentration in the rumen is performed with data for 1 to 24 hours (excluding data for time 0). The rumen concentration of HMB decreases to levels below the limit of detection of the analytical technique (<; 10 μg / ml) for 24 hours, and therefore regression analysis is performed with data from 1 to 12 hours (excluding data for 0 and 24 hours). The regression analysis for Duodenal Cr and HMB concentration includes the data for 3 to 24 hours and 3 to 12 hours, respectively. Excluding the data for 1 hour simplifying the analysis by default of the delay of the translocation of digesta from the rumen to the duodenum. The mathematical equations describe the declination of Cr and HMB in the rumen (R2, 0.9855 and 0.9738, respectively) and the duodenum (R2, 0.9744 and 0.9674, respectively) fit well with the data. Assuming that the decline in the concentration of HMB in the rumen is due to the passage of HMB from the rumen and the microbial degradation of HMB within the rumen, then the fractional velocity constant for HMB (-0.3269; Table III) in the rumen will be equal to the sum of the speed constants for the passage and degradation of HMB.

• "IHMB-rumer ,; -" [pass e] + - "[degradation] The HMB is soluble, and therefore the speed at which HMB passes from the rumen will be equivalent to the speed of passage for Cr, the liquid marker (-0.1307). Therefore, the rate constant for microbial degradation within the rumen is -0.1962 (K [HMB-rumen] = K, passage] -FC- ^ egra ^ -r.-) - The degradation in the rumen of HMB is determines on the basis of the proportion of the degradation rate of HMB with respect to the rate of decline of HMB (-0.1962 / -0.3269). Therefore, 60% of the dose of HMB disappears in the rumen with 40% of the dose passing the fermentation of the rumen. The fractional velocity constant for the decline in the concentration of HMB in the proximal duodenum (-0.3380; Table III) is equal to the sum of the speed constants for the passage and disappearance of HMB.

K- HMB- your ..: er? , = KipasaT * + K;, The velocity constant for the passage of HMB K-i.cs * -) to duodenum is determined by calculating the velocity constant for the passage of the Cr marker (-0.1053, Table III).

Therefore, 31.2% of HMB fed to the cows goes to the small intestine (-0.1053 / -0.3380 x 100) and 68.8% disappears [(-0.3380 - (- 0.1053)) /-0.3380 x 100). The K for the disappearance in the duodenum includes the K for the degradation in the rumen and the K for the post-rinal but pre-intestinal absorption. (probably the omaso).

K aesapar. ior - "• j s go; It was determined from the rumen's decline in HMB, that 60% of HMB disappears in the rumen. Therefore, the remaining 8.8% disappearance of HMB is due to omasal absorption. From the original dose of HMB fed to dairy cows, 60% is degraded in the rumen, 8.8% is absorbed in the omasum and 31.2% goes to the small intestine for absorption. Although we have defined ruminal disappearance as degradation, the substantial amount of omasal uptake of HMB indicates that it is likely that some fraction of the 60% ruminal disappearance may have occurred via absorption through the rumen wall. Since HMB is absorbed by passive diffusion in other species, it is reasonable to expect that this phenomenon also occurs in the rumen epithelium. Therefore, the bioavailability of 40% for HMB, as a source of methionine for ruminants, is probably a conservative underestimate. The peak concentrations for ruminal and duodenal HMB are presented at 1 and 3 hours, respectively. The serum concentration of methionine occurs at 6 hours. At 12 o'clock, all values return to the values prior to dosing (figure 5). The absorption of HMB from the omasum and small intestine and its subsequent metabolism to methionine produces an increase in serum methionine of 200% above the pre-dose levels at the peak concentration.

TABLE I Composition of the Concentrate Supplies per kg of concentrate: Na, 0.7%; S, 0.2%; K, 0. 02%, Mg, 0.01%; Zn, 154 mg / kg; Mn, 147 mg / kg; Cu, 40 mg / kg; 1.2 mg / kg; Se, 0.8 mg / kg; and Co, 0.6 mg / kg. 2 Supplies per kg of concentrates: vitamin A, 2500 IU; vitamin D, 250 IU; and Vitamin E 2.5 Ul. 3 Livestock Forage flavor ACS, Alltech, Inc.

TABLE II Concentration of chromium and HMB in the rumen and duodenal fluid TABLE III Linear regression analysis of the natural logarithm of Cr and concentration of HMB in the rumen and duodenal fluid versus time EXAMPLE 2 In a lactation study, the proportional effects Alimet ™ (2-hydroxy-4- [methylthio] butanoic acid by Novus International (St. Louis, MO)) were evaluated as a forage supplement in a dry period of close pre-lactation and in diet early lactation. The diets (Table IV) are formulated to include Alimet ™ to meet the methionine requirements determined using existing computer modeling technology (CNCPS and DAIRYLP). The diets are balanced to meet 'the amino acid requirements and include standard forage ingredients used in dairy rations. In the absence of AlimetMB added, the control diet is predicted to be first limiting in methionine. The estimated need for methionine is approximately 9 grams per day. Alimet ™ is added assuming availability for the ruminant of 20%. This study included 10 multiparous cows and 5 primipara cows per treatment, supplemented with Alimet ™ for 2 weeks before delivery and during 12 weeks of lactation. The group with AlimetMR treatment produces more milk (33.9 versus 31.3 kg / d; Figure 6) with a higher fat content (4.01% versus 3.71%, Figure 7) compared to non-supplemented cows. This results in increased production of corrected fat content (FCM) for cows fed Alimet (33.4 versus 29.2 kg / d, figure 8) but not milk protein content (figure 9). In the maximum milk yield, the multiparous cows fed Alimet produced 7.9 kg / d more FCM than the unsupplemented cows (42.0 versus 34.1 kg / d). The benefits of supplying post-ruminal amino acids would seem to be greater during the dry period of closure and early lactation.

TABLE IV * Standard basal diet without Alimet1 EXAMPLE 3 In a field trial, it was fed with Alimet ™ (2-hydroxy-4- [methylthio] butanoic acid sold by Novus International (St. Louis, MO) with a step estimate of 40%) to 75 lactating cows in early lactating high producing , as part of your diet. The Cornell Net Carbohydrate Net Protein Model was used to evaluate the diet (diet based on grains of corn) that were supplied to these cattle. The ration is fed and balanced for 40.8 kg (90 pounds) of milk with butter fat 3.7% per cow, per day. In the absence of added Alimet ™, the diet is first predicted to be methionine-limiting. We used 75 multiparous cows in each group. The cows were housed on both sides in a corral with modern and well-ventilated free cribs. Cattle are assigned to treatment on the date of delivery. As the cows calved they were alternately placed in the Alimet ™ group or in a group fed the same commercial TMR, without Alimet ™. This commercial TMR represents the standard TMR supplied as food in the field at commercial dairy farms at that time. The milk production of each cow is measured in each milking until the 75 cows have been fed with AlimetKR for approximately 90 days and 75 cows have been found in TMR control for approximately 90 days.

The statistical model used was for a completely randomized design. This design is established by assigning treatments randomly to a previously selected set of experimental units. In this case, the treatments were with AlimetKR or without Alimet ™, and the experimental units were cows that had given birth. The assignment to treatment is completely randomized since it is based on the order of delivery. As previously mentioned, the cows were alternately placed in the group with Alimet ™ or in the treatment group as they gave birth. The data were analyzed by means of the one way analysis of variance procedure, using the F test to determine the statistical differences. The data indicate that cows receiving Alimet ™ produced more than 2.3 kg (5 pounds) of milk per cow per day during the trial period. This production response is significant at a level of P < 0.04 (Table V). A cow was excluded from the control group due to extremely low milk production, and therefore only 74 cows were used for the statistical analysis. The last cow to complete the 90 days of feeding with Alimet ™ was not used in order to balance the number of cows in the treatments. This cow averages 40.8 kg (90 pounds) of milk per day. There was no significant difference in the milk of cows in both groups when the trial ended. In conclusion, this data set shows that Alimet ^ provides an acceptable source of step methionine in lactating cows in early lactating highs, when fed from the onset of lactation onwards, to cows consuming a diet based on corn ensilage .

Table V Conclusion: In the trial, he compares two groups of cows in early lactation. One group was fed with Alimet ™ and the other was not.

The diets were isonitrogenous; the level of raw protein in the Alimet ™ diet is adjusted to constitute the nitrogen that is provided by treatment. Both diets were supplied as total mixed rations on an ad libitum basis. The data indicate that the AlimetMR feed results in an increase of 2.28 kg (5.03 pounds) of milk per cow per day. This result is statistically significant at a level of P = 0.0396.

EXAMPLE 4 In a field trial, it was fed with Alimet ™ (2-hydroxy-4- [methylthio] butanoic acid by Novus International (St. Louis, MO), with a step estimate of 40%) to 600 cows from a producing farm of commercial milk from 1900 cows as part of their standard commercial ration. Computer models were used to determine methionine deficiency and to balance the ration, for the inclusion of AlimetMR. 600 cows consumed an average of 3.8 grams of Alimet ™ per head per day during a feeding period of 102 days. In the absence of added Alimet ™, the control diet is predicted to first be bound in methionine. Cows supplemented with Alimet ™ produced an average of 1.21 kg (2.67 pounds) plus milk per cow daily. The protein yield in milk averaged 99.8 g (0.22 pounds) more per cow daily. The fat yield in milk averaged 118 g (0.26 pounds) more per cow daily. Figures 10-12 summarize the data. It should be noted that the supplement began on the sixth day of month 1 and ended on the fifteenth day of month 4. In view of the foregoing, it will be noted that several of the objects of the invention are obtained. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (12)

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property:

1. A process for formulating a feed ration for ruminants, the process is characterized in that it comprises: determining the methionine needs of the ruminant, identifying a plurality of natural or synthetic forage ingredients and the nutrient composition of each of the ingredients wherein one of the ingredients is a hydroxy analog of methionine which is selected from the group consisting of 2-hydroxy-4- (methylthio) butanoic acid, salts, amides and esters thereof, and formulate a ration from the identified forage ingredients for satisfy the determined needs of methionine of the ruminant, which comprises one or more grains, the hydroxy analogue of methionine, and optionally a passing fat, wherein (i) the hydroxy analogue of methionine is added separately from any fat of step which is included in the ration, and (ii) the ration is formulated on the basis that at least 20% of the hydroxy analogue of methionine is assumed e that it is available for absorption by the ruminant.

2. The process according to claim 1, characterized in that the hydroxy analogue of methionine is 2-hydroxy-4- (methylthio) butanoic acid.

3. The process according to claim 1, characterized in that the ration is formulated on the basis that at least 40% of the hydroxy analogue of methionine is assumed to be available for absorption by the ruminant.

4. The process according to claim 1, characterized in that the hydroxy analog of methionine is 2-hydroxy-4- (methylthio) butanoic acid and the ration is formulated on the basis that at least 40% of the hydroxy analogue of methionine is assumed to be It is available for absorption by the ruminant.

5. The process in accordance with the claim 1, characterized in that the ration does not comprise a passing fat.

6. A process for formulating a ration for ruminant feed, the process is characterized in that it comprises: determining the methionine needs of the ruminant, identifying a plurality of natural or synthetic forage ingredients and the nutrient composition of each of the ingredients wherein one of the ingredients is a hydroxy analog of methionine which is selected from the group consisting of 2-hydroxy-4- (methylthio) utanoic acid, salts, amides and esters thereof, and formulating a ration from the identified forage ingredients to meet the determined methionine needs of the ruminant, which comprises mixing one or more grains with a liquid comprising the hydroxy analogue of methionine which is supposed to be available for absorption by the ruminant.

7. The process according to claim 6, characterized in that the ration is formulated on the basis that at least 40o of the hydroxy analogue of methionine is assumed to be available for absorption by the ruminant.

8. A process for formulating a feed ration for ruminants, the process is characterized in that it comprises: determining the methionine needs of the ruminant, identifying a plurality of natural or synthetic forage ingredients and the nutrient composition of each of the ingredients wherein one of the ingredients is a hydroxy analogue of methionine which is selected from the group consisting of 2-hydroxy-4- (methylthio) butanoic acid, salts, amides and esters thereof, and formulating a ration from the identified forage ingredients for satisfy the determined methionine needs of the ruminant, which comprises mixing one or more grains with the hydroxy analog of methionine, wherein (i) the ration is formulated on the basis that at least 20o of the hydroxy analogue of methionine is assumed to be available for absorption by the ruminant, and (ii) the ration does not comprise a passing fat.

9. The process according to claim 8, characterized in that the hydroxy analogue of methionine is 2-hydroxy-4- (methylthio) butanoic acid.

10. The process according to claim 8, characterized in that the ration is formulated on the basis that at least 40 ° of the methionine hydroxy analog is assumed to be available for absorption by the ruminant.

11. A process for formulating a feed ration for dairy cows in lactation, the process is characterized in that it comprises: determining the methionine needs of the cow, identifying a plurality of natural or synthetic forage ingredients and the nutrient composition of each of the ingredients, wherein one of the ingredients is 2-hydroxy-4- (methylthio) butanoic acid, and formulate a ration from the identified forage ingredients to meet the determined methionine needs of the cow, which comprise mixing one or more grains with 2-hydroxy-4- acid. { methylthio) butanoic, wherein the ration is formulated on the basis that at least 40% of 2-hydroxy-4- (methylthio) butanoic acid is assumed to be available for absorption by the cow.

12. The process according to claim 11, characterized in that the ration is formulated on the basis that between about 40% and about 55% of the 2-hydroxy-4- (methylthio) butanoic acid is assumed to be available for absorption by the ruminant.