Abstract: A nutrient or medicinal composition for administration to ruminants, which includes a core of one or more biologically active substances coated with a film of polyurethane, overcoated with an “intermediate” wax is disclosed. This polyurethane/wax coating is resistant to rumen conditions, but will release the biologically active substance(s) in the abomasum and subsequent digestive tract of the ruminant animal.

Abstract: A method of predicting fertilizer performance for optimum efficiency of a fertilizer is described. The method of conducting a computerized fertilizer performance analysis is based upon a request including a plurality of parameter requirements entered on a client computer. A routine is then performed to analyze the plurality of parameter requirements. The routine may be performed by a software program, such as on a provider computer via the Internet, on a CD-ROM inserted into the client computer or downloaded onto the client computer. Upon completion, the fertilizer performance analysis results are received by the client computer and preferably include re-application time, nutrient release indicator, amount of nutrients released, fertilizer nutrient release rate, suggested fertilizer application rate, percent quick release, average nutrient release per time interval, cumulative nutrient release, nutrient longevity, fertilizer spread rate, total amount of fertilizer required or any combination thereof.