Abstract: A feed composition for ruminants may include feed particles of a nutritional component that are at least partially coated with a saturated fatty acid coating such that ingestion of the feed by lactating ruminants may provide for an increase in the amount of milk produced by the ruminant, and/or an increase in the fat content of the milk produced.

Abstract: Solid dietary compositions for ruminants are disclosed, as well as methods for their preparation and use. The compositions may include a fatty acid component and at least one feed ingredient. The fatty acid component may include at least about 90% saturated fatty acid by weight and may be present in the dietary composition in an amount of at least about 30% by weight of the dietary composition. The at least one feed ingredient may be selected from a protein material, an amino acid, an amino acid derivative, a vitamin, a trace element, a mineral, a glucogenic precursor, and an antioxidant. The dietary composition may be a solid in the form of a capsule, a tablet, a pellet, or a granular material.

Abstract: Feed containers configured to store and dispense dietary compositions for ruminants are disclosed. The dietary compositions may include a fatty acid component, at least one feed ingredient, and water. The fatty acid component may include less than about 10% by weight of unsaturated fatty acid. The feed ingredient may be selected from a carbohydrate, an amino acid, an amino acid derivative, a vitamin, a trace element, a mineral, a glucogenic precursor, or an antioxidant. The feed containers may include a lick tank, a storage container, a trough, a bucket, a pail, or the like. The feed containers may be configured to measure and/or regulate the consumption of the dietary composition stored therein by the ruminants.

Abstract: A feed for ruminants may include at least one fatty acid component covalently linked with a carrier particle such that ingestion of the feed by lactating ruminants may provide for an increase in the amount of milk produced by the ruminant, and/or an increase in the fat content of the milk produced.

Abstract: Dietary particle compositions for ruminant feed are disclosed, as well as methods for their preparation and use. The compositions may include a fatty acid compound, a core, and at least one encapsulating agent. The dietary particle may have a core coating layer. The fatty acid compound may be in the core or the core coating layer. The core may include a carbohydrate compound and a protein compound. The fatty acid compound may include at least about 90% saturated fatty acids. The fatty acid compound may include a palmitic acid compound.