Abstract: A method of supplying a ruminant with its nutritional requirements for methionine is provided wherein an ester of 2-hydroxy-4(methylthio)butanoic acid that is available for absorption by a ruminant is administered to the ruminant. Preferably, the ruminant is administered an ester of 2-hydroxy-4(methylthio)butanoic acid is selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, butyl, and 3-methylbutyl, and salts thereof.

Abstract: A method of supplying a ruminant with its nutritional requirements for methionine is provided wherein a hydroxy analogue of methionine that is available for absorption by a ruminant is administered to the ruminant. Preferably, the, ruminant is administered an isopropyl ester of a hydroxy analogue of methionine, wherein at least 40% of the isopropyl ester of the hydroxy analogue of methionine is available for absorption by the cow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to feed rations, processes for formulating feed rations, and methods for improving weight gain in growing ruminants. The feed rations comprise a forage or other feed ingredient that meets daily nutritional requirements, other than methionine, and exceeds daily maintenance energy requirements of a growing ruminant. The feed rations further comprise an &agr;-amino acid supplement, wherein the &agr;-amino acid supplement is an analog of an &agr;-amino acid.

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.

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.

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.

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 the ingredients are identified wherein one of the 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.