Abstract: Pellets adapted to be orally administered to ruminants are disclosed. The pellets have a core comprising a nutrient and/or medicament, of which the pH is raised to a predetermined level by the addition of a basic substance. A coating which protects the core in the environment of the rumen is also provided to allow utilization of the core in the abomasum and/or intestine. The coating comprises a polymeric matrix which is resistant to the mildly acidic environment of the rumen and may include a hydrophobic substance dispersed throughout the continuous matrix. The continuity of the polymerix matrix is destroyed in the more acidic environment of the abomasum.

Abstract: Pellets adapted to be orally administered to ruminants are disclosed. The pellets have a core of a material beneficial to the ruminant such as a nutrient and/or medicament, and a coating which protects the core in the environment of the rumen, and allows utilization of the core in the abomasum and/or intestines. The coating comprises a polymeric matrix which is resistant to the mildly acidic environment of the rumen at pH of about 5.5 and a hydrophobic substance dispersed throughout the continuous matrix. The continuity of the polymeric matrix is destroyed in the more acidic environment of the abomasum.