Methionine microencapsulated with a carnauba (Copernicia prunifera) wax matrix for protection from degradation in the rumen

• Published in: Livestock science 2019-10, Vol.228, p.53-60
• Main Authors: Carvalho Neto, José Pires de, Bezerra, Leilson Rocha, da Silva, André Leandro, de Moura, José Fábio Paulino, Pereira Filho, José Morais, da Silva Filho, Edson Cavalcanti, Guedes, Andreza Ferreira, Araújo, Marcos Jácome, Edvan, Ricardo Loiola, Oliveira, Ronaldo Lopes
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bypass protein; Emulsification; Microspheres; Protection; Ruminal degradability
• ISSN: 1871-1413; 1878-0490
• DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2019.07.024

•Carnauba wax as a protective matrix for methionine in the rumen was tested.•MEM 4:1 formulation presented a more intact microstructure.•MEM 2:1 formulation presented the highest microencapsulation yield and efficiency values.•Both formulations presented excellent properties for ruminal protection.•Methionine microencapsulation using carnauba wax was successful (95% protection). Methionine microencapsulated in a lipid matrix of carnauba wax by the melt-emulsification method was investigated to protect the amino acid from ruminal degradation, making the methionine available for use directly in the intestine. Pure methionine was compared with two formulations obtained from ratios of 2:1 and 4:1, carnauba wax: methionine (MEM 2:1 and MEM 4:1), respectively. Scanning electron micrographs of both formulations after in situ testing showed no attack by ruminal microorganisms. There was a higher in situ degradability of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) in pure methionine compared with the formulations confirming the microencapsulation efficiency from the carnauba wax protection. The potential degradation (PD) of the CP was higher to pure methionine at all times, and a significant difference (P