Patent ID: 7718187
Filing Date: 2010-05-18
Classification: A23K,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method of maintaining a healthy rumen in a ruminant comprising: providing a low-moisture block for the ruminant comprising a buffer in a palatable base ingredient block matrix, wherein the buffer comprises at least one of sodium bicarbonate, sodium sesquicarbonate, potassium carbonate, magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide or magnesium carbonate, wherein the base ingredient comprises at least one of molasses taffy, molasses, concentrated separator byproduct, or soluble molasses solids, wherein the buffer is present in a concentration ranging from about 20 percent to about 50 percent by weight of the block, and wherein the base ingredient comprises from about 30 percent to about 70 percent by weight of the block; dehydrating the low-moisture block to be hygroscopic by heating applied to the base ingredient before mixing with the buffer; and allowing the ruminant free choice when in or subject to ruminal acidosis to lick and remove exposed portions of the block, with slow softening of the exposed portions stimulating ruminant salivation and providing the primary consumption limitation.