Abstract

Ruminants face unique challenges in drug and nutrient delivery due to their symbiotic rumen microor-ganisms. Polymeric rumen-stable delivery systems (RDS) have emerged as a promising solution for ef-ficiently delivering nutricines, which enhance animal health and productivity. Traditional methods, such as heat and chemical treatments, have been improved with polymeric coatings that facilitate slow, post-ruminal release of bioactive substances. Polymeric coatings of nutricines, offer significant potential for improving ruminant health, reducing farmer costs, and promoting sustainability in livestock. This paper explores the mechanisms of rumen protection and abomasal release provided by polymeric coat-ings, discusses other rumen-stable delivery systems, and reviews methods for evaluating their perfor-mance in vitro and in vivo. Further research in this area can advance novel nutricine delivery solutions for ruminants.

Key words: Ruminants, Polymeric coatings, Nutricines, Livestock industry