Controlled diffusion ruminant feed bolus production, by mixing liquid and solid components and compression molding, useful for prolonged release of minerals, trace elements and vitamins

摘要

Production of a controlled diffusion ruminant feed bolus (I) involves: (a) dosing a mixer with solid starting materials and additives in specific proportions; (b) progressively injecting a liquid premix, comprising liquid starting materials and liquid or solid additives (e.g. gelling or binding agents) into the obtained solid premix; (c) introducing a specific volume of the mixture into dosing device; (d) introducing the batch into a compression mold; and (e) ejecting the obtained bolus (I). Independent claims is included for: (a) apparatus for the process, consisting of a volumetric doser including a feed channel, a drawer for a specific dose of each component of (I), a hydraulic sliding control, a recovery channel and a blowing nozzle for evacuating the charge during the forming operation; and (b) corresponding bolus compositions (I'), in cylindrical form (preferably with length 50-100 mm and diameter 15-30 mm) and containing (i) magnesium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium, (ii) at least one trace element selected from zinc, manganese, copper, cobalt, iodine, selenium and iron, (iii) optionally one or more of vitamins A, D, E, K or of the B group and (iv) optionally other starting materials and additives for animal feed.