Carnauba wax as a wall material for urea microencapsulation.

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Agricultural Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• High ureolytic activity in rumen microbiota causes rapid urea conversion, leading to potential intoxication and reduced nitrogen utilization in ruminant diets.
• Urea is a nitrogen source, but its rapid breakdown in the rumen necessitates strategies for controlled release.
• Microencapsulation offers a method to manage urea release and improve its efficacy in animal nutrition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop slow-release urea systems using carnauba wax microencapsulation for ruminant applications.
• To evaluate the effect of different carnauba wax ratios and particle sizes on urea microencapsulation properties.
• To assess the potential of these microencapsulated urea systems in improving ruminant nutrition and safety.

Main Methods:

• Urea was microencapsulated with carnauba wax at ratios of 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4 (UME 2, UME 3, UME 4).
• Two particle sizes, small (PS) and large (PL), were investigated for the microencapsulated urea formulations.
• Experiments were conducted using a randomized block design with a 3x2 factorial arrangement.

Main Results:

• All carnauba wax microencapsulated urea formulations demonstrated effective inhibition of urea hygroscopicity.
• The UME 2 formulation achieved the highest yield (91.6%) and microencapsulation efficiency (99.6%).
• The UME 4 formulation showed superior thermal stability (259.5 °C) and the lowest moisture content (1.81%), while UME 2 exhibited slower urea release.

Conclusions:

• Successful production of urea microspheres using carnauba wax indicates their potential for ruminant diets.
• The UME 2 formulation with large particles is recommended for its enhanced resistance to microbial degradation.
• This formulation facilitates a slower urea release, mitigating risks of ruminal intoxication and alkalosis in ruminants.