Method for supplying bioavailable methionine to a cow

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for supplying bioavailable methionine to a cow which comprises supplying to the cow an ester of methionine or methionine amide and/or an ester of the hydroxy analogue of methionine or a salt thereof.

1. A method for supplying bioavailable methionine to a dairy cow, which comprises administering to the cow the isopropyl ester of the hydroxy analogue of methionine. 
     
     
       2. A method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the isopropyl ester of the hydroxy analogue of methionine is administered to the cow by feeding to the cow a feed containing the isopropyl ester of the hydroxy analogue of methionine. 
     
     
       3. A method of supplying at least 50% bioavailable methionine to a dairy cow, which comprises administering to the cow the isopropyl ester of the hydroxy analogue of methionine. 
     
     
       4. A method of improving milk obtained from a dairy cow, which comprises supplying to the cow the isopropyl ester of the hydroxy analogue of methionine. 
     
     
       5. A method as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the improvement in the milk comprises increased protein content in the milk. 
     
     
       6. A method as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the improvement in the milk comprises increased fat content in the milk. 
     
     
       7. A method of improving the condition of a cow, wherein the improvement in condition of the cow is selected from the group consisting of improved fertility, improved liver function and an increase in energy, which method comprises supplying to the cow the isopropyl ester of the hydroxy analogue of methionine. 
     
     
       8. A method as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the improvement in condition of the cow comprises improved fertility. 
     
     
       9. A method as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the improvement in condition of the cow comprises improved liver function. 
     
     
       10. A method as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the improvement in condition of the cow comprises an increase in energy. 
     
     
       11. A method of increasing the methionine concentration in the bloodstream of a dairy cow, which comprises feeding to a dairy cow a methionine source comprising  10  to  30  grams of methionine equivalent per day, said methionine source being more rapidly bioavailable in the bloodstream of a cow than  2 -hydroxy  4 -(methylthio)butanoic acid and comprising the isopropyl ester of the hydroxy analogue of methionine. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 7 , wherein  10  to  30  grams of methionine equivalent of the isopropyl ester of the hydroxy analogue of methionine is supplied to the cow per day.