ARTICLE 76 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE November 2025 storage, including freeze-thaw cycles, so that it maintains its ability to protect the nutrient in the rumen? • Does the product deliver adequate rumen protection over time to ensure a high percentage of the nutrient reaches the intestine for absorption? • Has the product been tested in vivo to have a bioavailability value that reflects the durability, rumen protection and intestinal absorption supported by the manufacturer’s research? • Is the bioavailability data backed by in vivo performance results i.e. production or health responses? Ask to see the research and quality specifications to ensure the product considered will deliver the expected levels of bioavailable nutrient to the cow. References 1. Estes, K., M. Zenobi, C. Zimmerman, and M. Hanigan. 2024a. Evaluating the TMR stability of rumen protected lysine products [abstract]. In: American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting; 2024; West Palm Beach, FL. 2. Estes, K., M. Zenobi, C. Zimmerman, and M. Hanigan. 2024b. Evaluating the TMR stability of rumen protected choline products [abstract]. In: American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting; West Palm Beach, FL. Photo: Budimir Jevtic | Shutterstock About Kari Estes Holding a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and a Master of Science in Dairy Science, both from Virginia Tech, Kari Estes, in both her undergraduate and graduate work, evaluated the bioavailability of rumen protected amino acids utilizing a variety of different in vivo methodologies. Her Master’s work specifically focused on further developing a stable isotope-based approach to determine the amino acid bioavailability of protein feedstuffs and rumen protected amino acids. Since joining Balchem in 2017, she began as a Research Associate and is currently a Research Manager in the Animal Nutrition and Health division. In her current position, Estes is involved in nutrition research for both monogastric and ruminant species. She resides in the United States in Virginia.
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