Controlled phosphorus release via an intraruminal bolus of candelilla wax-based oleogel (Euphorbia antisyphilitica) in goats

The objective of this study was to develop intraruminal oleogel boluses based on candelilla wax (Euphorbia antisyphilitica) and vegetable oil with controlled amounts of phosphorus, and to evaluate them in vivo in goats to meet their daily requirements of this mineral. Dicalcium phosphate (CaHPO4) from various commercial brands, including Jalmek, VIMIFOS21, and Sal-Sigma, was used as the phosphorus source. Candelilla wax (CW) oleogels were developed with 3%, 10%, or 25% inclusion of the brands and subjected to texture profile analysis (hardness and fracturability). The 3% inclusion bolus (Jalmek) exhibited the best ingredient incorporation, with hardness and fracturability values of μ=2050.33 ± 380.44 and μ=641.66 ± 114.7, respectively. Under these same parameters, the 3% oleogel (Sal-Sigma) recorded μ=2269.66 ± 254.49 and μ=1737 ± 1081.16, while the 3% VIMIFOS21 formula reported μ=1541.16 ±539.75 and μ=404.83 ± 156.39. Finally, the 10% and 25% concentrations reached hard levels of 2089.83. ± 419.6 and 2580.66 ± 592.34, with fracture points of 1678.83±1104.01 and 976±1057.58, respectively. No significant differences were found among the prepared oleogels regarding hardness (p=0.156) or fracturability (p=0.256), indicating uniformity across all formulations. Field visits were conducted in communities within Salinas, S.L.P., to observe production systems and nutritional management practices for goats and sheep. The predominant production system is semi-intensive. Utilizing alfalfa and corn stover for livestock feed during dry season. Furthermore, mineral supplementation is not practiced, and there is a lack of awareness regarding its importance. The developed bolus was evaluated in vivo using 25 Saanen goats, which were randomly assigned to three treatments; T1:Diet based on alfalfa, corn stover, and CaHPO4 powder, T2: Diet based on alfalfa, corn stover, orthophosphate powder, and blank (mineral-free) oleogel and T3: Diet based on alfalfa, corn stover, and CaHPO4 loaded oleogel. Samples of alfalfa, corn stover, and the oleogels used in the treatments were collected. T2 and T3 goats were administered a blank or CaHPO4 loades oleogel bolus, respectively, via oral syringe. Subsequently, jugular blood samples were collected at 0, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours post-administration. Phosphorus concentration in alfalfa, corn stover, oleogel, and blood serum was determined by UV-VIS colorimetry. The P content in alfalfa and corn stover was 0.17% and 0.15%, respectively. The phosphorus contribution from the oleogel was 0.39g. Serum phosphorus concentration T3 goats was maintained until 72 hours post-administration; thereafter, the concentration was lower compared to T1 and T2. It was observed that the phosphorus provided by the bolus maintained serum concentrations (3.5 mg/mL) at levels considered marginal until 72 hours. indicanting a controlled and continuous release of P. Based on this study, the use of CW based oleogel boluses is suggested as an effective method for phosphorus supplementation in goats.