The slow release drench capsule was a revolution when first launched, and spectacular results were seen.

But one issue always worried me,and that was the effect of used plastic capsules left behind in an animals gut.

It seems the scientists are also concerned as this article illustrates, with a big investment being made to produce a biodegradable bolus dispenser.

In the future this could also be used, to dispense agents that prevent methane  being expressed in animals, to help minimise greenhouse gas into the atmosphere.

The Foundation is investing $2.1 million into NZ company Argenta Ltd to support the development of an improved device to administer multiple doses of drugs to sheep and cattle. The device is expected to lower costs to farmers worldwide reports Scoop.

The investment by TechNZ, the Foundation’s business development programme, will help Argenta Ltd to commercialise a bolus (drug delivery device) that is fully degradable, unlike current commercial boluses with hardware components that remain in an animal’s stomach.
 

The initial outcome of the TechNZ investment will be an anthelmintic (parasite-killing) sheep and cattle boluses, but the applications of the new technology could also extend to the delivery of greenhouse gas control products to ruminants. Richard Bentley, Foundation Group Manager, Manufacturing & High Growth Firms, says the investment will lead to increased revenues to New Zealand.

Argenta Ltd Chief Executive Dr Doug Cleverly says a degradable bolus system that leaves no residue in the animal has strong appeal particularly in the European Union, one of the company’s target markets. A degradable bolus that can deliver multiple drugs over 100 days appeals to farmers because of the increased animal health benefit, and because of the reduction of labour needed.