The present invention provides methods and compositions for providing controlled protection for hygroscopic ingredients that will be exposed to moist or humid environments for significant periods of time by encapsulating the hygroscopic ingredients with a controlled-protection lipid coating. The methods and compositions are particularly useful for stabilizing a hygroscopic bioactive substance, such as choline chloride or lysine hydrochloride, in an animal feed composition and also providing adequate rumen protection in ruminant feeds.
