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Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and polypeptides that are the major component of animals’ muscles and tissues. Amino acids also form an important component in some fluids such as milk. In addition to being building blocks of body proteins, amino acids play a significant role in various important biochemical and metabolic processes in the cells of animals. So, from growth to production and reproduction, amino acids play a large part in the productivity of farm animals and can contribute significantly to the profitability of a farm.
The composition of amino acids in feeds is very variable, so it is important to closely monitor feed quality to ensure that animals are consuming appropriate amounts of amino acids to maintain their health and productivity while maximizing profitability. Here we've compiled the basic information you need to know about amino acids and their benefits in animal nutrition.
What Are Essential Amino Acids?
There are 20 unique amino acids1 that have been genetically coded each containing carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen and sometimes sulfur in different quantities and configurations. These amino acids combine in different chain configurations of 50 or more to create a single protein within the animal body. These proteins then operate within the body to sustain life functions. Amino acids are classified into two categories as essential and non-essential and these will be described below.
To synthesize proteins within the body, animals need raw amino acids as building blocks. In feedstuffs, amino acids are present within the protein chains, which are then broken down during digestion by enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract. Once processed down to individual amino acids, the amino acids are absorbed into the bloodstream to be used to form new proteins.
Essential amino acids: These are amino acids that the animal cannot make by itself and must be provided through dietary intake to ensure normal function of the animal. They include phenylalanine, valine, threonine, tryptophan, isoleucine, methionine, histidine, arginine (sometimes considered to be non-essential), leucine and lysine.
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