Amino acids
Amino acids are organic molecules which form the
building blocks of proteins, which together with fat, carbohydrates,
vitamins, trace elements, minerals and water are the basic components of
food and feed.
About 20 different amino acids are involved in building body protein.
Some cannot be formed in the body and must be added in appropriate
quantities to the feed. They are therefore called essential amino acids. If
any of the essential amino acids is missing, protein synthesis stops. The
first amino acid which interrupts protein synthesis in this way is called the
first limiting amino acid.
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Methionine is the first limiting amino acid for
poultry. If the natural methionine content of a poultry feed is low, it
must be augmented with supplements.
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Lysine is the first limiting amino acid for
pigs. If the natural lysine content of a pig feed is low, it must be
augmented with supplements.
