The Essential Amino Acids For Animals——L-tryptophan

L-tryptophan is one of the essential amino acids for the growth of animals and is usually the 4th limiting essential amino acid after lysine, threonine, and methionine in piglet feed, it is a kind of important nutrient, which can be widely used in the fields of medicine, food, and feed, and is of great significance to the organism. When it is used as a feed additive, it has multiple roles and wide efficacy.

Physical and chemical properties：

L-tryptophan is a white to slightly yellow crystal or crystalline powder, with an odorless, slightly bitter taste. It is soluble in sodium hydroxide solution or dilute hydrochloric acid，slightly soluble in water, very slightly soluble in ethanol,  and insoluble in trichloromethane. It is the only amino acid that binds to serum albumin through non-covalent bonds in the animal body, and its form of existence in plasma and tissues is different from other amino acids.

Functional role：

1. Immune function: L-tryptophan is closely related to the immune function of livestock and poultry, which can significantly increase the level of interferon and immunoglobulin G, and significantly enhance the body's immune protection against infectious bursal disease. In addition, as the amount of tryptophan in the feed increases, it can also significantly increase the weight of the thymus, spleen and other immune organs, which has a significant effect on the immune function of animals.

2. Antioxidant function: The antioxidant mechanism of L-tryptophan is produced by the binding of amino groups in its molecule with oxidants, thus hindering the occurrence of oxidation reactions. In addition, its antioxidant function is also related to its derivative melatonin.

3. Lactation function: the amino acid intake of lactating sows can directly affect their mammary gland development and milk secretion, at present, through the experiment, we can see that L-tryptophan has enhanced the efficacy of lactation of sows, and the specific mechanism of action needs to be further studied.

4. Sedative function: L-tryptophan has a sedative effect, which can reduce the stress reaction of animals and reduce the time and number of struggles among piglets.

5. Influence on feed intake: L-tryptophan can affect the feed intake of animals by affecting the content of neurotransmitter 5-HT in the brain and regulating the secretion of gastric hunger hormone in two ways. The two pathways are independent of each other, and its effect on feed intake is the combined result of the two pathways.

Practical applications:

1. Improve immunity: L-Tryptophan can improve the immunity of animal organisms, reduce the probability of animal disease, and improve the survival rate of animals, to enhance the economic benefits of animals.

2. Improve meat quality: based on L-tryptophan has a good antioxidant function, therefore, it can slow down the aging of the animal, improve the animal's hair and coat, and then improve the quality of the animal's meat, improve the competitiveness of livestock and poultry products.

3. Promote lactation: L-tryptophan can promote lactation of cows and piglets, increase the milk production of animals, at the same time, increase the weaning weight of piglets.

4. Improve feed intake: the effect of L-tryptophan on the feed intake of animals shows a tendency to increase and then decrease, choosing the right amount of additive can increase the feed intake of animals and promote the growth and development of animals.

Matters need attention:

L-tryptophan may change color if exposed to light for an extended period.   Therefore, please choose the appropriate preservation method.