L-Threonine Feed Grade: A Vital Amino Acid for Modern Animal Nutrition

L-Threonine in Animal Feed: Applications, Benefits, and Dosage Guidelines

L-Threonine is an essential amino acid that plays a critical role in animal nutrition. As one of the key building blocks of protein, it is vital for the growth and maintenance of body tissues, immune response, and nutrient metabolism in livestock and aquaculture species. L-Threonine feed grade is widely used to supplement diets that are low in natural threonine, particularly corn and soybean-based rations.

What Is L-Threonine?

L-Threonine (C₄H₉NO₃, CAS No. 72-19-5) is a neutral, polar amino acid that animals cannot synthesize in sufficient quantities. It must be provided in the feed to ensure optimal growth and health. In commercial feed production, synthetic L-threonine is produced via microbial fermentation and added to feed formulas to create a balanced amino acid profile.

Why Use L-Threonine in Animal Feed?

1. Enhances Protein Utilization
   L-Threonine helps balance amino acid ratios in feed, ensuring efficient protein synthesis and reducing the need for costly protein-rich raw materials.

2. Improves Growth Performance
   Supplementing threonine in diets increases weight gain, muscle deposition, and carcass yield.

3. Supports Immune System and Gut Health
   Threonine is a key component of mucins in the gut lining, contributing to better nutrient absorption and stronger immunity.

4. Environmental Benefits
   Balanced threonine levels reduce nitrogen excretion, lowering the environmental impact of livestock farming.

Applications by Animal Species

1. Swine (Pigs)

• Piglets: Require high threonine levels to support rapid growth and immune development.
  Recommended dosage: 0.6–0.8% of the total diet

• Growers/Finishers: Improves feed efficiency and lean meat gain.
  Recommended dosage: 0.5–0.7%

• Sows: Enhances reproductive performance and milk production.
  Recommended dosage: 0.5–0.6%

2. Poultry (Broilers & Layers)

• Broilers: Threonine improves body weight, FCR, and breast meat yield.
  Recommended dosage: 0.65–0.75%

• Layers: Maintains egg production and quality, particularly during heat stress.
  Recommended dosage: 0.55–0.65%

3. Aquaculture (Fish & Shrimp)

• Aquatic animals benefit from threonine to enhance growth and protein retention.
  Recommended dosage: 1.0–1.5% depending on species and feed protein level

4. Ruminants (Cattle & Sheep)

• Used in the form of rumen-protected L-Threonine to support milk yield and muscle development in high-performance systems.
  Dosage depends on protein balancing and TMR formulation.

Formulation Considerations

L-Threonine works synergistically with other amino acids like lysine, methionine, and tryptophan. Correct formulation ensures that the limiting amino acid concept is respected, which is crucial for maximizing protein efficiency in feed.

Typical Specification of L-Threonine Feed Grade

• Purity: ≥98.5%

• Moisture: ≤1.0%

• Appearance: White or off-white crystalline powder

• Solubility: Freely soluble in water

• Shelf Life: 24 months

Packaging and Storage

• Available in 25 kg kraft paper bags with inner PE liner

• Store in a cool, dry, and ventilated area

• Avoid direct exposure to sunlight or humidity

Conclusion

L-Threonine feed grade is an indispensable additive in modern animal husbandry, enabling better nutrition, higher productivity, and lower environmental impact. Whether for pigs, poultry, aquaculture, or ruminants, threonine supplementation is a smart and cost-effective strategy for feed manufacturers and farmers alike.

Looking for a reliable L-Threonine supplier?
Jiangsu Khonor Chemicals Co., Limited provides high-quality feed-grade L-Threonine with global logistics support, OEM packaging, and technical guidance. Contact us today for samples or quotations.