Introduction to L-Threonine

L-Threonine is one of the essential amino acids required by animals for optimal growth, metabolism, and immune function. Since most animals cannot synthesize threonine on their own, it must be supplied through the diet. In the modern feed industry, L-Threonine (feed grade) is widely used as a nutritional supplement to balance amino acid profiles and reduce feed costs while improving animal performance.

Key Applications of L-Threonine in Animal Feed

1. Swine Nutrition

In pig diets, especially corn-soybean-based diets, L-Threonine is often the second limiting amino acid after lysine. Supplementation provides several benefits:

• Piglets: Supports rapid growth, immune development, and intestinal health

• Growers and Finishers: Enhances protein utilization and promotes lean meat gain

• Sows: Improves reproductive performance and milk quality

By optimizing the threonine-to-lysine ratio, swine producers can achieve better feed efficiency and reduce nitrogen emissions.

2. Poultry Nutrition

In broiler and layer diets, threonine plays an important role in protein synthesis, feather development, and gut integrity.

• Broilers: Improves body weight gain, breast meat yield, and feed conversion ratio

• Layers: Helps maintain egg production and shell quality, especially under heat stress

Threonine also supports the production of mucins, which are essential for maintaining gut health and nutrient absorption.

3. Aquaculture

Fish and shrimp require balanced amino acid profiles for efficient growth and protein retention. L-Threonine supplementation is essential when using plant-based proteins in aquafeed, which are typically low in threonine.

• Promotes fast growth and high protein deposition

• Improves feed conversion and survival rates

• Reduces nitrogen waste in aquatic systems

4. Ruminant Nutrition

In high-performance dairy and beef cattle, L-Threonine is used in rumen-protected form to avoid degradation in the rumen and deliver threonine to the small intestine.

• Enhances milk yield and protein content

• Supports muscle growth and reproductive performance

• Increases microbial efficiency in the rumen

Additional Benefits of L-Threonine

• Cost Reduction: Allows for the reduction of total crude protein in feed formulations

• Environmental Protection: Lowers nitrogen excretion and greenhouse gas emissions

• Improved Feed Flexibility: Enables use of alternative, lower-cost ingredients

Conclusion

L-Threonine is a vital component of modern animal feed formulations. By correcting amino acid imbalances and supporting growth, immunity, and nutrient absorption, it helps producers achieve better economic and environmental outcomes. Whether in pigs, poultry, aquaculture, or ruminants, L-Threonine ensures better performance and healthier animals.

L-Threonine feed grade.pdf

COA - L-Threonine.pdf