Feed-grade taurine powder is an amino acid derived from sulfur-containing amino acids. It is also known as taurocholic acid, cholamine, and cholinoid. Taurine primarily exists in a free state within the interstitial fluid and intracellular fluid of tissues. It is a sulfur-containing amino acid widely distributed in animal bodies, with the chemical name 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid and the chemical formula C₂H₇NO₃S.
Feed-grade taurine powder is an important feed additive. It is found as a free amino acid in the brain, heart, liver, kidneys, ovaries, uterus, skeletal muscles, blood, saliva, and milk of both humans and animals. It is especially concentrated in the pineal gland, retina, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands. In the hearts of mammals, free taurine accounts for as much as 50% of the total free amino acids.
Feed-grade taurine powder possesses various physiological activities and nutritional effects, including anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, sedative, antibacterial, immune-enhancing, choleretic, hepatoprotective, detoxifying, and vasodilatory properties. It can also promote intestinal iron absorption, increase the stability of red blood cell membranes, and has a significant effect on preventing and treating iron-deficiency anemia. Additionally, taurine is a growth factor for bifidobacteria in the human gut, helping to optimize gut bacterial structure and exhibiting antioxidant properties that delay aging.
Adding taurine powder to feed can promote poultry growth and enhance protein utilization, indirectly supporting animal growth and development. Research indicates that adding taurine powder to the feed of broilers and laying hens can improve production performance, regulate lipid metabolism, enhance antioxidant status, and improve egg quality. Taurine powder also significantly improves the production performance of ducks at different growth stages, mainly through its antioxidant, immune-regulating, and nutrient-metabolism functions.
While the use of feed-grade taurine powder in feed is safe, long-term excessive feeding may adversely affect poultry health. Therefore, feeders should add taurine feed additives according to recommended dosages and regularly monitor poultry production performance and health status to ensure the balance and stability of nutrients in the feed. It is essential to follow usage instructions and use feed in the correct environment and conditions, ensuring quality and hygiene during processing.
Feed-grade taurine powder is a vital feed additive with various physiological activities and nutritional effects, significantly promoting poultry growth and improving product quality. However, it is crucial to control the dosage and follow usage instructions to ensure poultry health and food safety.
