Effects of Methionine on Liver Health of Ruminants and Its Mechanisms
Methionine is the first limiting amino acid in ruminants,which has multiple physiological functions,such as glucose and lipid metabolism,anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.Due to the degradation of rumen mi-crobiota,rumen protected methionine(RPM)is often used to supplement ruminants with methionine in pro-duction.As the metabolic center of nutrients and important immune organ in ruminants,liver health is closely related to animal performance and health.Recent studies have demonstrated that methionine has regulatory effects on liver metabolism and functions,thus maintaining the liver health of ruminants.Therefore,the present study mainly reviews the physicochemical properties and nutritional functions of methionine,the types of RPM and its absorption,the effects and mechanisms of methionine on the liver health of ruminants.The present stud-y may provide scientific basis and theoretical reference for the application of RPM in ruminant production.[Chinese Journal of Animal Nutrition,2024,36(11):6853-6863]