Raw material and nutrient lexicon

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Choline

In metabolism, choline is involved in the formation of phospholipids (e.g. lecithin) and lipoproteins. It also influences fat digestion and fat metabolism. In addition, it is available alongside the amino acid(methionine) as a so-called methyl group donor in the metabolism. With a sufficient supply of methionine, serine, folic acid and vitamin B12, choline can be formed in the liver. A choline deficiency can lead to disturbed fat metabolism and consequently to fatty liver. In addition, functional disorders of the joints and bones (e.g. perosis in poultry, splay-leggedness in piglets) can occur. Although choline is found in all feedstuffs, the concentration varies greatly. Some oil meals (e.g. soy meal) and yeasts are rich in choline, but maize contains very little natural choline. In young birds and poultry for fattening, the natural content of feed is not sufficient to cover their needs. In these cases, the feed must be supplemented with pure choline.