Why Amino Acids Are So Important

“Since amino acids are the building blocks of protein, it is easy to understand why a deficiency in one amino acid could limit protein formation and milk production. But dairy scientists have known for more than a decade that amino acids are involved in many more biological functions.

To date, they have identified more than 20 such functions, ranging from protein synthesis to reproduction, embryo development, growth, stress response, immunity and health, milk production, and behavior. Amino acids also affect gene expression. For example, methionine has been shown to affect more than 2,600 genes.”

Be sure to check out the recent article by Dairy Herd’s Jim Dickrell.