The EU has approved a new feed additive: this is how L-arginine affects animal health

Known as a building block of proteins, L-arginine is particularly important in regulating cardiovascular functions and kidney function. Krisztián Czompó, Sales and Innovation Director of Bonafarm-Bábolna Takarmány Kft., explained: L-arginine is an essential amino acid that plays a role in protein synthesis, metabolism, growth, immune system function, and also in maintaining vascular health through nitric oxide biosynthesis.

The role of L-arginine in animal nutrition has become particularly important because animal protein sources, such as meat meal, are increasingly being relegated to the background in feeding. In parallel, plant-based diets have come to the fore, which at the same time require a diet with a higher crude protein content to meet the animals’ total amino acid needs. The use of synthetic amino acids, such as L-arginine, makes it possible to ensure the necessary amino acid supply even with feeds with a lower total protein content.

Krisztián Czompó emphasized that if the feed of farm animals is properly composed, amino acid deficiency rarely causes a problem. However, the use of L-arginine can further improve the general health and performance of animals, especially in modern, more sustainable feeding systems.

The authorization of the new additive is part of the innovation efforts of the EU agricultural sector, which aims to increase the efficiency of feeding and reduce the environmental burden.