δ-Aininolevulinic Acid (ALA) as a potential feed additive in pig: A review

Abstract

Delta-Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA) which is the precursor of is synthesized by the condensation of glycme and succmyl-CoA with ALA synthetase as a coenzyme. This reaction is a mandatory step in heme synthesis and is rate-determining for the pathway. After several intermediate reactions, ALA is transformed into protoporphyrm IX. Subsequently, an iron atom is inserted into the porphyrm ring of protoporphyrin IX with the help of ferrochelatase forming heme. According to this reaction mechanism, supplementation of ALA in livestock can affect heme synthesis, positively influence the iron contentor hemoglobin status of animals. By increasing iron transfer efficiency from sow to piglets, through elevated milk iron concentrations immune system response could improve during inflammatory challenge. © 2011 Medwell Journals.