Protected amino acids and choline in the diet of ruminants
11 November, 2026
Protected amino acids, such as methionine and lysine, along with protected choline, serve as tools for the precision feeding of ruminants. They have different roles but a common goal: to reach the sites where the body needs them, in a form that can be utilized.
In modern ruminant nutrition, the goal is not merely to provide more feed, but to meet the animals’ requirements with greater precision. This is the rationale behind precision nutrition: the right nutrient, in the correct amount, and at the appropriate stage of production.
Why do amino acids and choline need protection?
In the large intestine, microorganisms break down food and produce valuable nutrients. At the same time, however, they can also break down supplemental amino acids or choline, limiting the amount that reaches the small intestine for absorption.
The protected forms have been designed to limit this breakdown.
Effectiveness does not depend solely on protection. The nutrient must also be released and absorbed. Therefore, the content of a product is not the same as the amount that the animal actually utilizes.
Protected methionine: targeted support for protein synthesis
Methionine is an essential amino acid—one of the “building blocks” of proteins. In many dairy cattle rations, it can be a limiting factor; when it is in short supply, the utilization of other amino acids for protein production is hindered.
Targeted supplementation can support milk protein production and more efficient utilization of the ration, when a relevant deficiency exists.
JEFO SECURE MET is a protected methionine premix for cows, sheep, and goats. It contains 550 g of DL-methionine per kilogram and can be uniformly incorporated into the total mixed ration or into suitable premixes.
Protected lysine: amino acid balance, not just more protein
Lysine is also an essential amino acid for protein synthesis. Along with methionine, it is often considered one of the amino acids that require special attention in the rations of dairy cows.
JEFO SECURE LYS is a protected lysine supplement for ruminants. It provides 300 g of L-lysine per kilogram of product and is used according to the nutritionist’s instructions, based on the requirements of the ration.
Protected choline: support for fat metabolism
Choline is not an amino acid. It participates in the formation of cell membranes and in the transport of fats from the liver to other tissues.
Its role is of particular interest around the time of calving and at the beginning of the lactation period. During this phase, cows often mobilize body fat to meet increased energy demands, placing a strain on the liver’s management of fats.
JEFO SECURE CHOLINE is a choline premix for ruminants, featuring a lipid carrier and a content of 250 g of choline chloride per kilogram. It serves as a form of targeted nutritional support, without replacing adequate energy supply or proper management during the transition period.
How is precision nutrition applied to ruminants?
The implementation of precision nutrition includes:
- Analysis of animal feed, and assessment of actual feed intake and the production stage.
- Calculation of potential nutritional deficits and selection of appropriate supplementation, taking into account the bioavailability of each product.
- Proper mixing and monitoring of production, milk composition, and the condition of the animals.
Not all animals require all three products, nor do they need them in the same quantities. The goal is to address specific needs, not to add supplements indiscriminately.
Precision nutrition and nitrogen utilization
With precision nutrition, regarding proteins, we achieve better nitrogen utilization, lower MUN, reduced liver load (leading to better reproduction), lower ration costs, and a smaller environmental footprint in terms of nitrogen.
