Because the major role of amino acids is the protein synthesis in the body, the majority of amino acid research has focused on muscle accretion and egg production by supplying balanced amino acids in poultry diets. However, many other essential functions of amino acids have been recognized; especially, certain amino acids including arginine and sulphur amino acids (methionine and cysteine) support efficient growth, different tissue development, and health via modulating body metabolisms, providing precursors of essential molecules, and regulating cell differentiation.
Moreover, such functionality of key amino acids becomes more substantial to maintain health status in poultry under stress conditions like heat stress, coccidiosis and other diseases. Thus, understanding of the functional roles of these amino acids will provide us novel nutrition strategies to maintain efficient growth and health in poultry.
