Choline Chloride

What is Choline Chloride?

Choline Chloride is a vital nutrient for the optimal growth of animals which works by building and sustaining the structure and functioning of cells, as well as a commercial salt of choline. This supplement is linked with the metabolism and the synthesis of cysteine, serine, glycine, betaine, and a multitude of other methyl-containing biological compounds. Choline (2-hydroxyethyl-trimethyl ammonium hydroxide), is a natural amine and it is frequently classified as a member of the vitamin B complex family as well as being a basic component of numerous other biologically relevant molecules, like for instance acetylcholine and lecithin. Moreover, it is a sort of organic compound which can be made in the bodies of animals.

On the other hand, in most instances it is necessary to add it into fodders as an essentially used vitamin. This salt has a crucial role in regulating the metabolism as well as converting fat in the body, and preventing fat deposits in the kidneys, liver, and the degeneration of tissues, thus speeding up the reformulating of amino acids and increasing the ratio of utilization.

The four key metabolic functions of this supplement are the following:

  1. To build, control and sustain cell membrane integrity and permeability, as well as the regular maturing of bone cartilage, as well as the preventing of perosis in broilers;
  2. To function as a lipotropic agent, or in other words, to support the use and external transporting of fat in the liver, in this way averting abnormal fat buildup or the so-called “fatty liver”;
  3. To act as a precursor for the synthesis of acetyl choline, which is the agent for transmitting impulses alongside the sympathetic nervous system;
  4. To arrange for labile methyl groups, which are crucial for various biological functions.

Choline chloride is mass manufactured and furthermore, it is a key additive in animal feed, particularly for chickens, whose growth and general development it helps to speed up and boost. It is also extensively used in the animal feeds for calves, pigs, as well as fish or aquatics. As an essential feed additive for these animals, choline chloride plays a fundamental role in improving the growth of animals and boosting their immunity from diseases.

Also, along with urea, the organic compound, it forms a deep eutectic solvent, a type of ionic solvent. Some other types of choline salts are choline bitartrate and hydroxide.

Choline Deficiency:

A lack of choline in animal fodder will possibly cause a deficiency of choline, such as for instance the following:

  • Chickens: Impeded growth, a reduced egg production in both number and size. A lesser hatching of eggs, an accrual of fat within the kidneys and liver, fat degeneration, behavioral disorder.
  • Cattle: Retarded growth, behavioral disorders, and respiratory disturbance.
  • Swine: Impeded growth, behavioral and nervous disorders, diminished fertility and a fat deposit within the liver.
  • Fish: Impeded growth, low breeding efficacy, fatty liver, and intestinal and renal bleeding.
  • Other animals (such as cats, dogs and others): Behavioral disorder, matted hairs and fatty liver.

Choline Chloride is at this point of time the most optimal form of this amine to be blended as an additive with animal feeds. However, it should be noted that choline chloride has a detrimental outcome on some other vitamins, and typically with the existing of metallic elements, it can destroy the effects of vitamin A, D as well as vitamin K.

Chloride is available in several kinds of forms, namely:

  • Liquid or the powder form, which may directly be put into complete fodders.
  • Premix, added indirectly into feeds (this is the intermixture of several additives which can be produced or bought from other parties.)