Valine

Valine is one of 20 amino acids that make up all body proteins. Together with leucine and isoleucine, valine is essential and belongs to the BCAAs, i.e. the “branched chain amino acids”. These BCAAs are particularly well known among strength and endurance athletes, as they activate muscle build-up, can be metabolised into energy when required, and help to spare glycogen. BCAAs, and valine in particular, are also important for muscle recovery. Muscle mass is only broken down once no free valine remains in the cell. This also applies to stress-induced muscle breakdown, such as after operations. Valine is important not only in sport but also for growth, as it supports the release of the growth hormone somatotropin and is therefore essential for foals and young horses.

In general, only amino acids that are digestible in the small intestine can be utilised by the horse. Late-cut, overripe hay often cannot cover requirements due to poor small intestine digestibility, especially where requirements are increased, such as in high performance or growth. The special feeds Amino-Muskel and Fohlen-Mix contain concentrated blends of highly small intestine digestible amino acids, such as isoleucine, leucine and valine. Amino-Muskel contains L-valine as a pure amino acid with one hundred percent digestibility. Pasture grass, soy*- and linseed extraction meal, and brewer’s yeast are also high-quality sources of amino acids.

*Both of marstall’s German manufacturing plants are members of the Verband Lebensmittel ohne Gentechnik e.V. (VLOG). Both produce according to its standards and their production facilities are VLOG-certified.