Choline

Choline serves as a source of methyl groups and is involved in a number of transmethylations. It is an essential component of phospholipids and acetylcholine which have functions in lipid transport, cell structure and transmission of nerve impulses. Deficiency symptoms include poor growth, anorexia and fatty tissues. Sources of choline include dried distillers solubles, cottonseed meat fish solubles, fish meal, shrimp meal, soybean meal and yeast. Recommended supplementation level of choline in commercial feeds is 400 mg/kg (Akiyama et al., 1992).