THE USE OF EXOGENOUS CARNITINE IN FARM-AN IMALS

A critical review is given about the use of carnitine supplementation in animals for zootechnical purpose. The main function of carnitine is the transport of long chain fatty acids through the inner mitochondri al membrane for energy production. Only the L-isomere is endogenously synthetised in the body of vertebrates. The D-form can inhibit L-carni tine and should not be administered. The major sources of carnitine ar e of animal origin, like meat. The use of carnitine has been proposed for a range of applications in very different domains like muscle stre ngth, production and reproduction and diseases of heart, liver, kidney and other organs. Even neurological problems are claimed to be effect ed by carnitine. A synthesis of the biochemical and physiological aspe cts of L-carnitine is made. New applications of L-carnitine supplement ation in animals have been suggested.