Valine is one of the essential branched-chain amino acids for animals and is often used in feed nutrition asan important limiting amino acid,, whose core functions are toparticipate in protein synthesis, regulate lactation performance in mammals, and serve as an energy source to maintain body homeostasis under stress.

Specifically, its main roles include:

1. Supporting protein deposition and muscle growth: it is a key raw material for body protein and muscle synthesis, especially during the late growth and finishing stages when demand is significant.

2. Improving lactation performance in sows: as the most abundant essential amino acid in milk, it directly affects milk yield, milk fat percentage, and milk protein content, and is critical for piglet survival and growth.

3. Providing energy and anti-stress support: under stress conditions such as starvation or disease, it can be directly oxidized by muscle to supply energy, helping reduce body protein breakdown.

4. Balancing amino acid ratios: in low-protein diets, maintaining an appropriate ratio with lysine, threonine, and other amino acids can maximize protein utilization efficiency and reduce nitrogen emission.