Importance of the expression and activity of B-carotene 15, 15’ monooxygenase and vitamin A. Its role in animal production. A Review.

Abstract

B-carotene, one of the most common carotenoids in the diet of domestic animals, is transformed into vitamin A by the enzyme B-carotene-15, 15’ monooxygenase, with a conversion efficiency that depends on the animal species, among other factors. The domestic chicken is one of the most efficient converters of B-carotene into vitamin A. Among ruminants, bovines affect this conversion with five times less efficiency than goats, which explains in large part the differences in fat color between these species. The present review focuses on the main characteristics of the carotenoids and their metabolism in ruminants and non-ruminants, on the conversion of B-carotene to retinoids and other apocarotenoids by the two proposed models of central line and eccentric way; on different forms of vitamin A and their activity in the cells; and on regulation of the expression and activity of the enzymes B-carotene-15, 15 ‘monooxygenase. The intent of the authors is to highlight the importance of this enzyme in the conversion of B-carotene to vitamin A and in energy metabolism, which has an impact on animal production.