ไก่ชน..ทำไมต้องเสริมมากกว่าโปรตีน EP.2 ใช้อะไรเสริม ถ้าไม่ใช่แค่โปรตีน โดย ผศ.น.สพ.ดร.สมโภชน์ วีระกุลGamefowl: Why You Need More Than Just Protein (EP. 2) "What to supplement, if not just protein?

Gamefowl: Why You Need More Than Just Protein (EP. 2)
"What to supplement, if not just protein?" By Asst. Prof. Dr. Sompoth Weerakul


EP 2: Beyond Protein – Utilizing Medium-Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs) in Gamefowl
"Booster and Nok Bin" There have been numerous studies on the use of Medium-Chain Fatty Acids (carbon chains C6–C12)—including Caproic, Caprylic, Capric, and Lauric acid—in both humans and animals. Across more than 25 research reports, the majority highlight the benefits of MCFAs in antimicrobial activity and immune system enhancement. In livestock, they are used to increase growth rates, serve as an alternative to antibiotics in weaned piglets, and reduce mortality rates on poultry farms. Furthermore, Lauric acid or Monolaurin is often added to both human and animal milk to boost immunity, which is frequently seen in advertisements on infant formula tins.

These fatty acids provide significant benefits, and when bound with glycerol to form monoglycerides or triacylglycerols, their antimicrobial potency increases a hundredfold.

Skrivanova et al. (2009) studied the use of Caprylic acid (C8) and Capric acid (C10) in triacylglyceride form and found they could reduce mortality in rabbits from infectious diseases. In humans, they are used to prevent Alzheimer’s by serving as an alternative energy source to glucose and help reduce fatty liver issues caused by other fats. For gamefowl, a highly probable advantage compared to humans is their efficiency as an energy source, which will be discussed following their other properties.

Another type widely used in animals is Lauric acid, which is found in high concentrations in coconut oil.

The Power of Monolaurin
When Lauric acid combines with glycerol, it becomes Monolaurin. This substance acts as an antimicrobial agent similar to other MCFAs but is specifically effective at eliminating enveloped viruses (which have a lipid outer layer and are often severe pathogens) and various pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli, Clostridium, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Nocardia, Corynebacterium, and Pneumococcus. It also shows efficacy against the fungi Aspergillus niger, the yeast Candida albicans, and helps control the spread of Coccidiosis (various protozoa in the genus Eimeria).

In poultry, MCFAs have been found to increase growth rates, improve weight gain, and promote overall health. Currently, they are used as antibiotic replacements on farms, with an optimal dosage of 300 mg per kilogram of feed (Aerin, 2019).

Reports on using Lauric acid in combination with Myristic acid in broilers showed better breast muscle development compared to other fat groups and basal diets. The Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) improved, likely because these fatty acids enhance the integrity and height of the intestinal mucosa and villi. They also maintain a better balance of beneficial gut microbiota, leading to superior digestion and nutrient absorption (Zeitz et al., 2015).


Internationally, coconut oil is recommended as the richest source of Lauric acid, followed by Caprylic and Capric acids, to stimulate immunity and provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Suggested dosage is 1/8 tablespoon (0.6g) per 1 pound (454g) of body weight.


This Part is Crucial: A Superior Energy Source!
Free fatty acids and MCFAs have the advantage of providing rapid and high energy through aerobic metabolism via the Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain. While natural long-chain fats must be digested and transported as chylomicrons (lipoproteins that transport triacylglycerols) to be absorbed through the intestinal wall, short and medium-chain fatty acids do not require complex digestion or chylomicrons for transport.

Consequently, they are utilized rapidly to generate energy aerobically. This makes them a high-energy, fast-acting alternative to glucose, which:

Reduces lactic acid production.
Minimizes muscle cramping.
Increases endurance against fatigue.
Energy Comparison:

1g Protein: ~4 Kcal
1g Carbohydrate (Glucose): ~4 Kcal
1g Fat: 9 Kcal
However, the primary purpose of protein should not be energy production. Using protein for energy leads to excessively high crude protein levels in daily rations. (See EP 1: Protein and Amino Acids in Gamefowl – How much is enough? Can Whey Protein be used?)

Incorporating fats reduces the Metabolic Energy (ME) requirement derived from protein, thereby lowering overall protein consumption. This helps mitigate nitrogenous waste accumulation, which strains the liver and kidneys and can lead to organ failure. By using MCFAs for energy, you can focus on the quality of the protein (amino acid profile) rather than just the quantity.

Why "Booster and Nok Bin" is superior to Whey Protein alone:
Muscle and power development supplements shouldn't rely solely on protein. Even high-quality sources like hydrolyzed or isolate whey are incomplete if they lack essential amino acids or if the protein levels are so high they create toxic nitrogenous waste. Using MCFAs as an energy source enhances growth and prevents energy deficits during intense training and competition.

Q: How is the composition of "Booster and Nok Bin" better than just Whey Protein? A: Because it isn't just whey. It includes protein from autolyzed yeast and provides immune stimulants like Beta-glucans.

Q: Why combine Whey Protein with MCFAs? A: As detailed above, the combination yields better muscle growth than other diets. MCFAs provide superior energy, offer antimicrobial properties, and prevent the over-consumption of protein.

Q: What else is in "Booster and Nok Bin"? A: It is fortified with essential amino acids (which whey may lack), probiotics, antioxidants like Astaxanthin, Omega 3-6, and essential vitamins.


Summary of Benefits:
Better and Faster Recovery: Speeds up the recuperation process.
Essential Nutrients: Provides vitamins and nutrients necessary for recovery.
Organ Support: Contains nutrients to nourish the liver and kidneys.
Immune Boost: Strengthens the immune system with Beta-glucans.
High Quality: Features Protein Isolate and Medium-Chain Fatty Acids.