Ovotransferrin as a Multifunctional Bioactive Protein: Unlocking Its Potential in Animal Health and Wellness

Ovotransferrin (OVT) is one of the major proteins of egg white and is known to bind and transport irons in animals. OVT exerts bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities due to its iron-binding capacity. OVT effectively controls the growth of various pathogenic microorganisms, including Pseudomonas, E. coli, Staphylococcus, Proteus, and Klebsiella species, as well as inhibiting the replication of viruses. OVT also has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, anticancer, and immuno-stimulating properties. For instances, OVT quenches free radicals, induces antioxidant enzymes, suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines, increases immune cells, reduces angiotensin-converting enzymes, and inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells. In this review, the beneficial effects of OVT in both in vitro and in vivo, particularly livestock, are described. Because of its antimicrobial properties, OVT supplementation in livestock feed would be an excellent alternative to antibiotics, which reducing the development of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic microorganisms. Thus, OVT could be a game-changing protein for the growth, performance, and healthy life of animals.