Biological functions of methylsulfonylmethane and its application in animal production: a review

With the increasing demand for feed additives that are green, safe, and free of drug residues, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) has received extensive attention in animal production, and the research has been deepening. MSM is a sulfur-containing organic substance that is widely distributed in nature, with many biological functions, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune regulation, improvement of intestinal health, joint protection, and skin and hair nourishment, etc. It plays an important role in maintaining normal metabolism in the body and has considerable potential for application in the healthy rearing of animals. This paper reviews the biological functions and regulatory mechanisms of MSM, as well as its applications in animal production, including improving growth performance, reducing lipid peroxidation, improving meat quality, increasing disease resistance, and enhancing anti-stress ability. This is done in order to provide a reference for subsequent scientific research.