Soybean Isoflavones:Characteristics and Feed Application

Soy isoflavones,which are the major components of soybean,belong to isoflavonic phytoestrogen.Genistein,daidzein and glycitein are the main constituents of soy isoflavones.They all have the similar estrogen and anti-estrogen effects,and they also have many biological functions including antioxidation and regulation of immune and endocrine system.As a focal point of research,soy isoflavones have been widely used in animal feeding operations.This article summarized the structure of flavonoid and isoflavones and the content,distribution,structure,physicochemical property and metabolism of soybean isoflavones.Meanwhile,the effect and mechanism of soybean isoflavones on production performance,immune and reproductive performance of animals were also discussed in this article.