Relative effectiveness of herbal methionine compared to DLmethionine on growth, performance and carcass responses basis in broiler chickens

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The degree to which the amount of an<br />ingested nutrient is absorbed and available to the body is called<br />bioavailability. OBJECTIVES: Relative effectiveness of herbal<br />methionine (H-Met®) compared to DL-methionine (DL-Met)<br />was investigated in this experiment. METHODS: Exponential<br />regression analysis was used to determine bioefficacy of H-Met®<br />based on body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion. DLMet<br />and H-Met® were added to a basal diet in 3 and 4 levels,<br />respectively, in starter, grower and finisher periods. Therefore,<br />that met the nutrient and energy requirements of broiler chickens,<br />with the exception of Met+Cys. RESULTS: In the 42-d trial,<br />broilers growth increased significantly (p<0.05), relative to<br />those broilers fed basal diet, regardless of Met sources. Carcass<br />characteristics did not respond significantly to the supplemental<br />Met. CONCLUSIONS: Regression analysis revealed that H-Met®<br />was 52% (body weight gain), 72% (feed intake) and 77% (feed<br />conversion ratio) as efficacious as DL-Met. H-Met® can be<br />administered as a new and a natural source of Met in poultry<br />industry.