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

ABSTRACT

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