Abstract
The influence of dietary L-carnitine and lysine (Lys)-methionine (Met) levels on productive performance, haematology and triiodothyronine hormone levels of broilers was investigated. Dietary treatments included different L-carnitine (0, 50 and 100 mg/kg) and Lys-Met (0%, 10% and 20% over National Research Council (NRC) (1994) recommendation levels), under a 3 × 3 factorial design arrangement. From the findings, the body weight (BW) gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broilers were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by dietary treatments in the different growing stages. Conversely, carcass yield and organs did not differ (p > 0.05) among treatments, whereas meat-cuts varied significantly when broilers were fed experimental diets. Moreover, the dietary inclusion of the highest levels of amino-acids (L-carnitine (100 mg/kg) and Lys-Met (+20%)) produced a reduction (p < 0.05) of blood uric acid, also leading to the highest triiodothyronine (T3) hormone levels. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that the combination of extra levels of L-carnitine associated with Lys-Met positively influenced the performance traits in broiler chickens.
Highlights
Essential amino acids (AA) are critical for the proper development of poultry
Essential AA recommendations currently used for broilers by the National Research Council (NRC) Nutrient Requirements of Poultry of 1994 are largely based on results of trials conducted several decades ago [3], and time has passed and scientific advancement has been made since 1994; there is the need for an update poultry NRC guidelines for modern poultry production [3]
Based on the different levels of L-carnitine and Lys-Met supplied, significant differences among dietary treatments were found in broiler body weight (BW) gain (Table 3), where supplementing L-carnitine (50 mg/kg) and Lys-Met (+20%) during the grower period led to the best gains (p < 0.05)
Summary
Essential amino acids (AA) are critical for the proper development of poultry. As feed efficiency is crucial factor for intensive rearing systems of poultry, it is imperative to formulate diets that improve and maximize animal production [1,2].The importance of utilizing the correct amount of balanced dietary AA for poultry is a high priority issue due to its significant impact on broiler growth and meat yield. Essential amino acids (AA) are critical for the proper development of poultry. As feed efficiency is crucial factor for intensive rearing systems of poultry, it is imperative to formulate diets that improve and maximize animal production [1,2]. The importance of utilizing the correct amount of balanced dietary AA for poultry is a high priority issue due to its significant impact on broiler growth and meat yield. AA needs for optimum production is of utmost importance. Essential AA recommendations currently used for broilers by the National Research Council (NRC) Nutrient Requirements of Poultry of 1994 are largely based on results of trials conducted several decades ago [3], and time has passed and scientific advancement has been made since 1994; there is the need for an update poultry NRC guidelines for modern poultry production [3].
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