Effect of Moderate Excess Methionine on Growth, Feed Intake and Utilization of Energy and Nitrogen in Chicks

Abstract

In order to study the effect of moderate excess methionine on growth, feed intake and efficiencies of energy and nitrogen utilization in chicks, 8-day-old Single Comb White Leghorn chicks were fed the methionine adequate control and moderate methionine excess diets for 12-day experimental period. Body weight gain and feed intake of the chicks fed the methionine excess diet were significantly decreased, whereas efficiency of feed utilization was not affected by feeding the methionine excess diet. Body composition was not different between both groups, but the chicks fed the methionine excess diet retained significantly less fat, protein and energy than those fed the control diet. Although metabolizability of dietary energy was not altered by excess methionine, the efficiency of metabolizable energy utilization was decreased. Whereas, nitrogen utilization was not depressed by feeding the methionine excess diet.