Abstract
Simple SummaryThis study investigated the effects of different DL-methionine levels on quail breeders kept from 8–16 weeks of age. The results revealed that using DL-methionine at levels of 0.5 or 1.5 g/kg improved the liver and kidney functions, lipid profile, immunity and antioxidant parameters of quail breeders.The present study was carried out to study the effects of varying dietary DL-methionine (0, 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 g/kg) levels on the productive and reproductive performance, egg quality and blood biochemical parameters of quail breeders. In total, 150 mature Japanese quails at eight weeks of age were randomly allotted to five groups of 30 for each group. Each group included five replicates, each of six quails (four females and two males). The results showed that egg number, egg weight and egg mass were higher (p < 0.05) with the addition of all DL-methionine levels than that of the control group. Quails from the control group had a lower feed intake (p < 0.001) and a worse feed conversion ratio (FCR) than those from the DL-methionine-treated groups. Supplementation of DL-methionine up to 2.5 g/kg in quail diets increased fertility and hatchability percentages. Birds fed DL-methionine at 1.5 g/kg had the best egg production indices, better FCR and the highest values of fertility and hatchability. Egg weight, yolk %, Haugh unit, egg shape index and unit surface shell weight (USSW) were increased and eggshell % was decreased in quail supplemented with DL-methionine levels compared with the control quail (p < 0.05). Dietary DL-methionine levels did not affect (p > 0.05) the hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs) and packed cell volume (PCV) of quails. DL-methionine levels (0.5 and 2.5 g/kg) augmented lymphocytes and basophile (p < 0.05). Low DL-methionine levels (0.5 or 1.5 g/kg) improved liver enzymes and kidney functions. Dietary DL-methionine levels (except 3.5 g/kg) declined serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and decreased lipid profile parameters (except high-density lipoprotein—HDL). Supplementation of DL-methionine at 0.5 and 1.5 g/kg increased immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM and IgA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) (p < 0.001) compared with the control. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of DL-methionine (1.5 g/kg) can enhance the reproductive performance and egg quality of quail breeders. DL-methionine use at levels of 0.5 or 1.5 g/kg improved the liver and kidney functions, lipid profile, immunity and antioxidant parameters of Japanese quail.
Highlights
The best strategy to optimize production and reproduction in poultry species while mitigating the harmful results of environmental conditions is proper nutrition [1,2,3]
Bunchasak [4] summarized the several roles of methionine as follows: (1) an essential amino acid for the synthesis of protein; (2) a sulfur donor; (3) an amino acid involved in the synthesis of polyamine; (4) a precursor of main intermediates in metabolic pathways, for instance, carnitine or cystine; and (5) a methyl donor group for the normal formation of co-enzyme S-adenosylmethionine and normal cellular metabolism
Abou-Kassem [13] found that the performance was significantly improved for quails fed a diet containing a methionine level higher than the recommended level
Summary
The best strategy to optimize production and reproduction in poultry species while mitigating the harmful results of environmental conditions is proper nutrition [1,2,3]. One of the pillars of nutrition is the use of amino acids in poultry diets. Methionine represents the first limiting amino acid in broilers. Synthetic sources of methionine such as DL-methionine (DL-Met) are included in poultry feed to optimize the dietary level of methionine. Methionine plays an essential role in energy production and boosts the livability, performance and feed efficiency utilization in poultry [2,6]. Kidd et al [7] pointed out that healthy poultry responded positively to the inclusion of amino acids as feed additives and had an affirmative impact on performance. Methionine supplementation can alter the immune response and is beneficial in reducing immunologic stress [8]
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