Dietary Methionine Supplementation Research Articles

Genetic growth performance of methionine supplementation in diet of Large White pigs in tropical environments

Objective : This study was to assess the effect of dietary methionine supplementation on the productive performance of growing pigs. Methods : A total of 200 Large White pigs including 100 sows and 100 castrated with an average body weight of around 41.09 ± 7.08 kg were assigned to five treatments of basal diet supplemented with 0% (M0), 0.25% (M0.25), 0.50% (M0.50), 0.75% (M0.75) and 1% (M1) of methionine having 4 replicates of 10 pigs each. All treatments were subjected to the same prophylactic plan. Data were collected on feed intake, body weights and body measurements, especially back length, thoracic perimeter and height at the withers. The data collected were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results : this study showed a significant reduction in feed intake in M0.50 and M0.75 compared to the other treatments. On day 60, pigs in the M1 treatment showed significantly lower body weights than pigs in M0.50. Pigs in the M0.75 treatment had the lowest feed conversion ratio compared to the M1 treatment. The economic evaluation revealed that the M0.50 and M0.75 treatment groups had the best production costs. Conclusion : supplementing the diet with 0.50% methionine resulted in better production costs in Large White pigs and is strongly recommended to farmers

Impact of dietary methionine supplementation on the growth performance of Large White pigs in tropical environments

Impact of dietary methionine supplementation on the growth performance of Large White pigs in tropical environments

PSVI-7 A traceable signature for a recovery microbiome composition after a dysbiosis caused by a sanitary challenge in pigs

Abstract Recent insights continue to point to a causal role of the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome in digestion, nutrient absorption, and host metabolism. The GI microbiome may be a frequent target of perturbation since some challenges (i.e., high density, temperature and air quality fluctuations, presence of endemic enteric pathogens) faced by pigs may altogether create a spectrum of contrasting sanitary conditions. Therefore, our study investigated the influence of increased dietary tryptophan, threonine, and methionine supplementation in pigs from “good” vs. “poor” sanitary conditions, on the GI microbiome over time. For that purpose, female growing pigs were randomly assigned in a 2 × 2 factorial design (n = 30/treatment), consisting of two sanitary conditions (“good” vs. “poor”) and two diets [control (CN) vs. supplemented with specific amino acids (Trp, Thr, and Met+Cys:Lys ratios increased to 20% greater than CN]. Pigs allocated to the “good” sanitary condition treatment were sham-inoculated with pure BHI broth and the barn was cleaned twice a day and disinfected once a week. Whereas, “poor” sanitary condition comprised of all pigs being inoculated with 2 x 109 CFU of Salmonella Typhimurium (ST), in addition to spreading fecal material from a commercial farm under sanitary challenge, followed by leaving the barn uncleaned throughout the study (poor + ST). Fecal samples (n = 11) were collected at day post-challenge (DPC) 0, 10, and 21, and were sequenced for 16S rRNA data analysis of community diversity (alpha and beta) and taxonomic changes over time. Our results demonstrated that both alpha (Shannon and Simpson) and beta diversity metrics were significantly altered at DPC 21 by differentiating “good” vs “poor + ST” treatments, despite amino acids supplementation in the diet. Bacterial taxonomic analysis further captured community level alterations by a marked dysbiosis occurring on pigs allocated under “poor + ST” sanitary conditions. “ST + poor” sanitary conditions altered community structure as measured by co-occurrence networks, which was particularly pointed out at DPI 21. Specifically, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Intestinibacter, Rombustsia, Terrisporobacter, and Megasphaera were five taxa between others co-enriched in fecal samples from pigs allocated under “poor + ST” sanitary conditions at DPC 21. These putative SCFA-producing bacteria were positively straighter correlated between them (Figure 1), which suggests a traceable signature for a recovery microbiome composition after a dysbiosis. In conclusion, temporal changes in fecal swine microbiome of growing pigs may be reflective of sanitary status despite dietary supplementation of specific amino acids.

Dietary supplementation of methionine, lysine, and tryptophan as possible modulators of growth, immune response, and disease resistance in striped catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus).

The present study investigated the potential role of different essential amino acids (AA) in striped catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus). Fish (initial weight = 17.91±0.27 g, n = 260) were fed with eight isonitrogenous (30%), and isolipidic diets (6%) formulated to include different combinations of tryptophan (Trp), methionine (Met), and lysine (Lys) (T0: Zero AA, T1: Trp, T2: Lys, T3: Met, T4: Trp+Met, T5: Lys+Trp, T6: Met+Lys, T7: Lys+Trp+Met) for eight weeks. The dose of amino acid supplementation, whether individually or in combination, was 5g of each amino acid per kg of diet. The trial comprised eight treatments, with each treatment consisted of three replicates (n = 10/replicate). At the end of the growth experiment, the highest total body weight, crude protein, digestive enzymatic activity, immune response, and amino acids level were observed in treatments supplemented with amino acids compared to T0. After the growth experiment, fish in all treatments were exposed to Staphylococcus aureus (5×105 CFU/ml). For bacterial challenge trial, the T0 treatment was designated as positive (+ve T0) and negative control (-ve T0). Following the S. aureus challenge, fish fed with amino acids showed a better response to reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation, as indicated by the increased levels of catalase and superoxide dismutase. Conversely, the concentration of malondialdehyde gradually decreased in all treatments compared to the +ve T0 treatment. It is concluded that supplementation of amino acids improved the growth, protein content, and immunocompetency against S. aureus in striped catfish. The most favorable outcomes in striped catfish were shown by fish supplemented with T7 diet. These essential amino acids hold potential as efficient supplements for use in the intensive aquaculture for striped catfish.

Dietary methionine supplementation during the estrous cycle improves follicular development and estrogen synthesis in rats.

The follicle is an important unit for the synthesis of steroid hormones and the oocyte development and maturation in mammals. However, the effect of methionine supply on follicle development and its regulatory mechanism are still unclear. In the present study, we found that dietary methionine supplementation during the estrous cycle significantly increased the number of embryo implantation sites, as well as serum contents of a variety of amino acids and methionine metabolic enzymes in rats. Additionally, methionine supplementation markedly enhanced the expression of rat ovarian neutral amino acid transporters, DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), and cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE); meanwhile, it significantly increased the ovarian concentrations of the metabolite S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and glutathione (GSH). In vitro data showed that methionine supply promotes rat follicle development through enhancing the expression of critical gene growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15. Furthermore, methionine enhanced the relative protein and mRNA expression of critical genes related to estrogen synthesis, ultimately increasing estrogen synthesis in primary ovarian granulosa cells. Taken together, our results suggested that methionine promoted follicular growth and estrogen synthesis in rats during the estrus cycle, which improved embryo implantation during early pregnancy. These findings provided a potential nutritional strategy to improve the reproductive performance of animals.

Effect of dietary supplementation of methionine and tryptophan on reproductive parameters of eri silkworm

Effect of dietary supplementation of methionine and tryptophan on reproductive parameters of eri silkworm

Effects of dietary methionine supplementation on the growth performance, immune responses, antioxidant capacity, and subsequent development of layer chicks

Deficiencies or excesses of dietary amino acids, and especially of methionine (Met), in laying hens can lead to abnormal protein anabolism and oxidative stress, which affect methylation and cause cellular dysfunction. This study investigated the effects of dietary methionine (Met) levels on growth performance, metabolism, immune response, antioxidant capacity, and the subsequent development of laying hens. A total of 384 healthy 1-day-old Hyline Grey chicks of similar body weight were randomly allocated to be fed diets containing 0.31%, 0.38%, 0.43% (control group), or 0.54% Met for 6 wk, with 6 replicates of 16 chicks in each. The growth performance of the chicks was then followed until 20 wk old. The results showed dietary supplementation with 0.43% or 0.54% Met significantly increased their mean daily body weight gain, final weight, and Met intake. However, the feed:gain (F/G) decreased linearly with increasing Met supplementation, from 0.31 to 0.54% Met. Met supplementation increased the serum albumin, IgM, and total glutathione concentrations of 14-day-old chicks. In contrast, the serum alkaline phosphatase activity and hydroxyl radical concentration tended to decrease with increasing Met supplementation. In addition, the highest serum concentrations of IL-10, T-SOD, and GSH-PX were in the 0.54% Met-fed group. At 42 d of age, the serum ALB, IL-10, T-SOD, GSH-PX, T-AOC, and T-GSH were correlated with dietary Met levels. Finally, Met supplementation reduced the serum concentrations of ALP, IL-1β, IgA, IgG, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radicals. Thus, the inclusion of 0.43% or 0.54% Met in the diet helps chicks achieve superior performance during the brooding period and subsequently. In conclusion, Met doses of 0.43 to 0.54% could enhance the growth performance, protein utilization efficiency, antioxidant capacity, and immune responses of layer chicks, and to promote more desirable subsequent development during the brooding period.

PSXI-22 Different Initial Body Weight and Dietary Supplementation of Tryptophan, Threonine, and Methionine on Feeding Behavior Index of Growing Pigs Under a Sanitary Challenge

Abstract Sanitary challenges (SC) can affect growth and revenue of pig production. The reduction in growth performance result from a decrease in daily feed intake (DFI). Besides, feeding behavior patterns may be also affected for pigs under SC. The extent of this impact might depend on the initial body weight (BW) of pigs. Additionally, supplementing tryptophan (Trp), threonine (Thr), and methionine (Met) above NRC requirements may attenuate inflammation and modulates DFI under SC. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate initial BW variation and SC effect on feeding behavior of growing pigs fed supplemented diet with Trp, Thr, and Met at 100 or 120% of NRC recommended levels. Eighty gilts were categorized into two groups according to initial BW; light (23±0.8 kg) and heavy (29±1.0 kg). Both BW groups were group-housed for 14 days trial in a good or poor SC. Pigs within SC poor were orally inoculated with 2×109 CFU of Salmonella typhimurium, and fresh manure from a pig farm was spread on the floor. In contrast, pigs within SC good were not inoculated, nor was manure spread. Two diets (D) were provided within each SC: control (CN) or supplemented (AA+) diet with Trp, Thr, and Met:Lysine at 120% of NRC recommended levels. Pigs were individually fed through automatic feeders. Indexes of irregularity of feed intake (IIFI), meal duration (MD), and total intake (TI) were calculated based on real-time information registered by the feeders. For each pig, a monotonically increasing step function using relative cumulative DFI and relative time (after 14 days) was obtained, and linear regression models were fitted. The areas between the step function and the regression line were summed to obtain the IIFI. The means were compared using the MIXED procedure of SAS. There was an interaction for SCxD for TI, MD, and IIFI (P < 0.10, Table 1). Pigs within good SC fed AA+ had lower TI and shorter MD than CN diet (P < 0.05), however, pigs within poor SC fed CN or AA+ diet had no differences in TI and MD. Pigs within good SC fed AA+ had greater IIFI than CN diet, whereas pigs within poor SC fed CN had decreased IIFI than AA+ diet (P < 0.05). Furthermore, BW influenced TI, and MD, as heavy pigs had a greater TI and MD than the light pigs (P = 0.01), with no changes in IIFI (P > 0.10). Pigs in poor SC had a greater IIFI meaning they had fewer longer meals and greater DFI compared with pigs in good SC. Increasing Trp, Thr, and Met ratio influenced the pigs feeding behavior likely due to changes in TI. Additionally, the IIFI may be a tool to detect on set SC due to salmonella infection.

263 Dietary Supplementation of Tryptophan, Threonine, and Methionine Improves the Growth and Immune Status for Lighter Body Weight Pigs But Not for Heavier Pigs Under a Sanitary Challenge

Abstract Great variability in growth performance and blood metabolites is observed between animals and within the same group. This variation may exist between individuals due to the initial body weight (BW) which may determine different abilities to cope with a sanitary challenge (SC). Besides, supplementing tryptophan (Trp), threonine (Thr), and methionine (Met) above NRC requirements supports the immune system and growth performance costs during a SC. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of initial BW on changes in body composition, and blood metabolites of growing pigs housed under poor SC and receiving Trp, Thr, and Met at 100 or 120% of NRC recommended levels. Twenty gilts were categorized into two groups according to initial BW: light (22.5 ± 0.8 kg) and heavy (28.5 ± 1.0 kg). Both BW groups were group-housed for a 28-d trial. Pigs were orally inoculated with 2 × 109 CFU of Salmonella typhimurium, and manure from a commercial pig farm was spread on the floor. Two dietary treatments were provided: control (CN) or supplemented (AA+) diet with Trp, Thr, and Met:Lysine 20% above the NRC (2012) requirements. Serum albumin and urea, along with BW were measured on days 0, 14, and 28. Body composition was estimated by dual-energy X-ray densitometry on days 0, and 28 to obtain protein (BP, % of BW) and lipid (BL, % of BW) masses. A linear mixed regression considering repeated measures in time was used to compare the slopes of the BW groups, day, and their interaction within dietary treatments. The BW and BP increased, whereas BL decreased with time (P < 0.10; Table 1). However, light pigs had greater BL than heavy pigs (P < 0.10). Dietary treatment influenced BW differently, and BL changes over time within BW groups (Figure 1). Light pigs fed the CN diet had a faster decrease in BL and a slower increase in BW over time than heavy pigs (P < 0.10), which was not observed in pigs fed AA+ diet. Light pigs fed CN diet had greater serum urea than heavy pigs (P < 0.10), with no differences for pigs fed AA+ diet. No changes in serum albumin were observed between BW within diets. Heavier pigs tend to adapt and cope better under a SC and may not need AA supplementation above the requirement. On the other hand, increasing AA improved ability of lighter pigs to cope with the SC allowing for a greater growth potential under a poor SC.

Effects of dietary methionine supplementation from different sources on growth performance and meat quality of barrows and gilts

Methionine is indispensable for growth and meat formation in pigs. However, it is still unclear that increasing dietary sulphur-containing amino acid (SAA) levels using different methionine sources affects the growth performance and meat quality of barrows and gilts. To investigate this, 144 pigs (half barrows and half gilts) were fed the control (100% SAA, CON), DL-Methionine (125% SAA, DL-Met)-supplemented, or OH-Methionine (125% SAA, OH-Met)-supplemented diets during the 11–110 kg period. The results showed that plasma methionine levels varied among treatments during the experimental phase, with increased plasma methionine levels observed following increased SAA consumption during the 25–45 kg period. In contrast, pigs fed the DL-Met diet had lower plasma methionine levels than those fed the CON diet (95–110 kg). Additionally, gilts fed the DL-Met or OH-Met diets showed decreased drip loss in longissimus lumborum muscle (LM) compared to CON-fed gilts. OH-Met-fed gilts had higher pH45min values than those fed the CON or DL-Met diets, whereas OH-Met-fed barrows had higher L45min values than those fed the CON or DL-Met diets. Moreover, increased consumption of SAA, regardless of the methionine source, tended to decrease the shear force of the LM in pigs. In conclusion, this study indicates that increasing dietary levels of SAA (+25%) appeared to improve the meat quality of gilts by decreasing drip loss and increasing meat tenderness.

Hyperhomocysteinaemia Promotes Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Mice.

Doxorubicin, a widely used chemotherapeutic drug in clinical oncology, causes a series of cardiac side effects referred to as doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Hyperhomocysteinaemia is an independent risk factor for multiple cardiovascular diseases. However, whether hyperhomocysteinaemia contributes to doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity is currently unknown. In this study, we explored the pathogenic effects of hyperhomocysteinaemia induced by dietary methionine supplementation (2% wt/wt in rodent chow) in a mouse model of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Our data showed that methionine supplementation doubled serum homocysteine levels, inducing mild hyperhomocysteinaemia. Doxorubicin at a cumulative dosage of 25 mg/kg body weight led to significant weight loss and severe cardiac dysfunction, which were further exacerbated by methionine-induced mild hyperhomocysteinaemia. Doxorubicin-induced cardiac atrophy, cytoplasmic vacuolisation, myofibrillar disarray and loss, as well as cardiac fibrosis, were also exacerbated by methionine-induced mild hyperhomocysteinaemia. Additional folic acid supplementation (0.006% wt/wt) prevented methionine-induced hyperhomocysteinaemia and inhibited hyperhomocysteinaemia-aggravated cardiac dysfunction and cardiomyopathy. In particular, hyperhomocysteinaemia increased both serum and cardiac oxidative stress, which could all be inhibited by folic acid supplementation. Therefore, we demonstrated for the first time that hyperhomocysteinaemia could exacerbate doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in mice, and the pathogenic effects of hyperhomocysteinaemia might at least partially correlate with increased oxidative stress and could be prevented by folic acid supplementation. Our study provides preliminary experimental evidence for the assessment of hyperhomocysteinaemia as a potential risk factor for chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity in cancer patients.

Chromium Methionine and Ractopamine Supplementation in Summer Diets for Grower-Finisher Pigs Reared under Heat Stress.

This study aimed to determine the effects of the dietary supplementation of chromium methionine (CrMet) and ractopamine (RAC) on pigs in the growing-finishing stage under heat stress. The parameters evaluated included productive behavior, blood components, carcass characteristics, organ weight, and meat quality. This study was conducted during the summer season in Sonora, Mexico. The treatments included: (1) control diet (CON), a base diet (BD) formulated to satisfy the nutritional requirements of pigs; (2) RAC, BD plus 10 ppm RAC supplemented during the last 34 days of the study; (3) CrMet-S, BD supplemented with 0.8 ppm of Cr from CrMet during the last 34 days; and (4) CrMet-L, BD supplemented with 0.8 ppm of Cr from CrMet for an 81 d period. RAC supplementation improved the productive behavior and main carcass characteristics of the pigs compared with CON. However, RAC and CrMet supplementation during the last 34 days showed similar results in terms of weight gain, carcass quality, blood components, organ weight, and meat quality. The addition of CrMet-S had a moderate (although not significant) increase in productive performance and carcass weight. These findings are encouraging, as they suggest that CrMet may be a potential alternative for growth promotion. However, more research is needed.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Lysine and Methionine on Growth Performance, Blood Parameters and Body Composition of Common Carp (Cyprinus Carpio) Fingerling

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Lysine and Methionine on Growth Performance, Blood Parameters and Body Composition of Common Carp (Cyprinus Carpio) Fingerling

Effect of graded levels of dietary methionine on growth performance, carcass composition and physio-metabolic responses of genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) juveniles reared in inland saline water of 10 ppt

The current study aimed to optimize dietary methionine level for improving growth performance, carcass composition and physio-metabolic responses of genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) juveniles reared in inland saline water of 10 ppt. Seven isonitrogenous (∿370 g crude protein/kg), isolipidic (∿80 g lipid/kg) and isocaloric (∿19 MJ gross energy/kg) purified diets were made with graded levels of methionine viz., 4.9 (M4.9), 7.2 (M7.2), 9.9 (M9.9), 12.3 (M12.3), 15.1 (M15.1), 17.4 (M17.4) and 19.8 g/kg (M19.8) with a constant level of cystine (3.2 g/kg). Completely randomized designs were followed to constitute seven distinct experimental groups and each group comprised of three experimental units. Fifteen juveniles (3.16 ± 0.01 g) were randomly stocked in each experimental unit. During the 60-day feeding trial, juveniles were fed with their respective experimental diets thrice daily at an apparent satiation level. The results revealed that growth (weight gain percentage, thermal growth coefficient and specific growth rate) and feed and nutrient utilization (feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio and apparent net protein retention) were improved significantly with an increment in dietary methionine levels up to 12.3 g/kg, and methionine supplementation beyond that did not give extra benefit in relation to growth performance. Dietary methionine supplementation at various levels had no effect (P > 0.05) on the body indices, survival, carcass moisture and ash content and carcass essential amino acid composition of GIFT juveniles. The carcass protein level increased with an increment in dietary methionine levels up to 12.3 g/kg and then declined with further increment of dietary methionine level. However, carcass lipid content displayed the inverse trend of carcass protein content. GIFT juveniles fed a diet containing 12.3 and 15.1 g methionine/kg displayed elevated activities of liver and muscle aminotransferases activities, while the activity of digestive enzymes was unchanged among dietary groups. An increment of methionine up to 12.3 g/kg of diet resulted in a significant rise in serum protein and globulin concentration. Based on broken-line linear and second-order polynomial regression analysis in relation to weight gain percentage and feed conversion ratio, the optimum methionine requirements for GIFT juveniles reared in inland saline water of 10 ppt ranged from 12.1 to 14.1 g/kg of diet (32.7–38.1 g/kg of dietary protein) with supplementation of cystine at 3.2 g/kg.

Increased dietary Trp, Thr, and Met supplementation improves growth performance and protein deposition of salmonella-challenged growing pigs under poor housing conditions.

Highly intensified rearing conditions and precarious sanitary management predispose pigs to immune system activation, altered amino acid (AA) metabolism, and decreased growth performance. Thus, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of increased dietary tryptophan (Trp), threonine (Thr), and methionine + cysteine (Met + Cys) supplementation on performance, body composition, metabolism, and immune responses of group-housed growing pigs under challenging sanitary conditions. A hundred and twenty pigs (25.4 ± 3.7 kg) were randomly assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, consisting of two sanitary conditions (SC, good [GOOD] or salmonella-challenge and poor housing condition [Salmonella Typhimurium (ST) + POOR]) and two diets, control (CN) or supplemented with AA (Trp, Thr, and Met + Cys:Lys ratios 20% higher than those of the CN diet [AA>+]). Pigs were followed during the growing phase (25-50 kg) and the trial lasted 28 d. The ST + POOR SC pigs were challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium and raised in a poor housing condition. The ST + POOR SC increased rectal temperature, fecal score, serum haptoglobin, and urea concentration (P < 0.05) and decreased serum albumin concentration (P < 0.05) compared with GOOD SC. Body weight, average daily feed intake, average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency (G:F), and protein deposition (PD) were greater in GOOD SC than in ST + POOR SC (P < 0.01). However, pigs housed in ST + POOR SC fed with AA+ diet had lower body temperature (P < 0.05), increased ADG (P < 0.05) and nitrogen efficiency (P < 0.05), and a tendency for improved PD and G:F (P < 0.10) compared with CN diet fed pigs. Regardless of the SC, pigs fed AA+ diet had lower serum albumin (P < 0.05) and tended to decrease serum urea levels (P < 0.10) compared with CN diet. The results of this study suggest that the ratio of Trp, Thr, and Met + Cys to Lys for pigs are modified by sanitary conditions. Furthermore, supplementation of diets with a blend of Trp, Thr, and Met + Cys improves performance, especially under salmonella-challenge and poor housing conditions. Dietary tryptophan, threonine, and methionine supplementation can modulate immune status and influence resilience to sanitary challenges.

Effects of Different Concentration of Copper on Performance, Immunity and Carcass Traits in Broiler Japanese Quails.

In this study, the effects of dietary copper supplements on broiler Japanese quail growth performance, immune response, blood biochemistry, and carcass quality were examined. Two copper sources (copper sulphate-CuS, and copper methionine-CuM), each at five distinct dietary dosages of 5, 10, 15, 100, and 150mg/kg, were used. A total of 280 (10 × 4 × 7) day-old quail chicks of uniform body weight were randomly distributed into 10 treatments with 4 replicates each and having 7 chicks in each replicate. In comparison to CuS-supplemented diets, CuM-supplemented diets (100mg Cu/kg diet) considerably (P ≤ 0.01) increased body weight gain and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR). In the 150-mg CuM/kg diet, the cell-mediated immune response (foot web index to PHAP) was considerably (P ≤ 0.01) greater. The humoral immune response (HA titre to SRBC) was substantially (P ≤ 0.01) lower with CuS-supplemented meals than with CuM-supplemented diets. When compared to CuS source, the weight of the bursa and spleen from CuM source was considerably (P ≤ 0.01) higher. The 100- and 150-mg CuM/kg diets considerably (P ≤ 0.01) reduced serum cholesterol levels. Thus, it may be concluded that dietary supplementation of copper methionine as a source of Cu @ 100mg Cu/kg diet to broiler Japanese quails was more effective in improving growth performance, immunological response, carcass quality features, and serum cholesterol reduction.

Dietary methionine supplementation to a low-protein diet improved hair follicle development of Angora rabbits.

Angora rabbits fed a low-protein diet exhibit decreased hair production performance. This study was set out to evaluate the effects of methionine on hair properties and nitrogen metabolism in Angora rabbits fed a low-protein diet and to investigate the gene expression related to hair follicle development to determine the possible molecular mechanism of methionine effects on hair follicle development. An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of DL-methionine addition on a low-protein diet on hair development in Angora rabbits. Angora rabbits were divided into 5 groups: fed a normal diet (control), fed a low-protein diet (LP), or fed an LP supplemented with 0.2%, 0.4%, or 0.6% DL-methionine (Met). The results showed that rabbits in the LP group had lower wool yield than the control rabbits, but the addition of 0.4% to 0.6% Met to LP attenuated these effects (p<0.05). Dietary addition of 0.4% to 0.6% Met to LP increased the apparent nitrogen digestibility, nitrogen utilization rate, and feed efficiency (p<0.05). Feeding LP decreased the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), keratin-associated protein (KAP) 3.1, and KAP 6.1 mRNA levels compared with the control, but the addition of 0.4% Met in LP attenuated these effects (p<0.05). Relative to the LP or control group, dietary addition of 0.4% Met increased versican mRNA levels. In conclusion, the addition of Met to LP could improves wool production performance and feed efficiency and reduce nitrogen emissions in Angora rabbits. Met can promote hair follicle development, which may be associated with IGF1, KAP, and the versican signaling.

Comparative effects of dietary methionine and cysteine supplementation on redox status and intestinal integrity in immunologically challenged-weaned pigs.

Sulfur-containing amino acids such as methionine and cysteine play critical roles in immune system and redox status. A body of evidence shows that metabolic aspects of supplemented Met and Cys may differ in the body. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary Met and Cys supplementation in immunologically challenged weaned pigs. Forty weaned piglets (6.5 ± 0.3kg) were randomly allocated to five treatment groups. The treatment included: (1) sham-challenged control (SCC), (2) challenged control (CC), (3) MET (CC + 0.1% DL-Met), (4) CYS (CC + 0.1% L-Cys), and (5) MET + CYS (CC + 0.1% DL-Met + 0.1% L-Cys). On day 7, all pigs were intramuscularly injected with either Escherichia coli O55:B5 lipopolysaccharides (LPS) or phosphate-buffered saline. Blood, liver, and jejunum samples were analyzed for immune response and redox status. The CC group had lower (P < 0.05) villus surface area and higher (P < 0.05) flux of 4-kDa fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FD4) than the SCC group. A lower (P < 0.05) glutathione (GSH) concentration was observed in the jejunum of pigs in the CC group than those in the SCC group. Dietary Cys supplementation increased (P < 0.05) villus surface area, GSH levels, and reduced (P < 0.05) the flux of FD4 in the jejunum of LPS-challenged pigs. Dietary Met supplementation enhanced (P < 0.05) hepatic GSH content. Pigs challenged with LPS in the MET group had lower serum IL-8 concentration than those in the CC group. There was a Met × Cys interaction (P < 0.05) in serum IL-4 and IL-8 concentrations, and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity. Dietary L-Cys supplementation restored intestinal integrity and GSH levels that were damaged by lipopolysaccharides administration. Dietary DL-Met supplementation improved hepatic GSH and reduced systemic inflammatory response, but antagonistic interaction with dietary L-Cys supplementation was observed in the inflammatory response and redox status.

PSVI-1 Effects of Rumen-Protected Methionine on Reproduction and Body Temperature of Nelore Cows in hot and Humid Environments

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of rumen-protected methionine (RPM) on the body temperature and conception rate of Nelore cows exposed to high temperature and humidity index (THI) values. This study was realized on a commercial beef farm located in the north of Brazil (5º 31’ 39” S, 48º 49’ 18” W). At d-31, 31 days before the FTAI protocol, a total of 563 lactating multiparous Nelore cows were divided into two treatments, with three blocks each, the control group (CG) and methionine group (MG). Both groups were kept on tropical pastures and received a mineral supplement. The MG Group was supplemented with 3g RPM/100g during 77 days, and the expected mineral supplement intake of both groups was 100g/cow/day. Between d0 and d9 of the FTAI protocol, a subset of groups of cows (n=142) remained with a data logger attached to the progesterone device, to monitor intravaginal temperature (IT) every 30 min. During the period that the cows remained with the dataloggers the minimum, average, and maximum THI were 72.76, 78.02, and 83.28, respectively. Pregnancy diagnosis was realized 35 days after the artificial insemination and the conception rate was calculated as the number of pregnant cows/inseminated cows. Data were analyzed using the JMP GLIMMIX procedure. RPM supplementation did not affect the conception rate (CG = 64.36% vs. MG = 58.19%, P &amp;gt;0.05). Intravaginal temperature from day 1 to day 8, between 0630 and 2030 h and between 2200 and 0100 h were lower (P≤0.05) for MG in comparison with CG. The average and the maximum IT were, respectively, 38.94ºC, 40.88ºC for MG and 39.02ºC, and 41.38ºC for CG. In conclusion, the supplementation of rumen-protected methionine reduced the internal body temperature in Nelore cows submitted to high THI environments, during the hottest hours of the day, but does not affect the conception rate.

Effects of dietary supplementation of chromium methionine chelate on growth performance, oxidative stress, hematological indices, and carcass traits of broiler chickens

This study was conducted to evaluate the dietary effects of chromium methionine (Cr-Meth) chelate on growth performance, oxidative stress parameters, blood biochemistry, and carcass traits of broiler chickens. An experiment was conducted on 34,000 1-day-old straight-run broiler chicks (Indian River; 42.0 ± 0.03) at a commercial farm. The chicks were divided randomly into 3 groups; the first group contained 17,000 birds, which used as a control, whereas the second and third groups consisted of 7000 and 10,000 birds, respectively, with 5 replicates per group. A completely randomized design was used. The birds were fed the experimental diets containing graded levels of Cr-Meth chelate: 0 (control), 50, and 100 g/ton. This compound consisted of chromium (0.4%) chelated with methionine, and it supply the diets with 200 and 400 ppb Cr for the used levels of 50 and 100 g/ton feed, respectively. Growth performance indices (body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio) were measured throughout the experiment. At the end of experiment, 10 birds per treatment were slaughtered, and the carcass yield with relative weight of the internal organs was determined. Also, blood samples were taken and analyzed for glutathione peroxidase activity, malondialdehyde, ALT, AST, total protein, albumin, glucose, urea, creatinine, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. It was found that Cr-Meth improved the body weight, weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio of broilers. Moreover, it reduced the mortality rate of birds. The chelated chromium can alleviate the oxidative status of birds by increasing the plasma glutathione peroxidase activity and reducing the serum malondialdehyde level. It was observed that the effects of 100 g/ton Cr-Meth chelate on performance indices, mortality rate, and oxidative stress parameters were better than that of 50 g/ton inclusion rate. Supplementation of Cr-Meth increased the total protein level, but reduced the glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations in the blood serum. In addition, it increased the carcass yield and reduced the abdominal fat percentage of the birds’ carcass. Therefore, chromium can be included in diets of broilers at a rate of 200 to 400 ppb, and the higher concentration was more effective than the lower one. So, it can be recommended to use Cr-Meth chelate in broiler diets at 100 g/ton to improve the productive performance and reduce the oxidative stress of birds.