DL-methionine Supplementation Research Articles

Effect of Dietary Lysine and DL-Methionine Supplementation in Roasted Soyabean-Based Diet on the Growth Performance and Blood Profiles of Clarias gariepinus

This study was designed to investigating the growth performance, hematology, and serum biochemistry of Clarias gariepinus nourished with roasted soyabean based diets with varied inclusion of dietary amino acid. A total of 360 Clarias gariepinus juveniles, aged eight weeks and weighing 19.0±0.4 grams, were randomly assigned to six different diets with varying inclusion levels of lysine and DL-methionine (g/100g). The diets were as follows: RS1 (Control) without lysine or DL-methionine supplementation; RS 2 - 0g + 1g; RS 3 - 0.25g + 0.75g; RS 4 - 0.5g + 0.5g; RS 5 - 0.75g + 0.25g; and RS 6 - 1g + 0g of Lysine and DL-methionine. For 84 days, the fish were fed until they were completely satisfied. Each treatment was in triplicate. Supplementing lysine and methionine in a diet based on roasted soybeans did not significantly (P>0.05) effect on the growth parameter such as final weight, feed conversion ratio, and/or specific growth rate in fish. A significantly higher survival rate was observed in fish on diet RS 5 (85.60±0.60) and was closely followed by fish fed diet RS 3 and RS 4. Fish fed diets RS 4 and RS 5 exhibited significantly higher (P<0.05) packed cell volume (PCV %) and hemoglobin levels. While, White blood cell counts (x10^9/L) varied significantly among the different diets. The addition of supplemental amino acids did not significantly (P>0.05) affect total protein (g/L), and the values ranges from 6.60±0.52 (RS 6) to 7.87±0.55 (RS 4). This study showed that supplementation of lysine and DL-methionine in Roasted Soyabean based diet could improve growth performance of fish with no adverse effect on fish health.

Effects of L-Methionine and DL-Methionine on Growth Performance, Methionine-Metabolizing Enzyme Activities, Feather Traits, and Intestinal Morphology of Medium-Growing, Yellow-Feathered Chickens between 1 and 30 Days of Age.

This experiment investigated the effects of L-Methionine (L-Met) on growth performance, Met-metabolizing enzyme activity, feather traits, and small intestinal morphological characteristics, and compared these with DL-Methionine (DL-Met) for medium-growing, yellow-feathered broilers during the starter phase. Furthermore, the aim was to provide recommendations for the appropriate dietary Met levels in feed. A total of 1584 1-d broilers were randomly divided into 11 treatment groups with six replicates of 24 birds each: basal diet (CON, Met 0.28%), basal diet + L-Met (0.04%, 0.08%, 0.12%, 0.16%, 0.20%), and basal diet + DL-Met (0.04%, 0.08%, 0.12%, 0.16%, 0.20%). The total trial period was 30 days. Compared with broilers fed the basal diet, those fed 0.04 to 0.20% supplemental Met had higher final body weight (FBW), average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), and lower feed-to-gain ratio (F: G) (p < 0.05). Compared with DL-Met groups, the L-Met group had higher FBW and ADG (p < 0.05). The relative bioavailability (RBV) of L-Met in ADG of 1-30 d was 142.5%. Chicks fed diets supplemented with L-Met had longer fourth primary feather lengths compared to birds fed the control and diets supplemented with DL-Met (p < 0.05). Compared to the control, birds supplemented with DL-Met or L-Met had an increased moulting score (p ≤ 0.05). Chicks fed diets supplemented with L-Met had lower activities of methionine adenosyl transferase (MAT) compared to those fed the basal diet or supplemented with DL-Met (p < 0.05). Chicks supplemented with either DL-Met or L-Met had higher activities of cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) than those fed the basal diet (p < 0.05). Compared with the control, chicks fed diets supplemented with either DL-Met or L-Met had an enhanced level of albumin in plasma (p < 0.05). There were no obvious differences in the plasma content of uric acid and total protein among the treatments (p > 0.05). Chicks fed diets supplemented with either DL-Met or L-Met had higher villus height and V/C in the duodenal than chicks fed the basal diet (p < 0.05). The jejunum morphology was not affected by either L-Met or DL-Met supplementation (p > 0.05). Therefore, dietary supplementation with DL-Met or L-Met improved the growth performance, feather traits, and intestinal morphological characteristics of medium-growing, yellow-feathered broiler chickens aged 1 to 30 d by decreasing the enzyme activities of Met methylation (MAT) and increasing the enzyme activities of the sulfur transfer pathway (CBS), and supplementation with L-Met showed a better improvement compared with DL-Met. The relative efficacy of L-Met to DL-Met was 142.5% for ADG of yellow-feathered broilers. The appropriate Met levels for medium-growing, yellow-feathered broilers are between 0.36~0.38% (supplementation with DL-Met) or 0.32~0.33% (supplementation with L-Met) when based on ADG and feed-to-gain ratio.

DL-Methionyl-DL-Methionine/DL-Methionine Supplementation Alleviated the Adverse Effects of Dietary Low Fishmeal Levels on Growth and Intestinal Health of Micropterus salmoides.

DL-methionyl-DL-methionine (AQUAVI® Met-Met) (Met-Met) (0.10%, 0.20%, 0.30%, and 0.40%) or DL-methionine (DL-Met) (0.10%, 0.20%, 0.30%, and 0.40%) were added to a low-fishmeal diet in an attempt to reduce fishmeal in the diet of Micropterus salmoides (M. salmoides). The fish were randomly allocated into ten experimental groups (n = 100), each with 4 replicates of 25 fish (16.39 ± 0.01 g) each. Compared to 25% FM, 0.40% of DL-Met and 0.10% of Met-Met promoted growth, and 0.10% of Met-Met decreased FCR. Compared to 25% FM, the supplementation of Met-Met or DL-Met improved the intestinal antioxidant capacity by upregulating the NF-E2-related factor 2-mediated antioxidant factors and enzyme activities and nuclear factor kappa-B-mediated anti-inflammatory factors while downregulating the pro-inflammatory factors, thereby exerting anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, 0.10% of the Met-Met diet affected the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidota ratio, increased the levels of Proteobacteria, changed the composition of intestinal flora (Roseburia, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, and unclassified_Oscillospiraceae), and enhanced intestinal dominant bacteria (Caldicoprobacter, Pseudogracilibacillus, and Parasutterella), leading to improved gut health. In summary, the supplementation of DL-Met or Met-Met alleviated the adverse effect of fishmeal reduction (from 40 to 25%) on the growth performance and intestinal health of M. salmoides.

Dietary supplementation with 2-hydroxy-4-methyl(thio) butanoic acid and DL-methionine improves productive performance, egg quality and redox status of commercial laying ducks.

This experiment aimed to study the effects of supplemental methionine sources, 2-hydroxy-4 methyl(thio) butanoic acid (HMTBa) and DL-Methionine (DL-Met), on productive performance, egg quality, and redox status of laying ducks. A total of 792 healthy 25-wk-old Longyan laying ducks with similar body weights were randomly allotted to 11 treatment groups. Each treatment group had 6 replicates of 12 ducks. The trial lasted for 16wk. Ducks were fed a basal deficient diet (Met: 0.24%; Met+Cys: 0.51%) or supplemented with DL-Met or HMTBa at 0.05%, 0.12%, 0.19%, 0.26%, and 0.33% of diet, respectively. Compared with the basal diet, supplementation with either DL-Met or HMTBa increased the average egg weight, egg mass, and decreased feed to egg ratio during the whole trial period (P<0.05). Albumen weight and its ratio to total egg weight were increased, but yolk and shell ratio, albumen height, Haugh unit and shell breaking strength were decreased (P<0.05). Dietary DL-Met or HMTBa supplementation increased taurine, methionine, leucine, tryptophan and arginine content, and decreased serine and lysine content in plasma (P<0.05). The redox status of laying ducks was improved by enhancing the glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities, glutathione content and its ratio relative to glutathione (oxidized) content and decreasing malondialdehyde content and increasing mRNA expression of superoxide dismutase-1, glutathione peroxidase-1, hemeoxygenase-1 and nuclear factor-like 2 in liver and ileum with the supplementation of DL-Met or HMTBa (P<0.05). Liver health status measured by average area proportion lipid droplet was improved with supplementation of DL-Met or HMTBa (P<0.05). Villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio in the ileum and the ileal gene expression of tight junction protein and occludin were increased with DL-Met or HMTBa supplementation (P<0.05). Taken together, these results suggested that the efficacy of dietary supplementation of HMTBa was similar to DL-Met, and it ranged from 98% to 100% for productive performance and egg albumen ratio in laying ducks (25 to 41wk).

Response of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Growing from 50 to 150 g to Supplements of DL-Methionine in a Semipurified Diet Containing Low or High Levels of Cystine

We studied the effect of increasing dietary concentrations of DL-methionine on growth, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and the composition of gain in rainbow trout. Twenty-four groups of 20 trout initially weighing 51 ± 0.5 g/trout were fed semipurified diets containing 20.1 MJ digestible energy and either 3.0 or 5.8 g cystine/kg dry matter. At each level of cystine, 12 levels of methionine (2 to 11 g/kg dry matter) were achieved by supplementation with graded quantities of DL-methionine. During an experiment of 49 feeding days, no significant effect of the level of dietary cystine was found for any performance trait. Nonlinear responses to increasing dietary methionine concentrations were found for feed intake, growth rate, protein concentration of gain and protein deposition, whereas fat concentration of gain decreased concurrently. Dietary methionine was utilized most efficiently at a concentration of 3.5 g methionine/kg dry matter or 0.17 g/MJ digestible energy. Ninety-five percent of the plateau deposition of body protein was achieved at a dietary methionine concentration of 8 g/kg dry matter or 0.40 g/MJ digestible energy. For achieving 98%, the required concentration was 9.0 g/kg or 0.49 g/MJ. Recommended dietary methionine concentration will depend on the trait chosen.

Dietary Supplementation with Chromium DL-Methionine Enhances Growth Performance of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus).

Sustainable aqua feeds have become an urgent necessity for future-oriented aquaculture sector development, and especially mineral supply could be limited when diets are being prepared with low amounts of animal-based sources. Since knowledge about the efficiency of organic trace mineral supplementation in different species of fish is limited, the effects of chromium DL-methionine in African catfish nutrition were evaluated. Four commercially based diets with increasing chromium DL-methionine supplementation (0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 mg Cr kg-1) in the form of Availa-Cr 1000 were fed to African catfish (Clarias gariepinus B., 1822) in quadruplicate groups for 84 days. Growth performance parameters (final body weight, feed conversion ratio, specific growth rate, daily feed intake, protein efficiency ratio, and protein retention efficiency), biometric indices (mortality, hepatosomatic index, spleen somatic index, and hematocrit), and mineral retention efficiency were assessed at the end of the feeding trial. The specific growth rate was significantly increased in fish-fed diets with 0.2 mg Cr kg-1 and 0.4 mg Cr kg-1 supplementation in comparison with control and based on the second-degree polynomial regression analysis; supplementation with 0.33 mg Cr kg-1 was optimal in commercially based diets for African catfish. Chromium retention efficiency was reduced with increasing supplementation levels; however, the chromium content of the whole body was comparable to literature. The results suggest that organic chromium supplementation is a viable and safe supplement for diets to increase the growth performance of African catfish.

Effect of DL Methionine Supplementation in Japanese Quail Diets on Growth, Meat Quality and Health

The present study aimed to assess the effect of dietary supplementation of DL- Methionine (DL-Meth) on growth performance and health of growing Japanese quails. A total of 300, 2- week-old quails were randomly divided into 4 equal experimental groups, with 8 replicates of 10 quails per pen, for 4 weeks. Quails in the control group were fed a control diet whereas in the other experimental groups the quails were fed a diet supplemented with DL-Meth (0.99%) at 1, 3, and 5g/kg diet. Quail’s performance traits in each experimental group were calculated weekly. At the end of the growth period, eight quails (one/replicate) from each group were chosen randomly for serum collection, carcass attributes measurement. The results revealed that quails’ growth traits; final weight (FW), weight gain (WG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) showed a significant improvement (p &lt; .05) (linear) as DL-Meth supplementation level increased to 3 and 5g/kg diet (7.2 and 9.1g/kg Meth respectively). Serum superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were improved (p &lt; .05) in quails fed DL-Meth supplemented diet at 3, and 5g/kg. DL-Meth supplementation at 3, and 5g/kg was associated with a significant (p &lt; .05) increase in quails’ breast muscle percentages compared to the other groups. In addition, the sensory evaluation of meat was not influenced by supplementation of methionine at different levels. It is concluded that under our experimental conditions, supplementation of 3g/kg DL- Meth (methionine content, 7.2g/kg) to corn-soybean meal-based diet for Japanese quails, was appropriate for enhancing the birds’ growth, breast muscle yield, and antioxidant activity with maintaining the acceptable sensory quality of birds’ meat.

Effect of supplemental DL-methionine to low protein diet on production performance, egg quality and serum biochemical indices of Vanaraja laying hens

Effect of supplemental DL-methionine to low protein diet on production performance, egg quality and serum biochemical indices of Vanaraja laying hens

Effect of dl-methionine supplementation above requirement on performance; intestinal morphology, antioxidant activity, and gene expression; and serum concentration of amino acids in heat stressed pigs.

The intestinal morphology and function can be compromised in pigs exposed to heat stress (HS), partly due to increased production of reactive-oxygen species. Because methionine (Met) functions as intracellular antioxidant, the requirement of Met may be increased in HS-pigs. The effect of dietary supplementation with dl-Met above requirement on performance, small intestine morphology, antioxidant enzymes activity, amino acid transporters expression, and serum concentration (SC) of free AA in HS-pigs was evaluated. A basal wheat-soybean meal diet was formulated to meet 100% Met requirement with the other indispensable AA exceeding at least 20% their requirement. Sixty individually housed pigs (23.0 ± 2.4 kg BW, 12 pigs per treatment) were randomly assigned to five treatments: TN100, thermal-neutral (22.7 °C) housed pigs fed the basal diet; HS100, HS120, HS140, HS160; HS-pigs (29.6 °C to 39.4 °C) fed the basal diet supplemented with dl-Met to contain 0%, 20%, 40%, and 60% dl-Met above the requirement, respectively. Pigs had free access to feed and water during the 21-d trial. Blood samples were collected on day 18 to analyze the absorptive AA-SC. The effect of ambient temperature (HS100 vs. TN100), as well as the linear and quadratic effects of increasing Met levels in the diets for HS-pigs were analyzed. The HS100 pigs gained less weight than TN100 and HS120 pigs (P < 0.01); gain:feed was also higher in HS120 pigs than in HS100 pigs (P ≤ 0.05). Feed intake of TN100 pigs was higher than that of HS-pigs fed the dl-Met supplemented diets (P < 0.05). Villi height reduced in pigs HS, but Met supplementation quadratically increased it (P < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, reduced glutathione concentration, and relative expression of B0AT2 in ileum decreased (P < 0.05), but glutathione peroxidase activity increased in HS-pigs. dl-Met supplementation linearly affected catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities, as well as the relative expression of b0,+AT in jejunum (P < 0.05) of HS-pigs. The SC of Ile, Leu, Lys, Phe, and Val were higher in HS100 pigs than in TN100 pigs (P < 0.05). Graded levels of supplemental dl-Met in diets for HS-pigs linearly decreased SC of Ile, Leu, and Val (P < 0.05), tended to decrease His, Lys, and Thr (P < 0.10), and increased Met (P < 0.01). In conclusion, HS had negative effect on weight gain and intestinal morpho-physiology; however, it was ameliorated by adding 20% Met above the requirement in diets for growing pigs.

147 Growth Performance of Nursery Pigs Fed Diets Supplemented with Dl-Methionine and Dl-2 Hydroxy-4-Methylthio-Butyrate Acid at a Ratio of 65:100

Abstract The objective of the study was to determine if pigs fed diets containing eighter DL-2 hydroxy-4-methylthio-butyrate calcium salt (HMTBCa) or DL-methionine (DLM) at 65% of the HMTBCa amount have equal growth performance. A total of 1,296 nursery pigs (initial BW = 5.02 ± 0.2 kg, PIC 1050 x PIC 359) were evaluated for 49 d and allotted in groups of 27 pigs per pen. Diets were corn-soybean meal based and fed in 4 phases (5.54, 5.27, 5.18, and 4.80 g standardized ileal digestible [SID] Lys/Kcal NE for phases 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively). Pens were assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments (16 pens/treatment). For each phase, a basal diet without supplementation of Met sources was formulated to achieve 70% of the optimal SID Met +Cys:Lys [Met-deficient], diet 2 consisted in the Met-deficient diet plus supplementation of HMTBCa to achieve 100% of the SID Met +Cys:Lys based on 84 % active substance of the product [HMTBCa], and diet 3 was the Met-deficient diet plus supplementation of DLM at 65% of the amount of HMTBCa used in diet 2 [65DLM]. Feed analyses confirmed that the amount of DLM to HMTBCa achieved was 66%. Pig performance data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED of SAS. Results are shown in Table 1. For the overall period (d 0 to 49), pigs fed the Met-deficient diet had decreased final BW, ADG, and G:F compared with pigs fed HMTBCa and 65DLM diets. Pigs fed HMTBCa and 65DLM diets did not differ in final BW, ADG, and G:F. No differences in ADFI and mortality were observed among treatments. Replacing 100 parts of HMTBCa with 65 parts of DLM on a product basis can be an alternative approach to determine the bioavailability of HMTBA compared with DLM.

Effects of Varying Levels of Dietary DL-Methionine Supplementation on Breast Meat Quality of Male and Female Broilers

This study evaluated the effects of feeding varying levels of dietary DL-methionine (MET) supplementation on breast meat (BM) quality of broilers of different sex. The 1-day-old, sexed chicks (Ross 708, 1552) were randomly allocated into four groups (each with 4 replicates) and were raised with diets supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1, or 2 g MET/kg of feed to a common weight (2.72 kg). Color, pH, drip loss (DL), water-holding capacity, moisture uptake, cooking yield (CY), texture, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and lipid oxidation (LO) were determined using BM samples harvested 24 h postmortem. The male BM had higher redness, TAC, firmness, and toughness but lower yellowness (p &lt; 0.01) than the female BM. In both sexes, birds fed 0.5 g/kg MET had lower DL (p &lt; 0.01) than those fed 1 and 2 g/kg MET. For storage up to 3 days, MET suppressed LO in cooked BM (p &lt; 0.01) and suppression increased as MET increased. CY for 1 and 2 g/kg MET were higher (p &lt; 0.01; 79.04 and 78.60%, respectively) than CY for 0 and 0.5 g/kg MET (66.18 and 68.03%, respectively). These results suggest that MET supplementation at 1 g/kg or higher for broilers can improve oxidative stability, muscle functionality, and breast meat CY.

Effects of Feeding Varying Levels of DL-Methionine on Live Performance and Yield of Broiler Chickens.

Simple SummaryThe use of DL-methionine (MET) in poultry diet formulation is vital for poultry growth because poultry do not synthesize sufficient amounts of MET needed for proper growth and performance, and currently there are insufficient natural sources of MET to fulfill the dietary needs of broiler chickens. However, the use of MET is restricted in the United States in organic poultry diets. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the effect of feeding different levels of dietary MET on organic broiler live performance and yield of a modern commercial broiler strain. This study gives us insight into how broiler growth and yield is affected when the allowable levels of methionine for organic broilers is further reduced, or zero methionine is used.This study was designed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplemental DL-methionine (MET) on live performance and meat yield for broilers raised to a common weight. A total of 1552 one-day old Ross 708, sexed broilers were randomly distributed to 32 pens resulting in eight treatments (TRT) of four replicates with 44 male or 53 female/pen. A randomized complete block with a 2 × 4 (sex × 4 MET levels 0, 0.5, 1, and 2 g/kg) factorial arrangement of TRT was used. A common weight of 2400 g was approached by day 46 (1 and 2 g MET/kg feed) and day 48 (0 and 0.5 g MET/kg feed). Supplementation of MET at 1, and 2 g/kg had a lower (p < 0.01) feed conversion ratio (FCR) at day 46/48 than broilers fed 0.5 g MET/kg. Broilers without supplemental MET had the worst (p < 0.01) feed conversion and average daily gain (ADG) at day 46/48. Birds fed 0 g MET/kg of feed had lower (p < 0.05) whole eviscerated carcass without giblets (WOG), yield than birds fed 2 g MET/kg of feed. Additionally, birds fed 0 g MET/kg of feed had lower (p < 0.05) breast fillet and tender percent yields than birds fed supplemental MET. Elimination of MET from organic broiler diets resulted in reduced ADG, breast fillet yield and feed efficiency of meat yield of broilers raised to day 46/48. Reduction in MET supplementation below current levels reduced the efficiency of meat production of organic broilers raised to day 46/48.

Growth performance, apparent digestibility coefficients and digestive enzyme activities of Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei fed low fishmeal diets supplemented with DL‐methionine and phytase

An eight-week growth trial and a four-week digestibility trial was undertaken to assess the impact of DL-methionine and phytase supplementation on growth performances, apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC), phosphorus retention and digestive enzyme activities of Penaeus vannamei. Five treatment groups in three replicates fed with a control diet (fishmeal 200 g/kg), and four low fishmeal (50 g/kg) diets with soy protein concentrate-soybean meal protein viz., SPC1 (without supplementation), SPC 2 (DL-methionine), SPC 3 (Phytase) and SPC4 (DL-methionine and phytase). SPC 2 had significantly improved (p < .05) the weight gain (5.79 ± 0.12), FCR (1.53 ± 0.06) and SGR (3.21 ± 0.06) than other low fishmeal diets, but not significantly different to that of SPC 4 and control. SPC 2 also showed significantly higher protease activity. P retention was significantly higher in SPC 2 than SPC 1, SPC 3 and control, however, not significantly different from SPC 4. Faecal phosphorus load was significantly reduced in SPC 2 than SPC 1 and control. Protein digestibility was significantly higher in SPC 2 and SPC 4, whilst phosphorus digestibility was significantly higher in SPC 4. Thus, it is concluded that the supplementation of DL-methionine is essential for the overall better performances of P. vannamei in low fishmeal diets and phytase for improving phosphorus digestibility.

Partial replacement of DL-Methionine and methionine hydroxy analogue with betaine in diets for broiler chickens

The study evaluated the effects on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens of DL-Methionine (DL-Met) and methionine hydroxy analogue (MHA) supplementation and their partial replacement with betaine (Bet). Two experiments were performed from day 1 to 21 and from day 22 to 42. Broiler chickens were assigned to six treatments, in a completely randomized design and a 2 × 2 + 2 factorial arrangement, consisting of two Met sources (DL-Met and MHA), with or without Bet, and two negative controls. The six treatments consisted of i) NC-DLM: negative control for DL-Met with 7% reduction in DL-Met; ii) NC-MHA: negative control for MHA with 7% reduction of MHA, iii) DLM100: without Bet, supplemented exclusively with DL-Met reaching 100% of requirements, iv) MHA100: without Bet supplemented exclusively with MHA reaching 100% of requirements, v) DLM93+Bet: DL-Met at 93% of recommended level plus betaine; vi) MHA93+Bet: MHA at 93% of recommended level plus betaine. Growth from day 1 to 21 was not altered by methionine source or betaine supplementation. However, the negative controls had numerically less weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) . Between days and 42 there were no effects on growth. Betaine could partially replace methionine without altering the growth of broiler chickens. In addition, the partial replacement of DL-Met with betaine increased body crude protein content. However, its use increased body fat content regardless of methionine source.

Dl-Methionine supplementation in a low-fishmeal diet affects the TOR/S6K pathway by stimulating ASCT2 amino acid transporter and insulin-like growth factor-I in the dorsal muscle of juvenile cobia (Rachycentron canadum) - CORRIGENDUM.

dl-Methionine supplementation in a low-fishmeal diet affects the TOR/S6K pathway by stimulating ASCT2 amino acid transporter and insulin-like growth factor-I in the dorsal muscle of juvenile cobia (Rachycentron canadum) – CORRIGENDUM - Volume 127 Issue 1

Evaluating the dietary taurine requirement of hybrid striped bass, (Morone chrysops x M. saxatilis)

A dietary requirement for the sulfonic acid taurine has been documented in many marine species. However, it has not been well studied in hybrid fish with freshwater and marine genes, such as the hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops x M. saxatilis). Therefore, an 8-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of various levels of dietary taurine on growth performance, health, and body composition of juvenile hybrid striped bass. Four diets were formulated from practical ingredients and supplemented with DL-methionine at 0.54% of dry weight to meet the hybrid striped bass' established total sulfur amino acid requirement of 1.0% of dry diet, and taurine was supplemented incrementally at 0, 0.5, 1, and 2% of dry weight. Two additional diets were prepared without DL-methionine supplementation to be marginally deficient in methionine (0.49% by weight) and either supplemented with or without taurine at 1% dry weight to evaluate the potential interactions between methionine and taurine. Diets containing increment levels of taurine were determined to show no significant (P > .05) differences in terms of weight gain, feed efficiency (FE), whole-body composition, hepatosomatic index (HSI), intraperitoneal fat ratio (IPF ratio), or muscle yield. However, hybrid striped bass fed the methionine-deficient diets had significantly (P < .05) reduced percentage weight gain and FE as well as reduced muscle yield and HSI compared to fish fed the methionine-supplemented diets. Interestingly, taurine inclusion at 1% in the diet containing 0.49% methionine increased weight gain and feed efficiency of fish compared to those fed the diet without supplemental taurine or methionine. These results indicated that growth performance and body composition of hybrid striped bass did not respond to taurine supplementation when dietary methionine was adequate but did respond when dietary methionine was limiting.

Dietary supplementation of tilapia juveniles reared in bft (bioflocs) tanks with dl-methionine

Abstract The present study aimed at determining the effects of dietary DL-methionine supplementation on the water quality, bioflocs composition and Nile tilapia juvenile’s (initial body weight = 2.76 ± 0.06 g) growth performance in BFT rearing tanks (18 fish/100-L tank). Fish were or not subjected to artificial feed restriction. The experimental treatments consisted of two control groups: 1 - no feed restriction, no methionine supplementation; 2 - feed restriction at 25%, no methionine supplementation. There were also four treated groups: 1 - feed restriction at 25%, dietary DL-methionine supplementation at 0.5%; 2 - feed restriction at 25%, dietary DL-methionine supplementation at 1.0%; 3 - feed restriction at 25%, dietary DL-methionine supplementation at 2.0%; 4 - feed restriction at 25%, DL-methionine supplementation of molasses at 1.0. Supplementation of the commercial diet with DL-methionine has not affected either the water quality of the BFT Nile tilapia rearing tanks or the proximate composition of the bioflocs. After 8 weeks, weight gain of fish reared in tanks with feed restriction and dietary DL-methionine supplementation at 1% or 2% has not differed (P&gt;0.05) from the tanks without feed restriction. In conclusion, it is possible to restrict the daily feed allowances of Nile tilapia juveniles reared in BFT tanks at 25%, with no growth performance impairment, if a minimal dietary DL-methionine supplementation of 1.0% is given.

Performance of broiler finishers fed graded levels of processed castor oil bean (Ricinus communis L) meal supplemented with DL-methionine

A feeding trial was conducted to determine the effect of graded levels of dehulled and cooked castor oil bean (Ricinus communis L) meal (CBM) and supplementary DL-methionine on growth performance and certain blood parameters of broiler finishers. One hundred and eighty 6-week old broiler birds (Anak strain) were randomly divided into 12 groups of 15 birds each. The groups were randomly assigned to 12 isocaloric (2.90 Mcal/kgME) and isonitrogenous (21.00%CP) diets in a 4 x 3 factorial arrangement involving a control (0%), three cooked castor oil bean meal levels (10,15 and 20%) and three DL-methionine levels (0,0.25 and 0.5%). Each treaiment was replicated thrice with 5 birds each. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum from 42 to 70d of age. The results showed that above 15% CBM inclusion level, average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily weight gain (ADWG) were significantly (P&lt;0.05) decreased. There were also significant reductions (P&lt;0.05) in efficiencies of feed and protein utilization, and in apparent retention of dry matter (DM), nitrogen, ether extract (EE) and nitrogen-free extract (NFE). While packed cell volume was not significantly (P&gt;0.05) affected by CBM or DL-methionine, haemoglobin concentration (Hb) was significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased at 20% CBM level. Supplementation with DL-methionine improved (P&lt;0.05) weight gain at the 15 and 20% levels of CBM inclusion; improved Hb and efficiencies of feed and protein utilization at the 20% level of CBM inclusion, improved nitrogen retention at the 0% level of CBM inclusion; improved EE retention at the O and 20% levels of CBM inclusion, and improved NFE retention at the 15% level of CBM inclusion. The results of this study indicate that processed CBM can be included in broiler finisher diet at 15% level with DL-methionine supplementation to obtain normal growth in broiler birds.

Performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens fed maize-cassava diets supplemented with methionine and inorganic sulphur

The major challenges of cassava supplementation in poultry diets are high cyanide and low protein content. This study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional value of maize-cassava diets supplemented with methionine and inorganic sulphur for broiler chickens. Atotal of 270 one day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to nine treatment groups of 30 birds with 10 birds per replicate. Starter and finisher diets were formulated and fed for a period of 56 days. Dietary treatments were subjected to completely randomized design. The birds were fed diets supplemented with 0, 125, 250 mg/kg DL-methionine and 0, 125, 250 mg/kg inorganic sulphur from Cu4SO .There was a linear increase in final weight (FW) and total weight gain (TWG) with supplementation of 125mg/kg DL-methionine across dietary sulphur levels at the starter phase. Birds fed diets supplemented with 125 mg/kg DL-methionine and 250 mg/kg inorganic sulphur showed higher (p&lt;0.05values of 463.23g, 424.66g and 2.66 for FW, TWG and feed conversion ratio respectively. The finisher phase followed a similar trend. Carcass yield showed significant (p&lt;0.05) improvement in dress weight, cut part and organ weight in birds fed diets supplemented with 125 mg/kg DL-methionine and 250 mg/kg inorganic sulphur. The findings revealed that birds with diets supplemented with125 mg/kg DL-methionine and 250 mg/kg inorganic sulphur showed improved growth performance and carcass yield. In conclusion from this study supplementation of DL-methionine and inorganic sulphur in diets for broiler chickens resulted in improved growth performance and carcass yield.

Dietary methionine as a strategy to improve innate immunity in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) juveniles

Methionine ability to enhance fish immune status and inflammatory response by the modulation of methionine-related pathways has been verified in several fish species. However, no attention has been given to the role of methionine as an immune-modulatory additive in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Hence, this study was designed to evaluate the effect of short-term feeding a diet supplemented with dl-methionine on the rainbow trout immune status. For this purpose, two diets were formulated: a control (CTRL) diet including the AA profile required to meet the ideal pattern estimated for rainbow trout; and an experimental diet (MET) identical to the CTRL but supplemented with dl-methionine two fold above its requirement level. After 2 and 4 weeks, fish haematological profile, peripheral cell populations, plasma and skin mucus humoral immune parameters as well as head-kidney gene expression were analysed. Results showed that methionine was able to improve peripheral neutrophil numbers after 4 weeks of feeding while reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory genes (i.e. IL1β and IL8). Also, indications of fish physiological ability to regulate polyamine biosynthesis were found by the reduced expression of the spermine synthase enzyme (SMS). Together, these results point to some level of enhancement of the cellular-related innate immune status by dietary dl-methionine supplementation after a short-term feeding period, which could be used as a prophylactic strategy for rainbow trout health management.