Supplemental Methionine Levels Research Articles

RESPONSE TO METHIONINE SUPPLEMENTATION OF BROILER CHICKS FED PRACTICAL CORN-GROUNDNUT MEAL DIETS IN THE TROPICS

Two floor feeding trials, involving 1000 broiler chicks fed two different practical-type diets, were conducted in order to determine the methionine and total sulphur amino acid (TSAA) requirements of broiler chicks 0-6 weeks). Two protein levels (20 and 23%) each with an energy concentration of 2800 Kcal ME (kg diet and four supplemental methionine levels (0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4%) were tested. At the end of 6 - week feeding period, a common finisher ration was fed to 10 weeks of age. Under our experimental circumstances with dietshaving 23% protein and metabolizable energy of 2800 Kcal ME/kg diet and based on assumed methionine and cystine content of feeding stuff, the quantitative requirement for methionine of broiler chicks up to six weeks of age were about 0.53% diet which is equivalent to 2.3% of the dietary protein (or TSSA of 0.85 per cent diet, that is 3.7 per cent protein). Higher supplemental methionine at this protein and energy levels resulted in deterioration in liveweight gain and slight but non-significant improvement in feed/gain ratio. The rations containing 20% protein performed poorly relative to those containing 23%. Feeding of high quality common finisher rations neutralized the initial gains due to supplemental methionine within each protein levelbut did not offset the gains due to different dietary proteins.

The effects of methionine‐enriched Artemia nauplii on growth, amino acid profiles, absorption enzyme activity and antioxidant capability of common carp ( Cyprinus carpio var. Jian) larvae

The effects of methionine-enriched Artemia nauplii on growth, amino acid profiles and activity of absorption enzymes and antioxidant capability of common carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian) larvae were investigated in this study. The newly hatched Artemia nauplii enriched with methionine at four levels (0, 400, 800, 1,600 mg/L) for 16 hr was used as live food for common carp larvae for 21 days. The results demonstrated that the level of methionine in nauplii enriched with methionine increased significantly as the level of supplemental methionine rose (p < 0.05). The specific growth rate (SGR) and body length growth rate (BLGR) values in all experimental groups were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05) in the trial period. With the supplement of methionine, the amino acid profiles vary depending on the type of amino acid and/or the level of methionine applied. Further examination revealed that the activity of absorption enzymes in the 800 and 1,600 mg/L groups were all significantly higher compared to the other two groups (p < 0.05). Similar results on the antioxidant capability of fish larvae were also observed among the treatments. The changes in these physiological factors allowed for the control of the content of supplemental methionine in Artemia nauplii for larvae and potentially the ability to improve the growth performance of common carp larvae.

Effect of different dietary methionine levels on the growth performance and tissue redox parameters of turkeys

A total of 630 8-week-old female Hybrid Converter turkeys were divided (based on their body weights) into 6 groups, with 7 replicates per group and 15 birds per replicate. All birds were fed identical isocaloric and isonitrogenous wheat-soybean meal-based diets without (group 1) or with (groups 2 to 6) increasing levels of supplemental methionine (Met). The total content of Met in diets 1 to 6 was as follows (%): 0.29, 0.32, 0.40, 0.47, 0.56, and 0.61 at 9 to 12 wk of age and 0.24, 0.28, 0.34, 0.42, 0.47, and 0.55 at 13 to 16 wk of age. In both feeding phases, dietary Met levels in group 3 corresponded to those recommended by the National Research Council (NRC) (1994). Different dietary Met concentrations had no influence on feed intake, the final body weights of turkeys or carcass dressing percentage. Only in the first experimental feeding period (9 to 12 wk), the lowest dietary Met content significantly deteriorated the feed conversion ratio (FCR), whereas the highest Met content led to a significant improvement in FCR. After 8 wk of experimental feeding, dietary treatment 1 contributed to a significant increase in the activity of catalase (CAT) (blood and breast muscles) and superoxide dismutase (liver), an increase in lipid peroxides concentrations (blood, breast muscle) and a decrease in total glutathione (GSH+GSSG) content (breast muscles), in comparison to treatment 3 which is comparable to NRC recommendations. The highest level of dietary Met significantly increased blood total antioxidant potential (FRAP) values and glutathione content in the liver. To sum up, in the final feeding period between 9 and 16 wk of age, the growth performance of female turkeys was not deteriorated by dietary Met deficiency or excess (–30% and up to +50% relative to NRC recommendations, respectively). The total antioxidant potential can be effectively increased by dietary Met supplementation, but the highest Met level may lead to unbalanced oxidative changes in the body as indicated by lower FRAP values and a lower GSH/GSSG ratio in the liver.

Influence of methionine supplementation of growing diets enriched with lysine on feedlot performance and characteristics of digestion in Holstein steer calves.

ObjectiveTwo trials were conducted in order to examine the effects of level of supplemental methionine on productive performance, dietary energetic, plasma amino acid concentration, and digestive function.MethodsDietary treatments consisted of a steam-flaked corn-based diet containing urea as the only source of supplemental nitrogen supplemented with no supplemental amino acid (control), or control plus 1.01% lysine and 0.032%, 0.064%, 0.096%, or 0.128% methionine. In Trial 1, 150 Holstein steer calves (127±4.9 kg) were utilized to evaluate the influence of treatments on growth-performance, dietary energetic, plasma amino acid concentration during the first 112 days of growing period. During the initial 56-d period calves received the 5 experimental diets. During the subsequent 56-d period all calves were fed the control diet.ResultsDuring the initial 56-d period, methionine supplementation increased (linear effect, p<0.01) plasma methionine. In the presence of supplemental lysine, increases on level of methionine in diet did not affect average daily gain. However, increased gain efficiency (quadratic effect, p = 0.03) and estimated dietary net energy (NE; linear effect, p = 0.05). Estimated metabolizable methionine supply was closely associated (R2 = 0.95) with efficiency NE utilization for maintenance and gain. During the subsequent 56-d period, when all calves received the control diet (no amino acid supplementation), plasma amino acid concentrations and growth performance was not different among groups. However, the effects of methionine supplementation during the initial 56-period carried over, so that following a 56-d withdrawal of supplementation, the overall 112-d effects on gain efficiency (quadratic effect, p = 0.05) dietary NE (linear effect, p≤0.05) remained appreciable. In Trial 2, 5 cannulated Holstein steers were used to evaluate treatment effects on characteristics of digestion and amino acid supply to the small intestine. There were no treatment effects on flow of dietary and microbial N to the small intestine. Postruminal N digestion increased (p = 0.04) with increasing level of supplemental methionine. Methionine supplementation linearly increased (p<0.01) duodenal flow of methionine. Likewise, lysine supplementation increased an average of 4.6% (p = 0.04) duodenal flow of lysine. In steers that received non-supplemented diet, observed intestinal amino acid supply were in good agreement with expected.ConclusionWe conclude that addition of rumen-protected methionine and lysine to diets may enhance gain efficiency and dietary energetics of growing Holstein calves. Observed amino acid supply to the small intestine were in good agreement with expected, supportive of NRC (2000, Level 1).

Statistical Sensitivity Required to Detect Any Potential Difference of Bioavailability Between DL-Methionine and DL-Methionine Hydroxy Analogue in Layers

Two studies were conducted to compare bioavailability of DL-methionine hydroxy analogue-free acid (MHA-FA) relative to DL-methionine (DLM) in layers. The bioavailability was compared for egg production, egg mass, egg weight and feed conversion. In trial 1 five supplemental levels of methionine (0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08 and 0.10%) from DLM or MHA-FA source were added respectively to a basal diet containing 14.97% protein, 0.27% methionine, and 0.24% cystine. Hy-Line W-36 hens (1,760) 37 weeks old were used. Egg production was not improved beyond the first 0.02% added methionine level. Thus, an accurate bioavailability value of MHA-FA relative to DLM could not be obtained, indicating that this test was not statistically sensitive enough to estimate the bioavailability of MHA-FA relative to DLM. In trial 2, 1,920 Hy- Line W-36 hens 53 weeks old were used in a 3×2×2 factorial experiment with three protein levels, two supplemental methionine levels, and two methionine sources. DLM and MHA-FA were compared at different protein and supplemental methionine levels on an equimolar basis. There were no differences (P > 0.05) between the 0.02% and 0.04% supplemental methionine level or between DLM and MHA-FA in eg g production, egg mass, or feed conversion. Because no difference in egg production, egg mass and feed conversion between 0.02% and 0.04% methionine could be detected and that difference should be greater than the difference between DLM and MHA-FA, no potential differences between DLM and MHA-FA could be detected. There was a difference (P 0.05) than that of hens fed MHA-FA, the difference was calculated to indicate that the bioavailability of MHA-FA might be 88.9% on a molar basis or 78.2% on a weight basis.

Bioavailability Estimation of DL-Methionine Hydroxy Analogue Relative to DL-Methionine in Layers Fed Milo-Soybean Diets Using Different Regression Models

The bioavailability of liquid DL-methionine hydroxy analogue-free acid (MHA-FA) relative to dry DL-methionine (DLM) in laying hens was estimated using milo-soybean diets, which were formulated to have low methionine and cystine content to increase the sensitivity of methionine deficiency. Five graded supplemental levels of methionine (0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, and 0.10%) from DLM or MHA-FA were added to the basal diet containing 0.20% methionine on an equimolar basis. Five different models were used to determine the bioavailability of MHA-FA relative to DLM. Three of the models were exponential models with supplemental methionine concentration on a weight basis, supplemental methionine intake on a weight basis, and supplemental methionine intake on a molar basis as the independent variable, respectively. Two of the models were sloperatio models with supplemental methionine intake on a weight basis or supplemental methionine intake above basal diet on a weight basis as the independent variable. The results of the regression analysis indicated average bioavailabilities were 122 (egg production), 109 (egg mass), and 89% (egg weight) on a weight basis or 139 (egg production), 124 (egg mass), and 101% (egg weight) on a molar basis. All bioavailability values were not different (P > 0.05) from 88% on weight basis or 100% on a molar basis but were different (P < 0.05) from 65% on weight basis or 74% on a molar basis.

Estimation of bioavailability of DL-methionine hydroxy analogue relative to DL-methionine in layers with exponential and slope-ratio models

An experiment was conducted using molted hens to estimate the bioavailability of DL-methionine hydroxy analogue-free acid (MHA-FA) relative to DL-methionine (DLM). In this experiment, 5 supplemental levels (0.012, 0.024, 0.036, 0.048, and 0.060%) of DLM or equimolar concentrations of MHA-FA were added to a basal diet containing 14.97% protein and 0.27% methionine. The low protein diet was used to increase the sensitivity of laying hens to methionine deficiency. Feed consumption, egg production, egg mass, and egg weight increased (P < 0.05), and feed conversion decreased (P < 0.05) when DLM or MHA-FA was added to the basal diet for some supplemental methionine levels. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in feed consumption between hens fed DLM and hens fed MHA-FA. Regression analysis showed that the bioavailability of MHA-FA relative to DLM on a molar basis was 88.7% (egg production), 88.0% (egg mass), and 84.6% (egg weight) with the exponential model, and was 89.7% (egg production), 89.6% (egg mass), and 86.8% (egg weight) with the slope-ratio model. The average bioavailability of MHA-FA relative to DLM was 88% on a molar basis.

Effect of supplemental methionine, choline and their combinations on the performance and immune response of broilers

1. A study was conducted with broilers to find out the effect of addition of methionine (0.0, 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 g/kg) and choline (0.0, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg) to a basal diet containing crude protein, 221 g/kg, ME, 12.25 MJ/kg, methionine, 3.6 g/kg and choline, 1300 mg/kg. 2. Supplemental levels of methionine and choline were found to be ineffective in improving the growth, food consumption and food conversion efficiency of broilers. 3. However, a higher value for leucocyte migration inhibition was observed in chicks fed on the diet containing 6.5 g/kg methionine and 1300 mg/kg choline, indicating a significantly improved cellular immune response. 4. HI test and ELISA indicated enhanced antibody titres in chicks receiving 3.0 g/kg methionine and 3300 mg/kg choline, showing a significantly better humoral immune response. 5. Methionine and choline should be supplemented at levels higher than the recommended level of BIS for better health and production in chicks.

Efeito dos níveis de proteína e de metionina da dieta sobre o desempenho de galinhas poedeiras após a muda forçada

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of diets with two protein levels (16.5% and 14.5%) and 5 supplemental methionine levels (0%, 0.025%, 0.050%, 0.075% and 0.100%) on postmolt layer performance. Two hundred forty commercial laying hens at 67 wk of age were induced to molt by zinc oxide and fed ten molt experimental diets for 6 wk. At the end of the experiment body weight, feed consumption and feed conversion were significantly higher for the birds fed the 16.5% crude protein diet. Hens fed higher protein level diet returned to egg production faster than those birds fed lower protein diet. Rations with 16.5% of protein determined a significant better egg production until the fifth experimental week, without affecting the egg weight. The methionine supplementation significantly increased egg weight, however did not statistically influence the egg production. Birds fed approximately 300 mg methionine daily (0.050% and 0.075% supplemental methionine levels) produced eggs significantly heavier, however resulting in a low egg shell quality measured by egg specific gravity, shell thickness and shell weight.

Differential response of ducks and chicks to dietary sorghum tannins

White Pekin ducklings were reared in floor pens and given access to nipple-type waterers in order to eliminate a feeding behaviour previously observed in battery brooder-raised ducks in which sorghum tannins were possibly detoxicated by exposure of the ground grain to water. High-tannin sorghum (HTS)—soya bean meal and low-tannin sorghum (LTS)—soya bean meal diets, suboptimal in protein, with or without supplemental methionine, and either in dry mash or pellet form, were fed to both day-old ducks and chicks for either 14 or 17 days, respectively. The chicks were reared in battery brooders. In contrast to previous findings with ducks raised in battery brooders, HTS-fed ducks reared in floor pens exhibited reduced weight gain and feed efficiency values compared with LTS-fed ducks. However, the magnitude of the growth depression caused by feeding ducks HTS versus LTS was much less than that observed in chicks fed the identical diets (17 versus 33%, respectively). Methionine supplementation of the HTS diets completely overcame the reduced weight gain in ducks, but feed efficiency values were still significantly poorer than those of ducks fed methionine-supplemented LTS diets. In contrast, although HTS-fed chicks responded to dietary methionine supplementation, they still exhibited poorer weight gain and feed eficiency values compared with birds fed LTS diets similarly supplemneted. Increasing the dietary level of supplemental methionine did not result in any further improvement in performance of chicks fed either LTS- or HTS-based diets. It was concluded that, compared with chicken, ducks are less affected by dietary sorghum tannins.

Research Note: Influence of Fermacto® on the Performance of Laying Hens when Fed Diets with Different Levels of Methionine

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect on laying hens of adding Fermacto®2 at a level of 454 g/909 kg diet to diets containing various levels of supplemental methionine. The addition of Fermacto® to the basal diet resulted in increased (P≤.05) production, egg mass, and feed intake while improving feed efficiency. A significant (P≤.05) main effect for supplemental Fermacto® over all levels of added methionine was found for egg production and feed efficiency.

Biopotency of Methionine Sources for Young Turkeys

L-Methionine (100%) and methionine hydroxy analogue-free aeid (88%) were evaluated for biopotency compared to DL-methionine (99%) in a starter diet for Large White turkeys during 7 to 28 days of age. The basal corn-soybean meal diet contained 28% protein, .87% total sulfur amino acids, and 2974 kcal metabolizable energy/kg by calculation and .865% sulfur amino acids by analysis. In Experiments 1 (males) and 2 (females), levels of methionine supplementation were 0, .04, .10, .16, .28, .44, and 1.00%. In Experiment 3 (male and female poults), supplemental methionine levels were 0, .12, .22, .32, and .44%.Level of methionine significantly affected growth and feed efficiency in all experiments. A nonlinear regression model (exponential) was used to describe the body weight response to supplemental methionine (0 to .44%) for each source and to obtain biopotency estimates relative to DL-methionine (at 100). Based on the three studies the biopotency (± SE) of L-methionine was significantly superior to DL-methionine (131 ± 10%); the biopotency of the analogue was not significantly different from DL-methionine (96 ± 7%). Feed efficiency was similar for all sources in Experiments 1 and 3. In Experiment 2, differences in feed/gain were detected among the three sources, where the mean values were in the order: analogue>DL-methionine>L-methionine.

The Response of Turkey Poults to Virginiamycin in Diets Containing Various Levels of Supplemental Methionine

Two experiments were conducted with day-old Nicholas Large White turkey poults. A 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments was used in Experiment 1 (0 and 22 ppm of virginiamycin and 0, .06, and .12% supplemental DL-methionine). A 2 × 4 factorial arrangement of treatments was used in Experiments (0 and 22 ppm of virginiamycin and 0, .04, .08, and .12% DL-methionine). A corn-soybean meal diet was used that contained no supplemental choline and a sulfate-free trace mineral mix. The experiments were conducted for 21 days. Body weight was increased by virginiamycin and by all levels of supplemental methionine. However, feed efficiency was not influenced.

A Comparison of DL-Methionine and Liquimeth® as a Source of Supplemental Methionine for the Turkey Poult

Two experiments were conducted to determine the efficacy of DL-methionine and DL-methionine-Na (Liquimeth®)2 as a source of methionine for the turkey poult. A corn-soybean meal diet containing sulfate-free trace minerals and no supplemental choline was used. In two experiments the poults were fed the experimental diets from 1 to 21 days of age. The experimental diets and deionized water were offered ad libitum. A linear increase in growth was obtained by adding increments of either DL-methionine or Liquimeth. There were no significant differences in body weight of poults receiving equivalent amounts of methionine from the two sources. Feed efficiency was also equal for each level of supplemental methionine from the two sources.

The Choline-Methionine Interrelationship for Growth of the Chick

Three experiments involving 1230 battery-reared crossbred chicks were conducted to evaluate the potential sparing effect of choline on methionine and vice versa. Experiment 1 employed a crystalline amino acid diet to establish the sulfur-amino acid (SAA) and choline requirement for maximal feed efficiency of chicks during the period 8 to 18 days posthatching. Six graded levels of DL-methionine (.20 to .45% in the presence of .20% L-cystine) and five of choline (0 to 1216 mg/kg) were employed in a 6 × 5 factorial treatment arrangement. Gain/feed ratio was maximized at 608 mg/kg choline at all levels of methionine and at .30 to .35% methionine at all levels of choline. Two identical experiments (8 to 25 days posthatching) with a corn-soybean meal diet were carried out to explore the relationship between supplemental methionine (0 to .20% in five equal increments) and supplemental choline (0, 217, and 434 mg/kg). Optimal performance occurred at .10% supplemental methionine regardless of choline level and at 217 mg/kg choline at supplemental methionine levels of 0 and .05%. At .10, .15, and .20% supplemental methionine, no gain or gain/feed response to supplemental choline was observed. It was thus apparent that excess levels of choline had minimal capacity to reduce the dietary requirement for methionine. Excess levels of methionine, however, seemed to have a consistent, although small, effect on the chick's dietary need for choline.

SORGHUM, WHEAT AND CORN IN DIETS FOR BROILER CHICKS

Sorghum, wheat or corn in soybean meal-based diets with four levels of supplemental methionine were compared for broiler chick growth from 0 to 28 days of age. Wheat and corn supported more rapid weight gains and lower feed-to-gain ratios than did sorghum, regardless of added methionine. A response in rate of gain and feed-to-gain ratios was obtained with the added levels of methionine with each of the three grains.

The Relative Efficiency of dl-Methionine and Methionine Hydroxy Analogue-Calcium (MHAC) In Broiler Diets

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the relative efficiency of dl-methionine and methionine hydroxy analogue-calcium (MHAC) in broiler diets. A corn-soybean diet containing 21% protein and 6% added fat was utilized. It had been previously found that broilers would respond to supplemental levels of methionine up to 0.12% in this diet. In both experiments, seven pens of males and seven pens of females, each containing 17 birds were fed each experimental diet. This resulted in a total of 28 replicate pens receiving each diet. Five experimental diets were fed: basal, 0.04 and 0.08% supplemental dl-methionine, and 0.036 and 0.072% supplemental MHAC. Body weight and feed efficiency were measured at four weeks of age. The MHAC was found to have a 79.1% activity of dl-methionine on a weight gain basis, and 89.3% activity on a feed efficiency basis.

Methionine Requirement of White Leghorn Pullets

White Leghorn pullets were fed diets containing different levels of supplemental methionine from 8–20 weeks of age. At 20 weeks of age, all birds were changed to the same laying ration after being moved from floor pens to laying cages. The photoperiod was increased at 20 weeks of age to provide 14 hours light per day. Egg production, feed consumption, egg weight, mortality and body weight changes were measured during a 24-week period after 20 weeks of age. The results obtained in this experiment showed that a total level of 0.27% was required for maximum weight gain during the growing period. This maximum growth was not essential, however, for maximum subsequent egg production. Pullets fed the basal diet which contained 0.17% methionine laid at a rate equal to the controls and laid eggs of slightly larger size. Body weight gain during the growing period from 8–20 weeks is not an indicator for subsequent egg production. Feed consumption of all birds was approximately equal during both the growing period and the period of egg production.

Preferential Utilization of Methionine in Chicks

METHIONINE is known to possess a dual metabolic function for protein synthesis and as a labile methyl group for one-carbon metabolism. McKittrick (1947) stated that choline and methionine could replace each other in a diet but only to the level of their essential increments. Quillin et al. (1961) revealed improved growth from choline additions on the lower methionine supplementation and likewise methionine supplementation resulted in improved growth with low choline rations; however, these rations were limiting in total methyl donors. Cardin (1967) attempted to determine if a preferential utilization of methionine for protein synthesis or transmethylation existed at various dietary levels of methionine using methyl-C-14-methionine and methionine-2-C-l4. He found transmethylation was occurring rapidly at all supplemental levels of methionine. Due to the widespread distribution of labeled methionine in the tissues, he could not postulate a true preference of methionine for protein synthesis or transmethylation.Methionine has been shown to be…

Requirement of Sulfur-Amino Acid for Starting Chicks

The experiments reported in this paper were originally designed to find out the adequate level of supplemental methionine to the basal diets used for the various research works in this laboratory. However, the conclusions obtained by these experiments may be applicable to the practical formula feed.Three types of basal diets were used in these experiments, which were shown with the main protein source in the diet, such as soybean meal diet, casein diet and amino acid diet. Parts of L-glutamic acid in these basal diets were replaced by DL-methionine in experimental diets. The contents of methionine and cystine in the basal diets were determined micro-biologically, using Leuc. mesenteroides P60 and Leuc. citrovorum 8081, respectively.Soybean meal diet was composed with 43.3% of cornstarch, 44.0% of soybean meal, 4.3% of soybean oil, 0.4%, of L-glutamic acid, 6.0% of minerals and 2.0% of vitamins. Casein diet was composed with 53.0% of cornstarch, 18.0% of casein, 10.0% of gelatine, 8.0% of soybean oil, 0.5% of L-glutamic acid, 1.0% of L-arginine, 0.5% of glycine, 6.0% of minerals and 3.0% of vitamins. Amino acid diet was composed with 49.39% of cornstarch, 31.61% of mixture of crystalline amino acids including 12.0% of L-glutamic acid, 8.0% of soybean oil, 6.0% of minerals, 3.0% of vitamins and 2.0% cellulose.Body weight gain and feed efficiency for two to three weeks of White Leghorn male chicks fed a diet containing 0.66% of sulfur amino acids, i.e. methionine+cystine, were almost equal to those of chicks fed diets containing 0.86% of sulfur amino acids. Linear relationship was observed between body weight gain and logarithm of dietary level of sulfur amino acids as shown in Fig. 1, when the dietary level was less than 0.66%. The sulfur amino acids level at the maximum body weight gain was calculated from the regression equation and treated as the optimum sulfur amino acids level, which were 0.65, 0.64, 0.65 and 0.69%, i.e. 0.66% in average.Considering the fiducial limits of the data and the results of feeding experiments with practical formula feed, it is suggested that the adequate level of sulfur amino acids in the diet containing about 20% of protein and sufficient amount of vitamins and other minor nutrients is 0.7% for starting White Leghorn chicks, instead of 0.8% recommended hitherto.