Evaluation of Four Commercial Sources of Synthetic Methionine on the Growth Performance, Carcass and Meat Quality of Broiler Chickens

Abstract

A total of 252 day old Ross broiler chicks was used in a feeding trial to evaluate the effect of four different commercial brands of synthetic methionine supplement on the performance of broiler chickens. The chicks were distributed into four dietary treatments each with three replicates and 21 chicks/replicate; in a Completely Randomized Design. Four diets were formulated to meet standard requirements at both starter and finisher phases in which the four commercial brands of synthetic methionine; CHL Rhodimet Analogue and DSM were supplemented in diets to represent treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Eight weeks period of the experiment. Data was collected on feed intake weight gain feed conversion protein efficiency and feed cost/Kg gain to evaluate growth performance. Blood samples were collected at the finisher phase over EDTA and analysed for heamatological parameters. Carcass study was conducted and meat quality evaluation of cut portions of breast muscles was carried out. All data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance and differences in means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test. Significant (P<0.05) differences were observed for final weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, feed cost/Kg gain and mortality rates but no significant (P>0.05) difference for feed consumption across the treatments at both starter and finisher phases. Birds fed with DSM Methionine has a significantly (p<0.05) higher performance in terms of weight gain and feed conversion ratio but consumed less feed and required least cost to produce a kg of broiler meat compared to other treatments. Blood quality parameters were similar for all treatments. DSM Methionine had better digestibility for all nutrients measured. There was significant (P<0.05) difference in dressed weights, dressing percentages, back, heart, liver, kidney and intestinal length but no significant (P>0.05) difference in their breast muscles, thigh, drumsticks, gizzard, lungs, abdominal fat and intestine weight. DSM Methionine showed the best dressed weight and dressing percentage. F Meat from birds fed DSM Methionine gave highest crude protein and lowest fat content. It was therefore concluded that DSM methionine is of highest quality above the other brands evaluated and is recommended for best performance and most economical broiler chicken production enterprise.

Key words: Methionine, broiler chickens, performance, carcass and meat quality