Effect of methionine type and levels on performance of broiler chicken

Abstract

The experiment was conducted at Hybrid Farms, Kaukau, Kaduna State on one hundred and ninety eight 7-day old broiler chicks to determine the effect of methionine type and levels on performance of broiler starter chickens. The DL-Methionine and L-Methionine were supplemented at 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25% levels of inclusion respectively. The birds were divided into six treatments and replicated three times with eleven birds per replicate in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement using a completely randomized design (CRD). Feed and water were given ad libitum. Data collected were analysed using GLM procedure of SAS. Differences between means were compared for significance (P˂0.05) using Duncan Multiple Range Test. Methionine type, inclusion levels and interaction had significant (P˂0.05) effects on the growth performance. Birds fed dietary L-Methionine type performed better than those fed on DL-methionine. Birds fed dietary methionine at 0.20% inclusion levels performed significantly (P˂0.05) better than those on 0.15 and similar with those on 0.25. It was concluded that type and levels of methionine had influence on the growth performance of broiler chicken.

Keywords: DL-Methionine; L-Methionine; Broiler; Starter; Chicken