Effects of Dietary Levels of Methionine on Broiler Performance and Carcass Characteristics

Abstract

Abstract: The present experiment was carried out to determine the effect of dietary methionine levels higher

than NRC recommendation on broiler performance and carcass traits. Four dietary levels of methionine 0,

100, 120 and 130% of NRC recommendation were used. Dietary levels of methionine, expressed as

percentage of NRC recommendations, significantly (p<0.05) affected feed intake, Feed Conversion Ratio

(FCR) and Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER). Feed intake was numerically improved with 110 and 130% of NRC

methionine, but was not improved by 120% NRC methionine. Body weight gain was significantly (p<0.05)

improved by 110 and 130% of NRC methionine compared to the control. The broiler chicks on methionine

higher than NRC showed significant (p<0.05) increase in absolute and relative weight of breast and

significant (p<0.05) decrease in abdominal fat.