ABSTRACT
Three graded levels of MHA (methionine hydroxyl analogue) added into the broilers’ diets were based on the assumption that the relative bioavailability of MHA sources to DL-methionine (DLM) on a molar basis was 100%, 90% or 80% to meet the requirement of total sulphur amino acids. DLM was used as the reference control group. Live body weight at 21 and 35 days was retarded (p < 0.05) in chicks fed a diet containing 100% equivalent MHA-FA (methionine hydroxyl analogue free acid) across dietary treatments. Chicks fed the diet containing MHA-Ca vs. MHA-FA grew faster at 35 days (p < 0.05). Chicks consumed least (p < 0.05) when 100% equivalent MHA-FA was added during 1–21 days. FCR was enhanced in MHA-Ca (methionine hydroxyl analogue calcium salt) vs. MHA-FA at all days measured. MHA effect on mortality, being higher (p < 0.05) in chicks on MHA-FA vs. MHA-Ca, was noted. Serum concentration of total cholesterol was lowest (p < 0.05) in chicks fed on DLM-added diet, but highest (p < 0.05) in those fed 100% equivalent MHA-Ca. Serum concentration of immunoglobulin A was low (p < 0.05) in chicks fed on 100% or 80% equivalent MHA-Ca compared with the rest of treatments. Collectively, MHA-Ca performed better than MHA-FA as to performance traits.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
ORCID
Kyung-Woo Lee http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3533-7979