|
The current focus of genetic selection of broiler lines is on cut part yield. There is therefore a need to ascertain the methionine requirements to increase such yield. Three hundred and twenty male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four dietary groups (digestible methionine levels) - 4.0, 5.8, 6.7 and 7.6 g/kg; 3.5, 5.1, 6.0 and 6.8g/kg , and 3.2, 4.6, 5.4 and 6.1 g/kg in the starter, grower and finisher diets, respectively. There was no significant effect of digestible methionine levels on growth response. However, breast meat yield was improved (P < 0.014) by increasing digestible methionine levels up to 6.7, 6.0 and 5.4 g/kg in the starter, grower and finisher stages. There were also improvements in weight of thighs (P < 0.012), drumsticks (P < 0.001) and wings (P < 0.013) with increased levels of digestible methionine. The results suggest that increasing digestible methionine levels could improve meat yield without altering the growth response of broiler chickens. |
|