Methionine Requirements and Utilization by Starter Broiler Chicks

Abstract

This thesis consists of a review of the literature closely connected with the subject and results from four experiments that were carried out to evaluate the current methionine requirements of the newly hatched broiler chicks, from 1 to 10 days of age. To assess the current requirements, a series of physiological responses in terms of growth performance, visceral organ development, gut morphology, meat yield, tissue protein and digestive enzyme activity, myofibre characteristics, haematological indices, plasma metabolites and nutrient utilization were examined. Each study is presented as a stand-alone research paper. Each abstract in the relevant chapter highlights the major findings of each study.