EFFECT OF METHIONINE TYPES ON THE CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF BROILER FINISHER

Abstract

One hundred and ninety eight 7-day old broiler chicks were used to evaluate the effect of DL-Methionine and L-Methionine carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. The experiment was carried out at Hybrid Farms, Kaukau, Kaduna State. 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 in a completely randomized design (CRD). Feed and water were given ad libitum. At the end of the experiment two birds per replicate were used from each of the six treatments to evaluate carcass characteristics. Data generated during the study were analysed using GLM procedure of SAS (2002). Differences between means were compared for significance (P˂0.05)
using Duncan Multiple Range Test (Duncan, 1995). Methionine type had significant (P˂0.05) effect on the carcass characteristics. Birds fed on L-Methionine had higher live weight, carcass weight than those on DLMethionine. The prime cuts and organ parts in DL-Methionine were significantly (P˂0.05) higher than that of L-Methionine. In conclusion, birds fed L-Methionine performed better in terms of live weight and carcass weight while the prime cuts and organ parts of those fed on DL-methionine were significantly(P<0.05) better than those on L-Methionine.