Optimal methionine plus cystine requirements in diets supplemented with L-methionine in starter, grower, and finisher broilers

Correct supplementation of dietary amino acids, such as methionine (Met) and cystine (Cys), is crucial to support the exponential growth of broilers. Historically, most available recommendations with regard to the optimal amount of Met plus Cys are based on studies wherein DL-Met was used as the Met source. Nowadays, L-Met is available as a registered feed additive, urging the need to establish the optimal L-Met plus Cys supplementation. The objective of this trial was to investigate these optimal L-Met plus Cys requirements of broilers in the starter (0–10 d), grower (11–23 d), and finisher (24–35 d) phase of life separately. A basal diet deficient in L-Met plus Cys was created along with 6 other diets with increasing L-Met concentrations for each phase. Birds were only included in one life phase and fed with a commercial diet before inclusion. The BW, daily weight gain, daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (gain-to-feed ratio) were measured for all birds. Slaughter parameters were determined for birds included in the finisher phase. At the end of each study period, significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in all measured performance parameters. Birds fed with the deficient diets were characterized by a lower performance, whereas from some point, no gain in performance could be observed. Correct supplementation of L-Met plus Cys seemed more crucial in the starter and grower phase, which was characterized by bigger differences in performance between test diets compared with the finisher birds. The optimal L-Met plus Cys requirements were determined using linear broken line and exponential asymptotic models. The linear broken line model showed overall the best fit. The optimal L-Met plus Cys level was found to be 0.69, 0.66, and 0.62% for birds in the starter, grower, and finisher phase, respectively. From this study, it could be concluded that broilers have lower L-Met plus Cys requirements based on L-Met supplementation than the conventional requirements based on DL-Met. Nevertheless, further research is required to confirm these findings.