Relative biological efficacy of methionine hydroxy analogue‐free acid compared to dl‐methionine in the broiler chickens

Abstract Background In the broiler's diets based on corn–soya bean meal, methionine (Met) and cystine (Cys), known as sulphur amino acids (SAAs), are the first limiting indispensable amino acids because of their limited presence, which are supplemented with different synthetic sources. Evaluation of the biological effectiveness of these sources can be important in their correct replacement, especially in the starter and growth diets. Objectives The current study was done to assess the relative biological efficacy (RBE) of liquid Met hydroxy analogue‐free acid (MHA‐FA) in comparison with dl‐Met (dl‐Met) based on broiler performance traits at different levels of digestible SAA in the 1–11 (starter) and 11–25 (grower) days of age periods. Methods Two experiments were developed with treatments consisting of a basal diet without Met addition that met the nutrient and energy requirements of broilers with the exception of SAAs (Met + Cys) and five increasing Met doses for both sources (dl‐Met and/or MHA‐FA), resulting in digestible SAA concentrations from 0.62% to 1.02% of diet in the starter period (Trial 1) and 0.59% to 0.94% of diet in the grower period (Trial 2). The multi‐linear regression model and slope ratio method were employed to calculate the RBE of MHA‐FA compared with dl‐Met for measured variables. Results In both experiments, the results obtained during the starter and grower periods with the different Met supplementations show significant growth responses to digestible SAAs levels. By increasing dietary dl‐Met and/or MHA‐FA levels, the growth performance traits and immune responses were improved (quadratic; p < 0.05). The RBE of MHA‐FA compared to dl‐Met on an equimolar basis was estimated 66%–89% (59%–79% on a weight‐to‐weight basis). Conclusions It is concluded that the RBE of MHA‐FA in comparison with dl‐Met depends on broiler chicken age and what attribute is being evaluated.