Effects of different levels of arginine and methionine in a high-lysine diet on the immune status, performance, and carcass traits of turkeys

We postulated that the use of appropriate levels and proportions of arginine (Arg) and methionine (Met) in compound feed with high lysine content (Lys) would make it possible to fully exploit the growth potential of modern fattening turkey crossbreds, without compromising their immune system. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different ratios of Arg and Met in diets with high Lys content on the performance and immune status of turkeys. The turkeys were assigned to 6 groups with 8 replicates per group and 18 birds per replicate. Six feeding programs, with 3 dietary Arg levels (90, 100, and 110%) and 2 dietary Met levels (30 and 45%) relative to dietary Lys content, were compared. During each of 4 feeding phases (weeks 0–4, 5–8, 9–12, and 13–16), birds were fed ad libitum isocaloric diets containing high level of Lys, approximately 1.83, 1.67, 1.49, and 1.20%, respectively. The dietary treatments had no effect on daily feed intake or body weight at any stage of the study. The protein content of the breast meat was higher in the treatments with the highest Arg level (110%) compared with the lowest Arg level (90%). Similarly, protein content was higher in the treatments with the higher Met level compared with the lower Met level. Higher plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and immunoglobulin Y were found in turkeys fed diets with the lowest Arg content. An increase in Met content resulted in a decrease in plasma content of IL-6. In growing turkeys fed diets high in Lys, an Arg level of 90% relative to Lys can be used without negatively affecting production results and immune system. Regardless of dietary Arg levels, an increase in Met content does not stimulate the immune defense system and shows no effect on growth performance of turkeys in current trial.