Effect of Replacement of Synthetic Methionine with Naturally Compounded Materials (NCM) in Broiler Chickens

Background and Objective: The use of synthetic methionine in poultry production cannot be overemphasized, as methionine is a limiting amino acid in poultry birds. The main objective of the current study is to focus on the effect of the replacement of synthetic methionine with naturally compounded materials (NCM) in broiler birds. Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty day old broiler chicks of the Ross 308 strain were used to carry out the research work. The birds were selected into five treatment groups, each consisting of 30 birds each and 10 birds per replicate slated in a completely randomized design (CRD). Five diets were used, which had NCM at the rate of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% to replace the quantity of synthetic methionine in the diet. Feed and water were given ad libitum throughout the research work. The research work lasted for 56 days (8 weeks) (1 week for brooding and seven weeks for data collection). Results: Growth performance results showed that birds in treatment 4 (75%) had a superior value in terms of final body weight, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio, with values of 3015.10, 2804.99 g, and 1.62, respectively. Results obtained for cost benefit analysis showed that birds in treatment 4 had better values in terms of revenue, net profit, and cost benefit ratio with values of #8442.28, #3408.31 and 1.48, respectively, when compared to other treatments and especially the control treatment with the complete methionine in terms of quantity required. Conclusion: The naturally compounded material (NCM) can conveniently replace synthetic methionine at 100% replacement level, though best performance was observed in treatment 4 (75% replacement level).