To evaluate the effects of two different nutritional plans for total sulfur amino acids (TSAA), and two methionine sources in the diets of broiler chickens, an experiment was conducted with 840 male broiler line agRoss 308. The treatments were defined by nutritional plans of TSAA (normal and low) and the methionine sources (DL-methionine and methionine hydroxy-analogue - MHA) used in the diets. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial scheme 2X2, (two methionine sources x two levels of nutrition plans TSAA). No differences were found between treatments for ration consumption, weight gain, viability, carcass yield, and carcass composition. The broilers that received the diets with the TSAA normal level had better feed conversion, and those that received diets containing DL-methionine had lower abdominal fat percentages. It was concluded that the substitution of DL-methionine by MHA did not affect the performance of broilers, whereas the normal nutrition plan improved feed conversion of broiler chickens as well as methionine sources and TSAA nutritional plans did not influence the carcass yield and carcass composition of broiler chickens.
broiler; methionine; methionine hydroxy-analogue; nutrient requirements; carcass
