Comparison of DL‐methionine and methionine hydroxy analogue‐free acid in broilers by using multi‐exponential regression models

Abstract

1. Methionine hydroxy analogue‐free acid (MHA‐FA) was evaluated for biopotency compared to DL‐methionine in a practical diet for broiler chicks. 2. Both methionine sources were added at equimolar concentrations of 0.03, 0.07, 0.11, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25% to the diet. 3. A non‐linear multi‐exponential regression model was used to describe the weight gain and food conversion response to supplemental sources of methionine. 4. Compared with DL‐methionine on an equimolar basis, bioefficacy of MHA‐FA was calculated at 73% from weight gain and 68% from food conversion data, respectively. This corresponds to an efficiency of Alimet® between 60 and 64% relative to DL‐methionine on a weight for weight basis.