title: Effect of dietary methionine intake on egg component yield and composition.
abstract: The effects of methionine intake on liquid egg component yield and composition were examined in two laying hen experiments using diets supplemented with differing levels of methionine. In Experiment 1, a high methionine intake level of 512 was compared to 326 mg per hen-day (HD). The 512 mg/HD intake significantly increased egg weight, component mass, and total solids in both albumen and yolk. Experiment 2 examined methionine intakes of 328, 354, 392, and 423 mg/ HD. There were no significant differences in egg weight, component yield, or egg production among the treatments. Albumen solids from the 423 mg/HD intake level were significantly elevated when compared to 328 and 354 mg/HD. A methionine consumption of 354 mg/HD resulted in significantly lower yolk solids than 328, 392, and 423 mg/HD. Methionine intakes of 392 and 423 mg/HD did result in significantly increased crude protein content of albumen and yolk compared to 328 and 354 mg/HD methionine. Experiment 1 found elevated dietary methionine increased egg size, component mass, and solids content of albumen and yolk. Experiment 2 methionine intake significantly increased crude protein of albumen and yolk without changes in egg size or component yield. These results indicate a methionine intake range that will later liquid component composition while egg size remains unchanged.
authors.affiliation: Department of Poultry Science, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843-2472, USA.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Shafer
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Carey
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Prochaska
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens / Q000502:physiology*; D004032:Diet / Q000662:veterinary*; D004531:Eggs / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D005527:Food, Fortified; D008715:Methionine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010060:Ovulation / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D008715:Methionine