EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF DIETARY METHIONINE ON THE CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF FINISHER COCKERELS

Abstract

The experiment was conducted to determine the effect of different levels of dietary methionine on carcass characteristics of finisher cockerels. 500 day old cockerels were reared together initially for 7 weeks and at 8 weeks of age, they were assigned to 8 dietary groups of different methionine levels. Weights of the birds were taken at the beginning and end of the experiment. In the 16^th week, the birds were slaughter to determine various    carcass measurements. Result indicated that daily weight gain was significantly (P < 0.05) affected by dietary treatments. The daily weight gain increased with increasing level of dietary methionine until it was optimized at 0.37% level. The dressing percentage and most other cut up parts (Drumstick, Thigh, Neck, Back, Breast, Wings) were significantly differences were observed for most organs (expect spleen), gut and comb measured, these were not however consistent with dietary treatments.