Digestible Threonine Levels in the Starter Diet of Broilers Derived from Breeders of Different Ages

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of digestible threonine supplementation in the starter diet on the performance, intestinal parameters, and nutrient metabolism of broilers derived from breeders of different ages. In total, 480 one-day-old Cobb chicks, derived from 38-or 49-week-oldbreeders, were housed in experimental battery cages until 21 days of age and fed four different threonine levels (800, 900, 1,000, or 1,100 mg/kg) in the starter feed. A completely randomized experimental design in a 2x4 factorial arrangement (breeder age x threonine levels) was applied, totaling eight treatments with five replicates of 12 birds each. Broilers from older breeders fed 800 mg digestible threonine/kg of diet presented higher weight gain, with a positive linear effect. There was also an interaction between breeder age and threonine levels for the weight gain of 21-d-old broilers supplemented at maximum level of 1,003 mg Thr/kg diet during the starter phase. There was no effect of breeder age or threonine levels on nutrient metabolism during the period of 17-21 days. There was no influence of breeder age or threonine levels in the starter diet on intestinal morphometric measurements, absorption area, or percentage of goblet cells.

The effects of supplemental threonine on performance, carcass characteristics, immune response and gut health of broilers in subtropics during pre‐starter and starter period

“…However, results of our study did not agree with few other studies. For example, Dozier, Moran, & Kidd, ; Kid & Kerr, and Tanure et al, reported that no improvement in performance was observed in broilers fed diets supplemented crystalline threonine. These contentious reports may be due to difference in protein of experimental diets, digestibility of amino acid, experimental phase and environmental factors.…”

Getting Better Intestinal Health through the Addition of Yeast (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae) Combined with Threonine in Broilers Diets

“…It means that T, in all the levels used, increased significantly VH, then these broilers had increased their absorption area and could take better advantage of the nutrients with respect to broilers receive Sc alone addition. Also, CD was increased in all groups receive T plus Sc, it can be a sign of an increased turnover for a rapid immune response when potentially damaging pathogens contact with the intestine increased the cellular exchange (Brummer et al, 2010;Mao et al, 2011;Tanure et al, 2015).…”

“…Also, T levels are essential for gut development and physiology that is reflex in healthy gut (Mao et al, 2011;Tanure et al, 2015;Peralta et al, in press). …”

“…Examples of essential amino acid as lysine, methionine and threonine (T). T is necessary for the optimal function of the intestine: it is requested in body protein synthesis, collagen and elastin and synthesis body maintenance (Tanure et al, 2015). It is also found in the gastrointestinal epithelium (mucosa cells, mucus, and digestive enzymes) and as a component of immunoglobulin molecules, so it is important for intestinal health and overall digestive processes (Ajinomoto, 2004;Rostagno et al, 2007;Mao et al, 2011;Tanure et al, 2015).…”

“…T is necessary for the optimal function of the intestine: it is requested in body protein synthesis, collagen and elastin and synthesis body maintenance (Tanure et al, 2015). It is also found in the gastrointestinal epithelium (mucosa cells, mucus, and digestive enzymes) and as a component of immunoglobulin molecules, so it is important for intestinal health and overall digestive processes (Ajinomoto, 2004;Rostagno et al, 2007;Mao et al, 2011;Tanure et al, 2015). Adequate T levels are needed to support optimal growth and immune function of animals: dietary restriction may reduce feed intake, decrease growth rate (by a decrease on the production of digestive enzymes and increase mucosal paracellular permeability) and impair immune function.…”