Effects of Replacement of Methionine in Diets with Taurine on Growth Performance and Blood Index in Broilers

We studied effects of replacement of methionine with taurine on growth performance and blood index of AA+ broilers. Six hundred 1 day broilers were divided into 5 groups, with 3 replicates of 40 broilers in each. The experiment lasted for 42 days. The control group were fed on formulated diets containing 2% methionine; the other groups were offered feed with equal nitrogen and calories to the control group, but contained 25, 50, 75 and 100% taurine in place of methionine. Compared with the control group, no significant differences were observed in growth performance of 1-21 days broilers, or the serum LDL-C, TC, IgG and SOD of the experimental groups (P> 0.05). ADG and F/G from days 1-42, ADG, ADFI and F/G from days 22-42 were significantly different between the experimental groups and the control group (P < 0.05). ADFI and Mortality in 50, 75 and 100% taurine groups were significantly different compared with the control group (P < 0.05). IgM and GSH-PX of 50 and 75% taurine groups were significantly different compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Serum HDL-C, T-AOC levels in 50, 75 and 100% taurine groups were significantly different compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Based on the quadratic regression analysis, the best replacement ratios were 58%, 61% and 61% on days 1-21, 22-42, and 1-42, respectively. In conclusion, appropriate levels of taurine supplement can improve growth performance, immune system, T-AOC, and lipid metabolism.