Organic acids in diets for entire male pigs

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of organic acids in diets for entire male pigs on growth performance, composition of microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), on concentration of skatole and indole in digesta, plasma and adipose tissue, and concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in digesta. Restrictively-fed pigs (n = 60) (28 and 113 kg initial and final BW, respectively) were used. The dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet and the basal diet added either 1.0% formic acid, 0.85% benzoic acid, 0.85% sorbic acid, 1.2% fat coated Ca-butyrate or 1.5% fat and inulin coated Ca-butyrate. All levels of organic acids corresponded to 0.85% of pure acid. Digesta samples for microbiological examinations were taken from the proximal jejunum, colon descendens, and rectum. Digesta samples for skatole, indole and VFA analyses were taken from colon descendens. The results showed that the addition of organic acids to diets had no effect on daily weight gain or feed intake, but formic, benzoic and sorbic acid tended to improve FCR of pigs compared with the control pigs. Organic acid supplementation did not affect levels of skatole, indole, or VFA in the digesta or levels of skatole or indole in adipose tissue compared with the control. Plasma skatole levels were reduced in pigs fed diets containing formic and benzoic acid compared with the control pigs. Pigs fed organic acids had lower levels of coliforms, enterococci and lactic acid producing bacteria in all three sampling sites of the GIT. Supplementing diets with organic acids did not affect levels of skatole in digesta or adipose tissue of entire male pigs.     

饲粮蛋白源对早期断奶仔猪生产性能的影响

试验选用64头25日龄杜×(大×长)三元杂交断奶仔猪,随机分为4组:A、B、C为试验组,分别用猪肠膜蛋白粉(DPS)、大豆浓缩蛋白(SPC)、喷雾干燥猪血浆蛋白粉(SDPP)部分取代基础饲粮的鱼粉;D为对照组,饲喂基础饲粮(玉米-豆粕-鱼粉)。试验从仔猪25日龄断奶开始,70日龄结束。结果显示:试验组日增重均显著高于对照组,其中B组比对照组高13.18%(P<0.05);A组、C组分别比对照组高11.53%(P<0.05)、4.43%(P<0.05);B组和A组日增重差异不显著(P>0.05),但均显著高于C组,分别高8.38%(P<0.05)、6.80%(P<0.05)。B组日采食量比对照组高4.82%(P<0.05),A组、C组与对照组相比,日采食量有提高的趋势,但差异不显著(P>0.05)。A组、B组与对照组相比,料肉比有降低的趋势(P>0.05)。由此可见,本试验条件下,大豆浓缩蛋白、猪肠膜蛋白粉、猪血浆蛋白粉对早期(25日龄)断奶仔猪的饲喂效果均优于鱼粉,且大豆浓缩蛋白、猪肠膜蛋白粉对仔猪日增重的改善幅度大于喷雾干燥猪血浆蛋白粉(P<0.05)。     

有机微量元素对生长猪生长性能及微量元素排出量的影响

选用96头平均体重为（19.13±1.18）kg生长猪,分为处理1组（高剂量无机微量元素组）、处理2组（高剂量有机元素组）、处理3组（低剂量无机元素组）、处理4组（高剂量有机元素组）,每个处理3个重复,每个重复8头仔猪,试验期50 d,研究有机微量元素对生长猪生长性能及微量元素排出量的影响力。结果表明：处理1、2、4组的日增重分别比处理3组提高5.83%、7.03%、7.70%,均显著高于处理3组（P＜0.05）,其他处理组之间的日增重差异不显著。处理1、2、4组的料重比分别比处理3组降低5.28%、6.79%、7.92%,均达差异显著（P＜0.05）,处理1、2、4组之间的料重比差异不显著,处理4组的料重比最低。处理1组和处理2组粪中铜、铁、锌、锰的排泄量差异均不显著,处理3组和处理4组粪中铜、铁、锌、锰的排泄量差异均不显著,处理3组和处理4组粪中铜、铁、锌、锰的排泄量比处理1组和处理2组显著降低（P＜0.05）。     

乳酸菌发酵饲料对猪生长性能和猪舍环境的影响

试验主要研究了乳酸菌发酵饲料对猪生长性能和猪舍环境的影响。试验结果表明,乳酸菌发酵饲料能明显降低料肉比,增加平均日增重(日增重最高达到48 g),并且2条生产线猪舍氨含量平均分别降低了约38%和50%,尿中总氮和氨氮平均约降低25%左右。     

多喂康对中大猪生长性能的影响

牛至香酚是多喂康的主要成分,能刺激动物的食欲,提高饲料转化率,从而改善动物的生长性能。通过在中大猪基础日粮中添加多喂康,研究多喂康对中大猪生长性能的影响。选取日龄、体重相近的中大猪338头,随机分成2组,其中对照组81头,试验组257头。结果表明,与对照组相比,试验组中大猪平均日增重提高85 g,日均采食量增加160 g,料重比降低0.14。说明在日粮中添加牛至香酚可以改善中大猪的生长性能。     

Ileal digestibility of amino acids,phosphorus, phytate and energy in pigs fed sorghum‐based diets supplemented with phytase and Pancreatin®

The effects of phytase supplementation on the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of amino acids (AA) have been inconsistent. Two experiments evaluated the effect of providing a mixture of pancreatic enzymes (Pancreatin^®) to growing pigs fed sorghum–soybean meal diets supplemented with phytase on the AID of AA, energy, and phosphorus (P), as well as the ileal digestibility (ID) of phytate; there were four periods per experiment. In Experiment 1, eight pigs (BW 22.1 ± 1.3 kg) were fitted with a T‐cannula at the distal ileum. Each period consisted of 9 days; 7 days for diet adaptation, and 2 days for digesta collection. Treatments (T) were: (i) basal sorghum–soybean meal diet, (ii) basal diet plus Pancreatin^®, (iii) basal diet plus phytase and (iv) basal diet plus phytase and Pancreatin^®. Phytase increased the digestibilities of phytate and P (p < 0.001), but did not affect the AID of AA and energy (p > 0.10). Except for methionine (p = 0.07), Pancreatin^® did not affect the AID of AA. Phytase and Pancreatin^® did not interact (p > 0.10). Experiment 2 was similar to Experiment 1, but Pancreatin^® was infused into duodenum. Pancreatin^® infusion did not affect the AID of AA (p > 0.10); and tended to reduce (p = 0.09) the AID of lysine. Phytase × Pancreatin^® interactions were not observed (p > 0.10). In conclusion, phytase and Pancreatin^® did not improve the AID of AA in growing pigs fed sorghum–soybean meal diets indicating that phytates did not affect AA digestibility.     

Resistant starch for weaning pigs — Effect on concentration of short chain fatty acids in digesta and intestinal morphology

We investigated the effect of potato starch, a source of resistant starch (RS), in diets for newly weaned pigs on production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and intestinal morphology. At weaning, at 4 weeks of age, 24 pigs were divided into 3 groups and fed diets containing 0 (C), 80 (P80) or 160 (P160) g raw potato starch per kg feed for 12 days. Pigs fed P160 had the longest villi whereas pigs fed P80 had the deepest crypts. Villous height at the mid-small intestine and average daily gain were positively correlated (r = 0.59, P < 0.01). The daily gain tended to be lower (P = 0.08) for pigs fed P80 than for pigs fed C or P160. The colon weight increased in pigs fed RS which coincided with an increased crypt depth in the colon. The concentration of SCFA increased in the large intestine with increasing amount of RS. The proportion of acetic acid decreased and the proportion of butyric acid increased in pigs fed P80 and P160. The increased SCFA production, especially of butyrate, may explain the colonic growth.     

甜菜碱对生长肥育猪生产性能、胴体性状及血清生化指标的影响

本试验选用 1 8头体重约 2 8kg的杜× (大×长 )三元杂交猪 ,随机分为 2组 ,分别饲喂添加0 ,1g/kg甜菜碱 (以纯品计 )的玉米—豆粕型饲粮 (生长、肥育期粗蛋白水平分别为 1 7 0 %、1 5 0 % ,消化能浓度为 1 3 3 0MJ/kg) ,直至体重约 96kg左右结束。结果表明 ,甜菜碱有提高生长猪(约 2 8～ 60kg)日增重和饲料转化率的趋势 ,对采食量无显著影响 ,不影响血清钙、镁、钾、钠、氯、尿素氮浓度。肥育猪 (约 60～ 96kg)的日增重和饲料转化率因甜菜碱添加而有降低趋势 ,采食量不受影响。甜菜碱不影响肥育猪血清镁、钾、钠、尿素氮浓度 ,但对氯、钙浓度有影响。纵观全期 ,甜菜碱不影响生长肥育猪全期的生产性能。甜菜碱提高了屠宰率 (P <0 0 5) ,同时胴体瘦肉率有增加趋势 ,脂肪率有降低趋势 ,其余胴体性状无显著差别。以上结果提示 ,在本试验条件下 ,在生长肥育猪全期添加甜菜碱对生产性能无显著影响 ,但对胴体品质可能有一定的提高。     

谷氨酰胺、壳聚糖及二者复合添加对断奶仔猪生长性能和血液生化指标的影响

选取192头体重相近(平均体重为5.27kg)的(21±2)日龄PIC断奶仔猪,按胎次、公母分4个处理组,每组3个重复,每个重复16头。试验分两个阶段:21～35日龄、35～49日龄,研究谷氨酰胺、壳聚糖单独和复合添加对断奶仔猪生产性能和血液生化指标的影响。结果表明:①日粮中单独添加1%谷氨酰胺或0.04%壳聚糖有提高断奶仔猪日增重、降低料重比的趋势。②谷氨酰胺与壳聚糖复合添加使用在一些指标上优于单独添加,体现出一定的协同作用。     

精油对生长猪蛋白质和氨基酸等回肠末端表观消化率的影响

试验旨在通过采用T型瘘管法,研究精油对生长猪蛋白质和氨基酸等回肠末端表观消化率的影响。试验选用6头(杜×长×大)去势公猪([28.6±1.3)kg],采用3×3双拉丁方试验设计,分别饲喂正对照日粮:玉米-豆粕型基础日粮+抗生素;负对照日粮:无抗基础日粮;精油组日粮:负对照+0.01%精油。每个试验期为7 d,前5 d为适应期,后2 d为食糜收集期。结果表明,在日粮中添加精油可提高(P<0.05)蛋白质、能量、精氨酸、赖氨酸、亮氨酸、色氨酸、蛋氨酸、丙氨酸、总必需氨基酸、总氨基酸的回肠末端表观消化率,并有提高干物质、苏氨酸、天冬氨酸、丝氨酸和酪氨酸表观消化率的趋势(P<0.10)。在日粮中添加0.01%的精油可提高生长猪蛋白质、能量、总必需氨基酸和总氨基酸的回肠末端表观消化率,并有提高干物质表观消化率的趋势。     

热带地区乳酸菌发酵饲料对育肥猪生产性能的影响

试验旨在研究添加不同比例乳酸菌发酵饲料对热带地区75～100 kg育肥猪生产性能的影响。选用体重约75 kg三元杂交(杜×长×大)猪416头,按性别和体重随机分为4组。对照组饲喂常规全价日粮,试验组乳酸菌发酵饲料占干粉料的比例设3个梯度:试验1组20%(以风干物质计,下同),试验2组30%,试验3组50%。结果表明:在平均舍内温度为30.4℃,平均相对湿度为76.2%的条件下,试验1、2、3组的平均日增重分别比对照组提高了1.16%、6.97%和11.63%;平均日采食量分别比对照组提高了1.03%、1.10%和2.66%,试验3组和对照组差异显著(P<0.05);平均料肉比分别比对照组降低了1.29%、6.43%和9.00%;分别比对照组多盈利2、19、29个百分点。在热带地区75～100 kg育肥猪日粮中添加50%的乳酸菌发酵饲料时能最大限度地提高生产性能和收益。     

Effects of single or carbohydrases cocktail in low-nutrient-density diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics, and carcass traits in growing–finishing pigs

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of single or carbohydrases cocktail in low-nutrient-density diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics, and carcass traits of growing–finishing pigs. A total of 96 pigs with an average initial BW of 47.50 ± 1.25 kg were used in this 8-week growth trial. Pigs were randomly allocated to 1 of the 4 treatments according to its BW and sex (4 pigs/pen, 6 replicate pens/treatment). The diets included: 1) control (CON) corn–soybean meal diet (DE, 3400 kcal/kg; CP, 17%), 2) low-nutrient-density (LC) diet with 6% DDGS and 5% tapioca (DE, 3280 kcal/kg; CP, 15%), 3) LC + 0.05% β-mannanase (LCS), and 4) LC + 0.05% enzyme mixture (LCM). The LC treatment had a lower ADG, and G/F compared to the other treatments in 0–4 weeks and the overall period of the feeding trial (P < 0.05). The ADFI were decreased in LC, LCS, and LCM groups related to CON (P < 0.05). The LCS treatment had higher DM digestibility than pigs in both the LC and LCM groups (P < 0.05) on 4 weeks while LCM improved N and energy digestibility compared to LC treatment. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine values were not affected by the experimental treatments. After the feeding period, pigs (2 per pen) which reached marketing BW were collected meat samples from slaughter house. Backfat thickness was decreased in LC, LCS and LCM groups (P < 0.05). No numerical differences were observed in meat color, pH value and water holding capacity among four treatments. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that single or carbohydrases cocktail in low-density diets can partially improve ADG, G/F, nutrient digestibility, and meat quality in finishing pigs, which can counteract the negative effects caused by the decreased nutrient concentration.     

Effect of excess levels of lysine and leucine in wheat‐based,amino acid‐fortified diets on the mRNA expression of two selected cationic amino acid transporters in pigs

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of excess levels of Leu and Lys on the expression of b^0,+ and CAT‐1 mRNA in jejunum, liver and the muscles Longissimus dorsi (LDM) and Semitendinosus (STM). Twenty pigs with an average initial BW of 16.4 ± 1.7 kg were used in a Randomized Complete Block. Dietary treatments (T) were as follows: T1, basal diet; T2, basal plus 3.5 g l ‐Lys/kg diet; T3, basal plus 1.5 g l ‐Leu/kg diet; T4, basal plus 3.5 g l ‐Lys plus 1.5 g l ‐Leu/kg diet. Diets in T1 and T3 met 100% the requirement of Lys for pigs within the 10 to 20 kg body weight range; diets in T2 and T4 contained 35% excess of Lys. Also, diets in T1 and T2 supplied 104%, whereas diets in T3 and T4 supplied 116% the requirement of Leu. The expression of b^0,+ in jejunum was reduced (p = 0.002) because of the supplementation of l ‐Leu, but l ‐Lys supplementation had no effect (p = 0.738). In contrast, the expression of b^0,+ in STM (p = 0.012) and liver (p = 0.095) was reduced by the high level of Lys, but Leu had no effect (p > 0.100). CAT‐1 expression in STM increased by high Lys (p = 0.023) and Leu (p = 0.007) levels. In liver, the expression of CAT‐1 substantially increased (p = 0.001) because of Lys. In conclusion, excess levels of dietary Lys and Leu affect the expression of cationic amino acid transporters, and this effect varies depending on the studied tissue.     

Gut ecology, feed digestion and performance in weaned piglets fed liquid diets

Gut environment and microflora, digestibility, and performance were studied in weaned piglets in Central Vietnam fed a dry control diet (CO), a naturally fermented liquid diet (FE), and a liquid diet with inclusion of rice distiller's residue (RDR). Digesta samples were collected at the start (day 0) and at the end of experiment (day 42). Diet FE had a lower pH than diet RDR, contained more organic acids, had the lowest counts of E. coli and total coliforms (P < 0.05), and the highest counts of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) (P < 0.05). Piglets fed diets FE and RDR had lower pH (P < 0.05), and higher concentrations of organic acids in the stomach, ileum and mid-colon (P < 0.05) than piglets fed diet CO. Counts of LAB in stomach and ileum were higher in animals fed diets FE and RDR than CO (P < 0.05), while the number of E. coli and total coliforms along the gastrointestinal tract was reduced. The ileal digestibility of crude protein and organic matter was improved in piglets fed diet RDR (P < 0.05) compared with piglets fed diet CO. Piglets fed diet RDR had a higher weight gain (P < 0.05) and a better feed utilization (P < 0.05) than piglets fed the other diets. The present findings support the contention that fermented diets and/or fermented feedstuffs can be used for dietary manipulation to improve gut health and animal performance.     

壳聚糖对肥育猪生产性能、体脂沉积及血脂的影响

选用72头体重为(54.8±3.2)kg健康的商品长荣杂交猪,按体重随机分为3个处理(分别为对照组、0.5%壳聚糖组、1%壳聚糖组),每个处理4个重复,每个重复6头猪,研究日粮中添加壳聚糖对肥育猪生产性能、体脂沉积及血脂的影响。试验期为43d,试验结束时从每个处理中选6头80kg左右的猪空腹采集血样测定血脂,并屠宰测定胴体指标。结果表明:日粮中添加壳聚糖对猪生产性能无显著影响,但可降低猪皮下脂肪及体脂沉积,提高瘦肉率;添加0.5%的壳聚糖可降低血清中胆固醇及高密度脂蛋白胆固醇含量。     

Effects of dibutyryl cAMP on growth performance and carcass traits in finishing pigs

This study was designed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with N⁶, 2′-O-dibutyryl adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (dbcAMP) on growth performance, carcass traits, histochemical characteristics and serum constituents in finishing pigs. Seventy-two Duroc × (Landrace × Large White) barrows (57.3 ± 0.6 kg) were randomly allotted to 3 treatments with 6 replicate pens/treatment (4 pigs/pen). The pigs were fed diets containing 0, 10 and 20 mg dbcAMP/kg, respectively, until the final slaughter weight of approximately 90 kg. There were no differences in growth performance among dietary treatments. Leaf fat proportion and first rib backfat thickness were reduced (P < 0.05), whereas tenth rib backfat thickness tended to decrease (P = 0.10), in pigs fed 10 mg dbcAMP/kg. Lean percentage was greater (P < 0.05) and longissimus muscle area tended to increase (P = 0.10) in pigs fed 10 mg dbcAMP/kg when compared to the control group, but hot carcass weight was not affected by dbcAMP. Growth rate of fat-free lean tissues tended to increase (P = 0.09) in dbcAMP-supplemented pigs. Dietary dbcAMP decreased (P < 0.05) adipocytes diameter in subcutaneous fat, whereas longissimus muscle fiber diameter tended to increase (P = 0.06) with dbcAMP supplementation; however, no difference in longissimus muscle cell density was detected among treatments. Serum concentrations of total protein and 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate increased (P < 0.05) in response to dbcAMP, but concentrations of triglycerides, total cholesterol, glucose and urea in serum did not differ among dietary treatments. These results indicate that dbcAMP had a positive effect on carcass traits. Addition of 10 mg dbcAMP/kg to the diet was beneficial for growth performance and lean percentage, as well as improving protein and fat metabolism.     

吡啶羧酸铬对生长肥育猪生产性能、胴体性状及血清生化指标的影响

本试验选用 40头体重约 2 8kg的杜× (大×长 )三元杂交猪 ,随机分为 4组 ,分别饲喂添加0、2 0 0、 40 0、 60 0 μg/kg铬 (吡啶羧酸铬 )的玉米—豆粕型饲粮 (生长、肥育期粗蛋白水平分别为1 7 0 %、 1 5 0 % ) ,直至体重约 95kg左右结束。结果表明 ,铬水平对生长期 (约 2 8～ 60kg)日增重、采食量、料重比无显著影响 ,也不影响血清钙、镁、钾、钠、氯、尿素氮浓度。虽然肥育阶段 (约 60～ 95kg) 40 0 μg/kg铬组的日增重和 60 0 μg/kg铬组的日增重、饲料转化效率有降低趋势 ,但各组间日增重、料重比、采食量差异不显著。铬不影响肥育猪血清镁、钾、钠、尿素氮浓度 ,但对氯、钙浓度有影响 (P <0 0 5 )。纵观全期来看 ,铬不影响生长肥育猪全期的生产性能 (P >0 0 5 )。虽然 60 0 μg/kg铬组有增加瘦肉率、降低脂肪率的趋势 ,但肥育猪各组间胴体性状无显著差别。以上结果提示 ,在本试验条件下 ,添加 2 0 0～ 60 0 μg/kg铬 (吡啶羧酸铬 )对生长肥育猪生产性能和胴体性状无显著影响。     

不同梯度发酵豆粕对育肥猪生长性能、胴体性状及肉品质的影响

试验旨在研究不同梯度发酵豆粕等量替代普通豆粕对育肥猪生长性能、胴体性状及肉品质的影响.采用单因素完全随机试验设计,选择240头初始体重(61.25±2.31) kg的杜×长×大育肥猪,随机分为6组,每组8个重复,每个重复5头猪.对照组育肥猪饲喂玉米-豆粕型基础日粮,5个试验组依次采用5％、7％、9％、11％、13％...     

Effect of coarse ground corn, sugar beet pulp and wheat bran on the voluntary intake and physicochemical characteristics of digesta of growing pigs

The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of a coarse ground cereal and two fibrous ingredients incorporated in the diet on the physicochemical properties of digesta and productive parameters of pigs during the first stage of the growing period. A total of 96 pigs (initial body weight, BW, 15 kg) were distributed into four experimental treatments: the control diet (CT) consisted of corn, barley and soybean meal milled to pass through a 2.5 mm screen; the coarse corn diet (CC) was prepared by milling the corn to a coarser particle size (4.0 mm screen); the sugar beet pulp diet (SBP) and the wheat bran diet (WB) were prepared by replacing some of the corn for sugar beet pulp (80 g/kg) or wheat bran (100 g/kg) respectively, in order to contain a higher amount of non-starch polysaccharides (NSP). Three experimental periods were considered (7, 21 and 42 days) during which body weight (BW) and voluntary feed intake were assessed. At the end of each period eight animals per diet were slaughtered. Weight of the gastrointestinal tract and its compartments (full and empty) was recorded and the contents were sampled. Digesta samples were analysed for water concentration, water retention capacity (WRC), ammonia and short-chain fatty acids concentration (SCFA). Histological study of the proximal colon tissues was also performed. In general, the different parameters evaluated showed differences between the experimental periods, but few interactions were recorded. Animals fed CC, SBP and WB diets presented a lower feed intake (P ≤ 0.009) compared to CT fed animals. Compared to the control diet, coarse grinding of corn provoked an increase in the colonic digesta content (P = 0.032). Similarly, animals fed the SBP diet compared to CT animals, showed an increase in the contents (P = 0.009) of hindgut, and in the concentration of water in the digesta (P ≤ 0.011). Compared to CT diet the SBP diet lowered the ammonia concentration in the hindgut contents (P ≤ 0.045) and increased the concentration of SCFA in the distal colon (P ≤ 0.025). Animals fed the SBP diet also showed a lower number of lymphoid nodes in the colonic mucosa compared to the other diets (P ≤ 0.043). Minor modifications were observed associated with the incorporation of wheat bran in the diet, but colonic water from WB fed animals showed a tendency to increase cytolytic capacity. The results confirm major changes in the voluntary intake and physicochemical properties of digesta as affected by the incorporation in the diet of a fibrous ingredient or coarse grinding of cereals.     

Effect of increased methionine level on performance and apparent ileal digestibility of amino acids in ducks

The experiment was conducted with 960 one-day-old ducklings fed mixtures (I control - 0.28% methionine) additionally supplemented with DL-methionine (DL-Met) at amounts: 0.03% (group II), 0.07% (III), 0.12% (IV) and 0.18% (V). The performance, carcass quality and apparent ileal digestibility of amino acids as the criterions of methionine (Met) effectivity were considered. The analysis of growth and development of ducks as an effect of diversified DL-Met supplements indicate that increased content of this amino acid in the diets has not affected clearly the performance parameters. The body weight of 21-day-old ducklings was significantly affected only by the level of 0.12% of added Met in comparison to control group. On day 42, the differences among groups were negligible; only the addition of 0.12% DL-Met has increased the body weight by 2.4% when compared with control (p > 0.05). Feed conversion estimated for a period of 1-42 days has not been influenced by Met supplementation. The indistinct, however, visible tendency of better ileal amino acids' apparent digestibility (for Asp.a.,Thr, Ser, Glu, Lys) was noted in the groups fed supplemented diets. Application of 0.07% and 0.18% of DL-met, has significantly (p < 0.05) improved the coefficient of cysteine (Cys) apparent ileal digestibility; however, the improvement of Met apparent ileal digestibility has been achieved by the addition of 0.18% Met. The mortality of ducklings in the experiment was very low and varied between 3.15% (II) and 0.0% (groups I and III). In general, application of 0.12% of DL-Met to mixture containing 0.28% Met had positive effect on the productive output of birds and also improved the apparent ileal digestibility of Cys and Met.