Poultry Studies 2016, Vol 13, Num, 1     (Pages: 005-008)

Importance of Methionine For Immune System Development and Performance in Broiler Nutrition

İbrahim Ak 1 ,Arda Sözcü 1

1 Uludağ Üniversitesi, Ziraat Fakültesi, Zootekni Bölümü, Bursa-Türkiye - High yield hybrid strains that gains rapidly live weight in short time by fast growing and efficient feed conversion rate, are used in broiler production. As well as advances in yield performance, some serious health problems including decreasing of resistance against disease, increasing of susceptibility against heat stress, metabolic disorders, muscle and skeletal systems have been occured in production. To minimize these problems and maximize broiler performance, rearing factors and feeding practices have gained more importance during rearing period. At this point, one of essential amino acids that have important roles in regulating metabolic activities, improving health status and performance, is methionine. Methionine is a restrictive amino acid, has a role in synthesis of protein and some polyamines, protection of cells against oxidative stress factors, and improving of immune system. So that, providing of methionine requirement of broilers has a great importance due to its stimulating effects on immune system and performance. The aim of this review, it is informed about the importance of methionine in broiler nutrition, available forms and amounts of methionin in inadequency conditions, and the possible effects of methionine on immune system deveopment and broiler performance. Keywords : Broiler, Methionine, Immunity, Humoral immunity, Performance