Assessment of using the nano DL-methionine in broiler chickens: Effect on growth performance, blood parameters and small intestine morphology

In this experiment, nano DL-methionine was synthesized from commercial DL-methionine and used in broiler diets to evaluate the effects on growth performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters and small intestine morphology. A total of 200 one-day-old broilers (Arian) were used in a completely randomized design with five treatments and four 4 replicates of 10 birds for a period of 40 days. Experimental treatments included: 1) a control diet consisted of DL-methionine, 2) a diet included 75% of DLM of the control+2.5% nano-methionine, 3) a diet included 50% of DLM of the control+5% nano-methionine, 4- a diet included 25% of DLM of the control+7.5% nano-methionine, and 5- a diet included 10% nano-methionine. The results showed that replacing DLM with NM caused no significant difference between treatments for live responses, carcass characteristics and activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase. There was no significant difference between treatments for serum uric acid, height and width of villi in duodenum and jejunum. However, groups with 7.5% and 10% NM manifested a significant increase (P < 0.05) in breast weight and villus height and width and its absorptive surface area compared to the control. In conclusion, the use of NM could save up to 90% of DLM requirements.