Methionine: an essential amino acid and potential enhancer of antioxidant systems in swine diets

Abstract

L-Methionine (L-Met) is a new product that supplies the biologically active form of methionine. Therefore, the objective of this study was to elucidate the benefits of dietary L-Met supplementation relative to the industry standard DL-Met. Sixteen gilts with an initial BW 81.2±7.93 kg were individually penned and randomly allotted to one of two equivalent dietary treatments for 37 days in 2 trials (8 pigs/trial): DL-Met (0.050% of diet) or L-Met (0.052% of diet). Body weight and feed intake were measured on days 0, 19, and 37 to calculate performance measures. Pigs were harvested and carcasses assessed on day 38. Liver, loin muscle, and subcutaneous fat were collected for antioxidant assessments. Data were analyzed via Proc Mixed in SAS and significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. There were no differences between dietary treatments in growth performance, carcass characteristics, or antioxidant status (P > 0.05). In conclusion, methionine form did not differentially impact animal growth or antioxidant status.