The impact ofDSM32315 and L-Threonine supplementation on the amino acid composition of eggs and early post-hatch performance of ducklings.

Abstract

Poultry requires Threonine, an essential amino acid, and its metabolites for proper metabolic function. Threonine is crucial in the biosynthesis of mucin, which is essential for intestinal health and nutrient absorption.() is a potential substitute for antibiotic growth promoters in the poultry industry. The current study was designed to evaluate the simultaneous effect of L-Threonine (Thr) andDSM32315 supplementation on laying duck breeders in order to maximize performance. A total number of 648 female 23-week-old Longyan duck breeders were assigned to a 3&#x2009;&#xd7;&#x2009;2 factorial design with six replicates of 18 birds per replicate. L-Thr was added to the control diet at concentrations of 0, 0.7, and 1.4&#x2009;g/kg, equating to 3.9, 4.6, and 5.3&#x2009;g Thr/kg, with or withoutstrain DSM 32315 (0.0 and 0.5&#x2009;g/kg). Increasing Thr concentrations improved egg production and ducklings' hatchling weight (&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05). In addition, L-Thr supplementation resulted in a tendency for decreased feed conversion ratio without affecting egg quality. There was no significant effect (&#x2009;>&#x2009;0.05) of the dietary Thr levels on egg yolk and albumen amino acid concentrations. In contrast, the addition ofdecreased the concentrations of amino acids, excluding proline, in the egg white (albumen) and the egg yolk (&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05). Furthermore, the supplementation ofdecreased (&#x2009;<&#x2009;0 0.001) the hatching weight of ducklings. The addition ofwithout L-Thr decreased (&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05) the hatchability of fertile eggs and the hatching weight of ducklings compared to those of ducks fed dietary L-Thr along with(&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001). The combining L-Thr at 0.7&#x2009;g/kg withDSM 32315 at 0.5&#x2009;g/kg could increase eggshell quality, hatchability, and hatching weight. The current study revealed that the combination supplemented of L-Thr andDSM 32315 is recommended due to its positive effects on the eggshell percentage, hatchability and the body weights of newly hatched ducklings when dietary Thr was added at a rate of 0.7 g/kg andDSM 32315 at 0.5 g/kg. In addition, adding L-Thr separately at 0.7 g/kg could improve the egg production of duck breeders. Further studies are required to find the proper dosages ofDSM 32315 with co-dietary inclusion of limiting amino acids in the diets of duck breeders. The findings of these trials will support feed additive interventions to transition into antibiotic-free diets.