Possible effects of delivering methionine to laying hens in drinking water

Two experiments were conducted to study the effects of water-soluble DL-methionine supplied through water on the performance of laying hens. Two diet formulations were used in both experiments. For diet 1, nutrient specifications were set to meet or exceed requirements, whereas diet 2 was essentially diet 1 without supplemental methionine. Birds were divided into four groups of equal number. In experiment I, group 1 received diet 1 and normal water. Group 2, 3 and 4 received diet 2 and methionine treated water (0.050% for group 2; 0.075% for group 3; 0.100% for group 4). In experiment II, group 1 received diet 1 and normal water. Groups 2, 3 and 4 received diet 2 and methionine treated water (0.025% for group 2; 0.050% for group 3; 0.075% for group 4). In both experiments there were significant differences in egg weight and methionine intake between the groups, whereas no significant differences were observed in feed intake, water intake, egg production and feed conversation ratio. In the case of egg mass, significant differences between the treatment groups were found in experiment II but not in experiment I. The results suggest that the source of methionine does not influence its metabolic effect. Thus, it seems that methionine from the water is as good as when supplied wholly from the feed