Encapsulated L-Lysine: from physicochemical properties to broiler responses.
Micro-encapsulated L-lysine may improve feed efficiency in broiler chickens during early growth without negatively affecting body weight or feed intake.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the teriparatide (pth 1-34) corpusSummary and findings
This study evaluated the effects of dietary micro-encapsulated L-lysine on growth performance, feed efficiency, carcass traits, and selected blood metabolites in broiler chickens. A total of 600 one-day-old Arian broiler chicks were used with six dietary treatments. The findings suggest that micro-encapsulated L-lysine may improve feed efficiency during early growth.
Abstract
Precision nutrition in broiler production requires optimizing amino acid bioavailability while minimizing nitrogen excretion. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary micro-encapsulated L-lysine on growth performance, feed efficiency, carcass traits, and selected blood metabolites in broiler chickens. A total of 600 one-day-old Arian broiler chicks were used in a completely randomized design with six dietary treatments, five replicates per treatment, and 20 birds per replicate. The treatments consisted of a control diet formulated to meet the recommended lysine requirement using conventional L-lysine HCl, and five diets in which micro-encapsulated L-lysine (EL) supplied 100%, 90%, 80%, 70%, and 60% of that in the control diet. The physicochemical properties of EL were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). FTIR and DSC analyses confirmed successful core-shell integration, showing a reduction in melting enthalpy from 107.9 to 83.37 J/g, indicating a transition toward a more stable matrix-type structure. Morphological analysis revealed a heterogeneous porous architecture with surface microcracks. Biological results showed that EL had no significant effect on final body weight or feed intake (<i>P</i> > 0.05). However, birds fed diets containing 80-100% EL exhibited a significantly lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the starter period (1-28 d) (<i>P</i> < 0.05). Additionally, EL at 70-80% levels increased HDL-cholesterol and reduced serum globulin concentrations compared with the control (<i>P</i> < 0.05). These findings indicate that micro-encapsulated L-lysine may improve feed efficiency during early growth and can partially replace crystalline lysine in broiler diets without negatively affecting carcass characteristics.
Background
This paper addresses the optimization of amino acid bioavailability in broiler production, which is critical for improving growth performance and minimizing nitrogen excretion. Previous research has highlighted the importance of lysine in poultry diets, but the potential benefits of micro-encapsulated forms remain less understood. This study aims to fill that gap by evaluating the effects of micro-encapsulated L-lysine on various performance metrics in broiler chickens.
Methods
The study employed a completely randomized design with 600 one-day-old Arian broiler chicks divided into six dietary treatments, each with five replicates of 20 birds. The treatments included a control diet with conventional L-lysine HCl and five diets where micro-encapsulated L-lysine supplied 100%, 90%, 80%, 70%, and 60% of the lysine requirement. Primary outcomes included growth performance, feed efficiency, and blood metabolites measured over a specified period.
Results
The primary endpoint indicated no significant effect on final body weight or feed intake (P > 0.05). However, birds receiving 80-100% micro-encapsulated L-lysine showed a significantly lower feed conversion ratio during the starter period (1-28 d) (P < 0.05). Additionally, at 70-80% levels, micro-encapsulated L-lysine increased HDL-cholesterol and reduced serum globulin concentrations compared to the control (P < 0.05).
Interpretation
The findings suggest that while micro-encapsulated L-lysine does not significantly impact body weight or feed intake, it may enhance feed efficiency during early growth phases. However, the effect sizes observed, particularly regarding feed conversion ratios, may not be clinically meaningful in broader applications. Limitations such as the specific population and dietary conditions may confound the applicability of these results to other settings.
Key findings
- No significant effect on final body weight or feed intake (P > 0.05).
- Birds fed diets containing 80-100% EL exhibited a significantly lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the starter period (1-28 d) (P < 0.05).
- EL at 70-80% levels increased HDL-cholesterol and reduced serum globulin concentrations compared with the control (P < 0.05).
- Melting enthalpy reduced from 107.9 to 83.37 J/g, indicating a transition toward a more stable matrix-type structure.
Limitations
- No significant effect on final body weight or feed intake.
- Small sample size may limit generalizability.
- Single-site study may not reflect broader conditions.
- Short follow-up period limits long-term conclusions.