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org

Organic Poultry Production:

Providing Adequate Methionine
By Anne Fanatico, Ph.D,
Research Associate,
USDA ARS
Published 2010
Updated July 2016
by Kevin Ellis, NCAT
Agriculture Specialist
NCAT
IP363

Because synthetic amino acids are not allowed in organic livestock production, and animal slaughter
by-products cannot be used in organic feed, nutrition can present challenges in organic poultry production. Providing the amino acid methionine (MET) without oversupplying protein is generally the
most difficult. Feed rations that are high in plant proteins, such as soybean meal, can be used instead of
synthetic MET, but high-protein diets are not healthy for poultry or the environment. Diets containing
fishmeal, milk products, and nonconventional sources of protein, such as earthworms or insects, can
help provide MET, but the ingredients are expensive and, in most cases, not available in organic form.
It is difficult to design diets with sufficient MET and balance of other essential amino acids.

Contents
Introduction ......................1
Synthetic
Methionine ........................2
Natural
Methionine
Supplement.......................3
Methionine
Requirements
of Poultry ............................3
Methionine
Deficiency
Problems ............................5
Methionine
in Feedstuffs......................6
Formulating
Diets and
Feeding
Strategies ...........................9
Conclusions .................... 10
References .......................11
Appendices .............. 13-17

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Photo: Alisha Staggs

Introduction

ll commercial livestock production

operations, organic or otherwise, must
balance product quality with production
efficiency (weight gain, feed cost and efficiency,
etc.) for adequate economic returns. Organic production is based on use of natural sources of plant
and animal nutrition, with a few exceptions where
limited quantities of synthetic substances may
be used for specific purposes. One such instance
is the allowed use of the synthetic form of the
amino acid methionine for poultry, which may
be difficult to supply naturally.

Under the USDA National Organic Program

(NOP), poultry must be raised with outdoor
access, fed certified organic feed, and given no
animal-slaughter byproducts, antibiotics, drugs
or synthetic parasiticides. Poultry are omnivorous
in nature but are sometimes fed vegetarian feed in
commercial production. According to Sundrum
(2006), organic poultry production focuses on
animal health and welfare, good environmental practices, and product quality, and less on
economic measures such as reducing costs and
Page 1

maximizing production (weight gain, feed efficiency, etc.). However, economic returns are a
concern for any commercial operation. For more
information on organic poultry requirements, see
ATTRAsOrganic Poultry Production.
In the United States, synthetic methionine
(MET) has been the only synthetic amino acid
allowed in organic livestock production, and only
in poultry. When the NOP organic rule was first
published in 2002, the MET allowance was to
end in 2005. An extension was granted until 2008
and then again until October 2010. Finally, in
2012, a final rule was published to allow synthetic
methionine to be added into feed at a level not to
exceed two pounds per ton for chickens (laying
hens and broilers) and three pounds for turkeys
and all other poultry.
Related ATTRA
Publications
www.attra.ncat.org
Arsenic in
Poultry Litter:
Organic Regulations
Organic Poultry
Production
Tipsheet: Organic
Poultry Production
for Meat and Eggs

205.603 Synthetic substances

allowed for use in organic livestock
production
(d)(1) DL-Methionine, DL-Methionine-hydroxy
analog, and DL-Methionine-hydroxy analog
calcium (CAS #s 59-51-8, 583-91-5, 4857-44-7,
and 922-50-9)- for use only in organic poultry
production at the following maximum levels
of synthetic methionine per ton of feed: Laying and broiler chickens2 pounds; turkeys
and all other poultry3 pounds.

Pastured Poultry
Nutrition and Forages

Proteins are made up of amino acids, and MET

is an essential amino acid that is not synthesized
in sufficient quantity by the animal and must,
therefore, be supplied in the diet. Cysteine (CYS)
is another amino acid related to MET metabolism, and together they are called the sulfur amino
acids (seebox below). Methionine can be provided as part of an intact protein or as a pure
amino acid. It is the most limiting amino acid

(or the most difficult one to supply) in a typical

corn and soybean diet and is generally added in
a pure form. The CYS requirement can be provided by MET. Most of the total sulfur amino
acid requirement is met by the feedstuffs (about
75%), but the rest is normally supplemented by
synthetic MET (about 25%). Synthetic MET is
used in virtually all commercial poultry diets in
the U.S., both conventional and organic.

Synthetic Methionine
Synthetic MET is manufactured as a pure
amino acid. Common forms are DL-MET and
2-hydroxy-4 (methylthio) butanoic acid (a.k.a.
methionine hydroxyl analogue free acid). Raw
materials for DL-MET include oil, natural gas,
air, and water which are used to make propene,
sulphuric acid (H2S), methanol (CH3OH), and
ammonia (NH3) for manufacture of DL-MET
(Binder, 2003). DL-Methionine (the DL refers
to the racemic mixture), comes in a crystalline
form and is 99% available MET. It is available
from the companies Degussa and Adisseo. Methionine hydroxyl analogue comes in a liquid form
and is 88% available MET. Synthetic MET is so
pure that even in non-organic rations where no
restrictions apply to its use, only five pounds of
DL-MET are needed per U.S. ton of feed. However, in organic rations it is limited to two pounds
per ton in chicken feed, and three pounds per ton
in turkey and other poultry rations.
Products with zinc methionine available from
Zinpro are listed by the Organic Material Review
Institute (OMRI) as being permitted in organic livestock production. 4-Plex-E has 20% MET (directions for feeding poultry are 1.6 pounds per U.S.
ton). Zinpro-E has 40% MET (directions for feeding poultry are 0.4 pounds per U.S. ton). Because
feeding directions are intended to satisfy zinc levels,
only a small amount of MET is provided.

Methionine and Cysteine Metabolism (Sulfur Amino Acids)

Methionine (MET) and cysteine (CYS) are collectively referred to as sulfur amino acids (SAA) and are involved in complex
metabolic processes. Methionine is involved in the synthesis of body proteins and is a constituent of many body parts,
including muscles, organs, and feathers. It is also involved in functions unrelated to protein synthesis, such as the synthesis
of polyamines. In addition, MET is a methyl-group donor, helping to form dozens of compounds including epinephrine, choline, and DNA. After donation of a methyl group, through an irreversible process called transsulfuration, MET can form CYS,
another amino acid needed for protein synthesis. (Two cysteines bonded together form cystine.) Although not technically
an essential amino acid, CYS synthesis is inadequate when poultry diets are deficient in MET. The requirement for MET can
be satisfied only by MET, whereas that for CYS can also be met with MET. Betaine and choline are nutrients that are involved
with MET metabolism and save or spare some MET.

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Organic Poultry Production: Providing Adequate Methionine

Natural Methionine
Supplement
Possible methods for developing a natural MET
supplement include fermentation, extraction, or
protein hydrolysis.
Many amino acids are produced commercially by
bacterial fermentation. Because genetically modified organisms are not permitted in organic production, any MET-producing bacteria would need
to be naturally selected. However, high levels of
MET are toxic to bacteria, so the yields from
fermentation are very low and not cost-effective.
MET can be extracted from intact proteins or isolated from partially hydrolyzed proteins, but there
are no such products on the market for livestock.

Methionine Requirements
of Poultry
Poultry do not have specific requirements for
crude protein levels; only for amino acid levels.
Amino acid requirements are usually presented
as percentages of the diet. They may also be presented as a percentage of the protein requirement.
The National Research Councils (NRC) Nutrient Requirements of Poultryis commonly used in
the United States. The requirements of broilers
are given for starter, grower, and finisher phases
because the requirements change as the bird grows
(less amino acids and more energy are required
with age). Overall crude protein levels of 23, 20,
and 18% are used for starter, grower, and finisher
phases, respectively. The MET and CYS requirements are listed in Table 1.
The NRC lists the total amino acid requirement
rather than digestible amino acid. Baker (1997)
specifies digestible amino acid requirements for
broilers. In the starter phase, they are 0.41% for
MET and 0.41% for CYS.

Protein and amino acid requirements vary considerably according to the productive state of the
bird, that is, the rate of growth or egg production. For example, a mature rooster is bigger than
a hen; however, the laying hen has higher amino
acid requirements due to egg production.
Factors affecting responses of poultry to amino
acids include environmental temperature, dietary
factors, immunological stress, age, species, genetics, and gender. These factors either influence feed
intake or reduce the efficiency of use of an amino
acid (DMello, 1994). For example, male meat
birds need more essential amino acids and feed
than females.

Amino Acid Balance

For optimal growth, poultry need feed rations
with an appropriate balance of amino acids. An
undersupply of a single essential amino acid will
inhibit the responses to those in adequate supply. In
poultry, lysine is used as the reference amino acid,
and amino acid requirements can be expressed as
a percent of lysine (100%). For example, methionine plus cysteine should equal 77.5% of the lysine
level for a chick at zero to three weeks (Cole and
Lunen, 1994). The ratio of MET to CYS should
be about 60:40. Ideal proteins differ for broilers,
layers, turkeys, and other types of birds.

Nutrient Balance and

Feed Intake
Energy-to-protein ratios are important to feed
rations. Energy is provided mainly by carbohydrates and fats in the diet. If the diet is well-balanced, the bird eats primarily to satisfy its energy
requirements. However, if the diet is deficient in
protein in relation to its energy content, the bird
will overeat energy in an effort to obtain sufficient protein.

Table 1: Sulfur amino acid requirements of broilers*

(fast-growing broilers raised in an environmentally controlled indoor environment)
Starter

Grower

Finisher

Methionine

0.50

0.38

0.32

Methionine + cystine

0.90

0.72

0.60

Source: NRC, 1994

*"Broilers" are chickens that are young birds, tender enough to be prepared by fast cooking methods, such as broiling.

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Page 3

intake constant even with varying levels of dietary

energy concentration, but heavy genotypes cannot (their feed intake is more constant).
Nutrient balance has an important impact on the
carcass. In general, diets high in energy produce
fat carcasses, and diets high in protein lead to
lean carcasses. But again, the protein-to-energy
balance is important. If a bird consumes excess
energy compared to protein, a fatter bird develops
(Leeson and Summers, 1991).

Methionine Requirements of
Slow-Growing Meat Chickens

Photo: Alisha Staggs

Dietary energy exerts its effect through variations in feed intake (Emmert, no date). As dietary
energy levels increase, feed intake decreases. A
high-energy diet effectively limits feed intake,
which also limits protein and amino acid intake.
Therefore, a high dietary concentration of amino
acids is needed for high-energy diets. The NRC
nutrient requirements are based on high-energy,
high-protein (high amino acid level) diets.
In contrast, as energy decreases, feed intake
increases, requiring a lower concentration of
nutrients in the diet. If low concentrations of
amino acids are used, diets should be low-energy
so that feed intake will be increased.
Birds eat less when it is hot and more when it is
cold (NRC, 1994). Therefore, diets usually need
to be higher in amino acids during hot weather
in order to make sure birds get enough.
Feeding diets deficient in essential amino acids
can also increase feed intake. Cherry & Siegel
(1981) fed pullets diets that were equal in energy
and contained 15% crude protein and only differed in levels of MET and SAA. They found that
the pullets compensated for a marginal deficiency
of SAA by increasing their feed consumption,
and that the SAA requirement for maximum feed
conversion efficiency was greater than the requirement for egg production.
According to Larbier and Leclercq (1994), small
birds such as leghorns are able to keep energy
Page 4

In the United States, maximum protein accretion

is the goal both in conventional and most organic
poultry production. The fast-growing Cornish
Cross broiler is used in both conventional and
organic production because of its high growth
capacity when raised on a high supply of amino
acids. In contrast, slow-growing meat chickens
are used in the European Union organic program,
the French Label Rouge program, and American
producers of heritage breeds. In contrast to harvest of birds at eight weeks typical of fast-growing
birds, these birds have a growing period of about
12 weeks. Small farms in the United States typically use Cornish Cross broilers. However, some
are interested in slow-growing breeds such as Red
Broilers or New Hampshire.
The nutrient requirements of high-yielding broilers raised in controlled indoor environments are
well-known. In contrast, the nutrient requirements of lower-yielding meat chickens raised in
less-controlled housing with access to the outdoors and a high level of activity are not as wellknown. Peter et al. (1997) found that a protein
level of 20% is adequate as a starter for slowgrowing birds. After six weeks, protein content
can be reduced to 17.5%.
U.S. research was conducted to determine the
MET requirements of slower-growing meat chickens. Fanatico et al. (2006) raised three genotypes
with different growth rates (fast, medium, and
slow), using graded levels of MET, and found
that, based on feed efficiency and weight gain
responses, MET and SAA requirements of the
various genotypes are similar during the starter
and grower phases.
Han and Baker (1991) found that slow-growing
meat chickens require the amino acid lysine at the
same concentration as fast-growing broilers. How-

Organic Poultry Production: Providing Adequate Methionine

ever, the fast-growing broilers required more than

twice as much daily lysine as the slow-growing
meat birds; the increased need was supplied by
greater daily feed intake.
The body composition of meat chickens may
come into play when considering amino acid
requirements. If the protein-to-fat ratio of the bird
is greater in a fast-growing chick than in a slowgrowing chick, then dietary amino acid requirements may be higher for the fast-growing chick.

Laying Hens
The requirements for layers are given on the basis
of feed intake. For example, 0.30% MET and
0.58% SAA are required for lightweight leghorn-type layers that consume 100 grams (0.22
pounds) of feed per day. Laying hens have lower
MET requirements than meat birds. During
weeks 16 to 22, layers are still growing and, at
the same time, laying eggs and will require elevated levels of methionine.

Turkeys
Turkey poults have very high amino acid requirements to meet the demands of their rapid growth.
It can be hard to get sufficient amino acids into
poults in the starter phase because feed intake is
low, and the poults need to accrete a lot of protein.
This is especially difficult to do without synthetic
MET. From zero to four weeks, 0.55% MET and
1.05% SAA are required. Amino acid needs of
turkeys differ substantially by gender.

Methionine Def iciency

Problems
The protein and amino acid concentrations presented as a requirement by the NRC are to support maximum growth and production in fastgrowing meat birds. Achieving maximum growth
and production may not always ensure maximum
economic returns, particularly when prices of protein sources are high (NRC, 1994). And maximum
economic returns may not be the only goal. For
some producers, product quality (flavor and nutrition) may be as significant as quantity produced.
According to Sundrum (2005), there are no
effects on animal health from feeding a suboptimal diet or low-nutrient diet, but the birds may
not be fully realizing their genetic potential. In
fact, breeding companies that sell specialty birds
usually show expected growth performance on a
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high-nutrient diet as well as a low-nutrient diet

designed for conventional and specialty production, respectively.
Low-nutrient diets or feed restrictions are often
used in the starter phase to slow the growth of
fast-growing birds in order to reduce metabolic
disorders and lameness. Feed restrictions have also
been implemented to reduce feed spillage and better document feed efficiency. Feed density can be
increased later for compensatory gain (Sundrum,
2005). A birds ability to adapt to variations in
feed supply still exists (Sundrum, 2005). However, fast-growing, high-yielding animals are more
sensitive to suboptimal feed rations than slowergrowing or low-yielding animals. Stress levels may
increase due to sudden changes in a feed ration,
leading to depressed levels of growth.
U.S. organic poultry companies are concerned
that fast-growing birds with reduced MET levels
in their diet will not only perform poorly, but will
also suffer impaired immune function, resulting
in poor feathering, feather pecking, cannibalism,
and mortality.
The antioxidant mechanisms of sulfur amino
acids and their compounds are important. Normally, cells are equipped with antioxidant mechanisms to deal with free radicals. If antioxidants
are out of balance, problems can occur that cause
decreased animal performance. Sulfur-containing
compounds such as MET and CYS are powerful antioxidants that can prevent damage in cells
(Anon, 2009).

ow-nutrient
diets or feed
restrictions
are often used in the
starter phase to
slow the growth of
fast-growing birds
in order to reduce
metabolic disorders
and lameness.

Elwinger and Tausen (2009) found that reduced

MET levels reduce feather cover and egg weight,
although the production of eggs was not affected.
SeeFigure 1. They also found that feed intake
increased as feather cover deteriorated, thus
reducing feed efficiency.
Figure 1. Feather cover (% of body size)

Methionine, (g/kg)

Source: Elwinger, K. and R. Tausen. 2009

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Ambrosen and Petersen (1997) studied the

impact of protein levels in feed (11% vs 19%
crude protein) on cannibalism and plumage
quality. The plumage improved with increased
protein. Chickens supplemented with MET
had better plumage quality and reduced feather
pecking compared to the MET-deficient birds.
However, Biedermann et al. (1993) did not show
poor feathering with low protein levels. There are
many factors involved in feather pecking beside
the nutrient level, such as stress derived from
living conditions. Feather pecking may occur
even on farms with high levels of MET in the
diet, for unrelated reasons.

Methionine in Feedstuffs
Methionine and cysteine are present as intact
proteins in various feedstuffs. (Methionine is

expressed as a percent of the feed ingredient or

as a percent of the protein in the feed ingredient.)
Corn is low in MET (0.17%), and soybean meal
is moderate (0.64%). SeeTable 2for MET and
CYS contents of various feedstuffs.
As mentioned earlier, the amount of total sulfur
amino acids (MET + CYS) in feedstuffs should
be considered instead of only MET. If CYS is
inadequate, some of the MET will be used to
satisfy that requirement.
The digestibility of various feedstuffs is important
when developing a feed ration. Amino acids are
more digestible in some ingredients than others.
Methionine in most ingredients, such as in corn
and soybean meal, is highly digestible (91%), but
in flaxmeal, MET digestibility is only 82%, and
in sesame meal only 42%.

Table 2: Methionine and cysteine content of feedstuffs

MET

CYS

Soybean, full-fat, extruded

0.48

0.56

Soybean meal, expelled

0.54

0.59

Fishmeal, menhaden

1.68

0.5

Yeast, brewers dried

0.64

0.43

Casein

2.56

0.4

Milk powder, skim

0.79

0.33

Rice

0.22

0.19

Meat and bone meal >50% CP

0.81

0.58

Meat meal >50% CP

0.72

0.85

Potato protein

1.64

1.06

Black soldier larvae

0.9

Algae

1.33

0.55

Rapeseed, full-fat

0.38

0.46

Soybean meal, 48% CP

0.64

0.7

Sunflower meal expeller

0.67

0.49

Sunflower, full-fat

0.38

0.3

Sesame meal

1.06

0.6

Safflower meal

0.38

0.41

Flax meal

0.35

0.42

Dried distiller grains soluble, corn

0.51

0.48

Alfalfa meal

0.21

0.16

Grass

0.27

0.16

Corn gluten meal, 60% CP

1.46

1.06

Corn

0.17

0.18

Wheat

0.19

0.27

Field peas

0.19

0.31

Whey powder

0.17

0.24

Notes

ratio MET to CYS is not good; should be 60:40

Sources: AminoDat Degussa Amino Acid database; Kratzer and Vorha, 1996

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Organic Poultry Production: Providing Adequate Methionine

Small- vs large-scale organic

poultry production
Profit margins are usually thin in poultry
production, including organic production.
Therefore, feed efficiency and breast yield are
important measurements for companies to
determine profitability. These measurements
may not be as important to small producers
who may have wider profit margins or who
consider indirect benefits as well as direct
profitability of poultry enterprises to the entire
farming business. High-protein diets may be
too expensive for some small-scale producers. Small-scale farms generally use extensive free-range systems in which grassy areas
provide additional nutrients, including live
protein (insects, worms, etc.) and high-quality
forages during warm months.

Plant Protein
If only plant protein is used in feed rations, more
protein is required than when animal proteins
are also used. However, high-protein diets are
not good for the birds or the environment. Highprotein diets usually lead to excess nitrogen in
manure and can be hard on the birds digestive
system. Various types of plant protein are discussed below.
Oilseed meals, such as soybean meal, are
common poultry feeds after the oil has
been extracted for the vegetable oil market,
leaving a high-protein meal. However, the
extraction process uses chemical solvents,
and the remaining meal is not permitted in
organic production. Organic soybeans are
produced in full-fat (roasted or extruded)
or meal (expelled) form.
Many legumes and oil seeds such as field
beans, field peas, lentils, etc. have antinutritional factors (ANF), including tannins
and lectins. Some ANF can be removed by
processing or heat-treatment. For example,
soybeans have a trypsin inhibitor and must
be heat-treated to destroy it.
Sesame meal has a high MET content
(1.06%); however, the MET is not welldigested and is also low in lysine.
Sunflower meal has a MET content similar
to soybean meal. Chickens cannot remove
the hull of whole sunflower seeds. A SARE
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producer project looked at providing MET

through a combination of dehulled sunflowers, fishmeal, and crabmeal, in conjunction
with small-scale methods of dehulling sunflowers, and found the approach questionable (FNE05- 54).
Canola (a cultivar of rapeseed) meal is lower
in MET than soybean meal.
Flaxseeds have a MET content of 0.62%.
Although a good source of nutrients, this
ingredient should be limited to no more
than 30% in order to avoid a fishy flavor in
the meat or eggs.
While corn is relatively low in MET,
corn gluten meal is high (1.46% MET).
Unfortunately, there is none in organic form
in the United States.
High-methionine corn has been naturally selected by theMichael Fields Agricultural Institute (http://michaelfields.org/
organic-corn-breeding-program/). Jacob
et al. (2008) fed the variety 3 floury-2 MF
hybrid, which averages 0.32% MET, compared to 0.18% in conventional corn. They
found that synthetic MET was not needed
when using high-MET corn for pullets.
However, high-MET corn is also high in
protein; therefore, the overall high protein
content of the diet is still a problem. In addition, the high moisture and low yield of this
corn variety make it economically unattractive to corn growers, and therefore relatively
unavailable commercially.

ighprotein
diets
usually lead to
excess nitrogen in
manure and can be
hard on the birds
digestive system.

Potato protein is high in MET (1.64%), and

it is a conventional by-product that is currently used in Europe, where a small percentage of feed ingredients do not have to
be organic in organic livestock production.
There is very little if any organic potato protein in the United States.

Animal Protein
Animal protein is high-quality and a good source
of MET. In a pasture setting, poultry consume
many sources of animal protein, including insects
and worms. In the past, animal slaughter by-products (i.e., meat and bone meal) were important
ingredients in conventional poultry diets, but they
are banned in organic livestock feed production.
However, other animal products can be used,
such as fishmeal and milk products, and these are
discussed below. Insects and worms can provide
Page 7

high-quality protein when available on pasture.

Fishmeal is a good source of MET (1.68%)
in organic livestock production. However,
there is little fishmeal available without the
synthetic preservative ethoxyquine, which is
not allowed in organic production. Natural
substances such as tocopherol can be used to
prevent rancidity. Fishmeal can be used only
in small amounts because it taints the flavor
of meat and eggs. Eggs or chicken marketed
as Vegetarian Fed will not be able to use
fishmeal as a source of MET.

arthworms
and insects
are highquality proteins,
similar to fishmeal,
and high in MET.

Dairy by-products can be high in MET and

highly digestible. Because liquid milk products are not concentrated due to the presence
of water, powdered or concentrated products
are particularly useful. Casein is the solid
residue that remains after the acid or rennet
coagulation of milk. It has a very high level
of MET (2.56 %) and is very high in crude
protein (80%). Organic casein is not available commercially for livestock feed. Whey
powder, a by-product of cheese-making after
most of the protein and fat are removed, is
not particularly high in MET unless the
protein is concentrated.
Dried brewers yeast has a moderate level of
MET (0.64%).

Additional Proteins
Outdoor access is required in organic poultry
production but pasture is not. Many operations
provide small areas (organic regulations do not
specify stocking density or area size for outdoor
areas); therefore, birds may not have significant
access to grassy areas. Pastured poultry producers, however, usually provide extensive outdoor
access by way of small portable houses moved
regularly to fresh pasture. Forage is a source of
MET. Although the MET level of forage is generally low to moderate, foraging should be encouraged. Birds can also obtain high-quality protein
from insects and worms on pasture.
Moritz et al. (2005) found that in the summer,
forage (tall fescue, orchardgrass, red clover, and
white clover) had higher MET levels than in the
fall (0.31% vs. 0.17%, respectively). They compared broiler performance in diets with/without synthetic methionine and with/without feed
restriction. They concluded that the ability of forage to meet the MET requirement depends on
Page 8

environmental conditions and subsequent feed

intake. Horsted et al. (2006) found that chicory
was an especially attractive forage to hens and
had a moderate MET content (0.40%). The quality of forages needs to be maintained for good
MET levels. In most parts of the country, forage growth slows or stops in the winter. Moritz
found that the digestibility of forage varies over
the seasons as well. See the ATTRA publication
Pastured Poultry Nutrition and Forages for more
information regarding the nutritional quality of
pasture in poultry diets.
Earthworms and insects are high-quality proteins,
similar to fishmeal, and high in MET. Worms and
insects can convert wastes such as food scraps or
animal manure to high-quality protein. While
there are few commercial products, worms and
insects can be produced on-farm and easily processed into a meal. However, since worm and
insect meal is considered an animal by-product, it
cannot be fed in certified organic poultry rations.
For those who do decide to produce worms onfarm, the remains, especially worm castings,
can also be very useful soil amendments. See
ATTRAs Worms for Bait or Waste Processing
(Vermicomposting). Additional unconventional
proteins are discussed below.
Black soldier flies lay eggs in waste, and
when the larvae hatch, they consume the
waste and develop into a source of highquality protein. The larvae can self-harvest
because they crawl upwards and will fall into
collection tubes.
Algae is high in MET (1.33%). Chlorella
has potential as a feed supplement; however,
production in ponds, harvesting, and drying are challenging.
Worms, algae, and aquatic plants accumulate
heavy metals at concentrations greater than in
the surrounding environment, and these heavy
metals could transfer to meat and eggs (DEFRA,
2006). In addition, unconventional proteins may
be too expensive because of the labor and processing required. Although some of the feedstuffs
discussed above are high in MET, large amounts
are required to meet SAA requirements, compared to the very small amounts of a pure MET
supplement. For instance, one pound of DL-MET
replaces 50 pounds of fishmeal.

Organic Poultry Production: Providing Adequate Methionine

Formulating Diets and

Feeding Strategies
It is difficult to meet SAA requirements in organic
poultry production without also providing excessive protein. Supplying sufficient MET to birds
with plant proteins, such as soybeans or sunflower
meal, may result in diets with excessive protein levels, which can be harmful to both the birds and
the environment. Birds excrete the nitrogen in protein as uric acid, which is broken down into water
and ammonia. Extra water is needed to excrete
excess protein, making litter wetter and promoting
microbial growth. High-moisture litter creates an
optimal environment for pathogens and can cause
breast blisters. Excess ammonia can also cause skin
and respiratory problems, which increases the susceptibility of birds to other diseases, and ammonia
emissions from poultry houses are a concern for air
quality that can present a risk to both livestock and
worker health. Metabolizing excess protein can also
be detrimental to the bird, stressing the kidneys,
depending on the extent of the excess (Fanatico
et al., 2009). Evidence that excess protein causes
stress in birds is also seen in the increased size of
adrenals (Leeson and Summers, 1991). Feeding
high levels of protein, particularly fishmeal, can
predispose birds to necrotic enteritis (Dahiya and
Drew, 2007).
In addition, plant proteins usually have antinutritional factors that require heat treatment or other
processing to remove. For example, soybeans contain trypsin inhibitors and must be roasted and
extruded before being fed to poultry.
Many feeds have maximum inclusion rates beyond
which ingredients cannot be fed without detrimental effects on growth and/or flavor. See Leeson and
Summers (1991) for more information.
There are strategies to conserve feedstuffs with highquality protein. When diets are formulated, a higher
protein content is fed earlier in the birds life and
then steadily decreased over time. This is to make
up for the low feed intake due to developing digestive systems in the early stages of growth. Quality
proteins with high digestibility (generally animal
proteins) should be fed during the starter phase.
Plant proteins can be used later during finishing
(Sundrum, 2005). Multiple-phase feeding (beyond
the usual starter, grower, and finisher phases) can be
useful to more closely match the diet with nutrient
requirements. A broilers nutrient requirements
change daily, rather than only three times.
www.attra.ncat.org

In choice feeding, a completely formulated

feed is not provided but rather the separate
ingredients. For example, corn may be offered
separately from a protein concentrate mixed
with vitamins and minerals. Choice feeding
could help match nutrients even more closely
to requirements that change daily according to
temperature, stage of production, and gender. In
choice feeding, homegrown organic feeds can
be readily used. Many grains are provided in
whole forms to reduce processing costs, improve
gut health and maintain nutrient content. Special care should be taken to ensure that when
unprocessed grains are provided to poultry, they
do not contain any antinutritional factors. Poultry also need grit in order to break down grains
into digestable sizes.

Diet Formulations
Sample diet formulations for broilers, layers, and
turkeys are provided in Possibilities and Limitations of Protein Supply in Organic Poultry and Pig
Production (Sundrum, 2005). However, many of
the ingredients are nonorganic, such as potato
protein and corn gluten meal, and these cannot
be used in the United States.
See Table 3 for fishmeal-based organic broiler
diets designed by West Virginia University for
research using both slow- and fast-growing broilers. No synthetic MET is used, and all the ingredients are available in the United States.

upplying
sufficient MET
to birds with
plant proteins,
such as soybeans or
sunflower meal, may
result in diets with
excessive protein
levels, which can be
harmful to both
the birds and the
environment.

See Table 4 for starter and grower organic meatchicken diets from Europe using organic sunflower, sesame, and rapeseed, which can be difficult to obtain in the United States. Note that
the MET and MET+CYS levels are lower than
those recommended by the NRC.

Trials
The Methionine Task Force and its members
have conducted feeding trials to test various
diets. For example, Organic Valley did trials with
high-MET corn and presented a poster at the 1st
IFOAM International Conference on Animals in
Organic Production (seeAppendix). Some trials
included additional betaine in an attempt to spare
or reduce the need for some MET.
The Methionine Task Force has also sponsored
research to develop a natural methionine product. In addition, the Task Force commissioned
Page 9

an 80-page literature review of methionine

by researchers at California State Polytechnic
University (Burns-Whitmore, 2007).
See Nutrition and Feeding of Organic Poultry
(Blair, 2008) for general information on organic
feedstuffs and feeding.

Conclusions
It is likely that organic poultry will not have
enough methionine in the diet without synthetic

methionine, or that diets will contain excessive

protein to satisfy amino acid requirements. Animal proteins (dairy products, fishmeal, or insects/
worms) and nonconventional proteins such as algae
have an important role to play, but a natural methionine supplement would greatly reduce the problem. When formulating a ration for poultry, special
care should be taken to satisfy not only the methionine requirement but to provide a correct balance
of the amino acids required on a daily basis.

Table 3. Organic research diet formulations and descriptions of nutrient content

Item

Starter formulation1

Grower formulation

Finisher formulation

Slow-growing
broiler (028 d)

Slow-growing
Fast-growing
broiler (2856 d) broiler (2138 d)

Slow-growing
Fast-growing
broiler (5683 d) broiler (3854 d)

Fast-growing
broiler (021 d)

Ingredient (%)
Corn
Soybean meal (44%)
2

Sand

38.33

38.33

54.90

54.90

65.55

65.55

43.91

52.08

36.19

34.45

26.24

24.95

6.22

Soybean oil

4.53

1.86

5.00

3.02

3.14

5.00

Fish meal (60.9%)

4.00

5.00

0.25

5.00

2.00

2.08

Limestone

1.18

1.16

1.33

1.05

1.17

1.00

Dicalcium phosphate

1.10

0.86

1.53

0.82

1.11

0.66

Salt

0.42

0.41

0.51

0.46

0.49

0.46

Vitamin-mineral premix3

0.20

0.20

0.20

0.20

0.20

0.20

Choline

0.10

0.10

0.10

0.10

0.10

0.10

2,918

2,918

3,215

3,131

3,209

3,167

25

29

20

22

18

19

Methionine

0.44

0.52

0.35

0.43

0.34

0.38

TSAA

0.82

0.95

0.68

0.77

0.63

0.68

24

27

22

24

21

23

0.41

0.45

0.33

0.38

0.32

0.37

Calculated nutrient
ME (kcal/kg)
CP

Analyzed nutrient
CP
MET
1

All formulations were breed-specific to recommendations determined by the University of Arkansas.

Washed builders sand was used to dilute nutrients in the Slow-growing diets so that corn percentages could remain constant among Slow-growing and Fastgrowing diets.

Supplied per kilograms of diet: vitamin D3, 1,361 ICU; vitamin A, 3,629 IU; vitamin E, 9.07 IU; vitamin K, 0.679 mg; thiamine, 0.453 mg; riboflavin, 2.27 mg; niacin, 18.1
mg; pantothenic acid, 4.54 mg; pyridoxine, 0.907 mg; folacin, 0.227 mg; biotin, 0.011 mg; vitamin B12, 0.005 g; calcium, 0.093 g; sodium, 0.025 mg; potassium, 1.4
mg; magnesium, 26.5 mg; sulfur, 61.7 mg; manganese, 9.82 mg; zinc, 20.58 mg; iron, 8.23 mg; copper, 2.06 mg; iodine, 0.411 mg; selenium, 0.039 mg.

Source: Adapted from Rack et al., 2009.

Page 10

Organic Poultry Production: Providing Adequate Methionine

Table 4. Organic starter and grower diets

Starter 0-3 weeks (%)

Grower 3 -11 weeks (%)

Corn

20

15

Wheat

37

43.5

Sunflower

Pea

Rapeseed

Soybean meal

24

22

Sesame

Soy oil

2.5

2.5

0.5

Crude protein

20.5

19.7

MET

0.34

0.32

MET+CYS

0.71

0.675

Minerals/vitamins
Organic acid
Calculated feed composition (%)

Source: modified from Rodenburg et al., 2008.

References
Ambrosen, T., and V.E. Petersen. 1997. The influence of
protein level in the diets on cannibalism and quality of
plumage of layers. Poultry Science. Vol. 76, No. 4. p.559-563.

Cole, D.J.A., and T.A. van Lunen. 1994. Ideal Amino Acid
Patterns. p. 99-112. In: Amino Acids in Farm Animal Nutrition. CAB International, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, U.K.

Anon. 2009. Amino acids focus at Adisseo seminar.

World Poultry. Sept. 2.

Dahiya, J.P., and M.D. Drew. 2007. Balanced amino acid

control NE: part 2. Feedstuffs. July 9. p. 26-27, 29.

Baker, D.H. 1997. Ideal amino acid profiles for swine and
poultry and their application in feed formulation. BioKyowa
Technical Review. No. 9. p. 1-24.

DEFRA. 2006. Organic egg production: A sustainable

method for meeting the organic hens protein requirements.
Project code OF0357. U.K. http://sciencesearch.defra.gov.
uk/Default.aspx?Menu=Menu&Module=More&Location=
None&Completed=0&ProjectID=13671

Binder, M. 2003. Life Cycle Analysis of DL-methionine in

broiler meat production. Animo News. June.
Biedermann, G. von, N. Schmiemann, and K. Lange. 1993.
Investigations of the effects of plumage condition at different
ages in laying hens. Archiv fur Geflugelkunde. Vol. 57,
No. 6. p. 280-285.
Blair, R. 2008. Nutrition and Feeding of Organic Poultry.
CAB International, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, U.K.
Burns-Whitmore, B. 2007.A Review of Recent Scientific
Research of Methionine. California State Polytechnic
University, Pomona.
Cherry, J. A. and P.B. Siegel. 1981. Compensatory increase
in feed consumption in response to marginal levels of the
sulfur containing amino acids. Archiv fur Geflugelkunde.
Vol. 45, No. 6. p. 269-273.
www.attra.ncat.org

DMello, J.P.F. 1994. Amino Acids in Farm Animal Nutrition.

CAB International, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, U.K.
Elwinger, K., and R. Tausen. 2009. Low-methionine diets
are a potential health risk in organic egg production.
European Symposium on Poultry Nutrition, Edinburgh,
Scotland, August 23-27, 2009.
Emmert, J. L. No date. Sulfur Amino Acid Nutrition of
Broilers.
Ewing, W. Ray. 1963. Poultry Nutrition. 5th Edition
(revised). The Ray Ewing Company, Pasadena, CA.
Fanatico, A.C., C.M. Owens, and J.L. Emmert. 2009.
Organic Poultry Production in the U.S.: Broilers. Journal of
Applied Poultry Research. Vol. 18, No. 2. p. 355-366.
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Fanatico, A.C., P.B. Pillai, J.L. Emmert, E.E. Gbur, J.F.

Meullenet, and C.M. Owens. 2007. Sensory attributes of
slow- and fast-growing chicken genotypes raised indoors or
with outdoor access. Poultry Science. Vol. 86. p. 2441-2449.
Fanatico, A.C., T. OConnor-Dennie, C.M. Owens, and J.
L. Emmert. 2007. Performance of alternative meat chickens
for organic markets: impact of genotype, methionine level,
and methionine source. Poultry Science. Vol. 86, Supplement
1. Abstract.
Fanatico, A.C., P. B. Pillai, T. OConnor-Dennie, J.L.
Emmert. 2006. Methionine requirements of alternative
slow-growing genotypes. Poultry Science. Vol. 85,
Supplement 1. Abstract.
Han, Y., and D.H. Baker. 1991. Lysine requirements of
fast- and slow-growing broiler chicks. Poultry Science.
Vol. 70, No. 10. p. 2108-2114.
Horsted, K., M. Hammershoj, and J.E. Hermansen. 2006.
Short-term effects of productivity and egg quality in nutrientrestricted versus nonrestricted organic layers with access to
different forage crops. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica,
Section A, Animal Science. Vol. 56, No. 1. p. 42-54.
Jacob, J. P., N. Levendoski, and W. Goldstein 2008.
Inclusion of high methionine corn in pullet diets. Journal of
Applied Poultry Research. Vol. 17, No. 4. p. 440.
Kratzer, F.H., and Pran Vorha. 1996. Use of Flaxseed as a
Poultry Feedstuff. Poultry Fact Sheet No. 21. Cooperative
Extension, University of California, Davis, CA.
http://animalsciencey.ucdavis.edu/avian/pfs21.htm
Larbier, M., and B. Leclercq. 1994. Nutrition and Feed of
Poultry. INRA, Paris, France.
Leeson, S., and J.D. Summers. 1991. Commercial Poultry
Nutrition. University Books, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

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National Research Council. 1994. Nutrient Requirements

of Poultry, 9th rev. ed. National Academy Press,
Washington, D.C.
Moritz, J.S., A.S. Parsons, N.P. Buchanan, N.J. Baker, J.
Jaczynski, O.J. Gekara, and W. B. Bryan. 2005. Synthetic
methionine and feed restriction effects on performance and
meat quality of organically reared broiler chickens. Journal
of Applied Poultry Research. Vol. 14, No. 3.p. 521-535.
Peter, W., S. Danicke, H. Jeroch, M. Wicke, and G. von
Lengerken. 1997. Influence of intensity of nutrition on
selected parameters of carcass and meat quality of French
Label type chickens. Archiv fur Geflugelkunde. Vol. 61,
No. 3. p. 110-116.
Rack, A.L., K.G.S. Lilly, K.R. Beaman, C.K. Gehring, and
J.S. Moritz. 2009. The effect of genotype, choice feeding,
and season on organically reared broilers fed diets devoid of
synthetic methionine. Journal of Applied Poultry Research
Vol. 18, No. 1. p. 54-65.
Rodenburg, T.B., J. Van Harn, M.M. Van Krimpen,
M.A.W. Ruis, I. Vermeij and H.A.M. Spoolder. 2008.
Comparison of three different diets for organic broiler:
effects on performance and body condition. British Poultry
Science. Vol. 49. p.74-80.
Sundrum, A. 2005.Possibilities and limitation of protein
supply in organic poultry and pig production. Organic
Revision: Research to support revision of the EU regulation on organic agriculture. www.organic-revision.org/pub/
Final_Report_EC_Revision.pdf [PDF/2.1M]
Sundrum, A. 2006. Protein supply in organic poultry
and pig production. p. 195-199. In: Proceedings of the 1st
IFOAM International Conference on Animals in Organic
Production, St. Paul, Minnesota, Aug. 23-25.

Organic Poultry Production: Providing Adequate Methionine

Appendix A
Evaluation of Organic Broiler
and Layer Ration Formulations
Introduction

series of ration formulations was developed to evaluate the viability of using

alternative ingredients to replace the available methionine currently supplied by synthetic
sources in poultry rations. The ingredients nutritional information came from several sources:
Feedstuffs Reference Guide 2003-2004, National
Research Councils Nutrient Requirements of
Poultry (1994), Ajinomoto Heartland LLC, and
information supplied by several ingredient producers. The nutritional profiles that served as the
basis for the formulations were derived using several sources as well.
The basis for feed formulation is developing
the nutritional matrix that is the backbone for
each ingredient. For each ingredient, a complete
nutritional profi le must be established for each
of the nutritional constraints of the ration. The
values shown in the attached chart, Available
Methionine Content of Ingredients for Poultry
were developed using the previously identified
sources of information. Typically, many evaluations have used total methionine levels rather
than the available methionine values shown on
this chart. Th is was done because many of the
ingredients contain significant total methionine
levels, but due to many factors, only a fraction of
this methionine is available to poultry. Using the
available methionine values for both the ingredients and the nutritional requirements results
in the most valid ration formulations. It must
be noted that both the nutritional content of
ingredients and the nutritional requirements
for ration formulations will vary among nutritionists and feed manufacturers. The values presented here are an attempt to establish acceptable
averages for each bird type.

Available Methionine Content

of Ingredients for Poultry
The range of available methionine values in ingredients that could possibly meet organic production standards (no animal by-products) is significant, from a low of 0.08% of the ingredient (as
fed) for dried kelp meal to a high of 0.93% for
Menhaden fishmeal. For the purposes of this evaluation, fishmeal will be considered an acceptable
www.attra.ncat.org

ingredient under the organic standards. The primary ingredients in current poultry rations are
corn and soybean meal. Corn (0.16% available
methionine) is extremely low in available methionine and soybean meal (0.61% available methionine) can be considered as moderate in its available methionine content. For these reasons, it is
the standard in poultry rations that supplemental
synthetic methionine is added. These synthetic
sources typically are DLmethionine (99% available methionine) and HMB (Alimet, 88% available methionine). Due to the available methionine
potencies of the supplements, the typical inclusion
rate is three to six pounds per ton of the ration
(0.15 to 0.3% of the ration). For the rations in
this example, organic soybean oil was also used
when necessary to allow more formulation freedom, even though many organic feed producers
do not use soybean oil (the oil is usually supplied
to the ration in the form of full-fat soybean meal).

Broiler Ration Formulation

he basis
for feed
formulation
is developing the
nutritional matrix
that is the backbone
for each ingredient.

The attached sheet summarizes a series of broiler

rations that were formulated to meet a common
nutrient profile. The nutrients of interest in this
comparison are shown in the Nutritional Comparison section below each ration. The alternative ingredients chosen for these formulations were
restricted to those with the greatest available methionine content. The Other portion of the diet is
comprised of all other required ingredients: limestone, phosphate, salt, trace minerals, and vitamins.
Ration A represents what could be considered a current ration. Ration B is the resulting formulation
after removing the DL methionine. In this case,
several compromises had to be made to achieve
a feasible solution. These compromises result in a
ration that would be unsuitable for broiler production. The energy of Ration B had to be reduced by
100 kcals and the available methionine reduced by
0.04%. At the same time, the protein of the rations
increased from 21 to 38% (a level which could be
physiologically harmful to the birds) and the available lysine (the second essential amino acid after
methionine) was increased by 102%. Ration C was
formulated without DL methionine but with fishmeal allowed up to a limit of 2.5% of the ration.
In this ration, the target available methionine level
of 0.49% was achievable, but (as in Ration B) an
energy level reduction was required, and the protein and available lysine were excessive. Therefore,
Ration C should be considered unacceptable due
Page 13

t appears
that the use of
fishmeal alone
as an alternative
ingredient is not
sufficient to replace
the synthetic
methionine.

to these surpluses. Rations D was formulated with

fishmeal and corn gluten meal, while Ration E
used fishmeal, corn gluten meal, potato protein,
earthworm meal, and sesame meal. In Rations D
and E, the target values were achievable for energy
and available methionine, and the excesses in available lysine were at an acceptable level. The main
concern with Rations D and E is the increase in
protein of about 7 to 8%. Several nutritionists
contacted were uncomfortable with protein levels
that exceeded the requirements by more than 5%.
It might be possible to reduce this protein excess
if more alternative ingredients were available and
used in the ration.
These formulations simulated a broiler ration.
Turkey rations are more nutrient dense than
broiler rations, but the amino acid balance is
proportionally similar. It can be assumed that in
attempting to formulate turkey rations with these
same constraints and ingredients, there would be
similar deficiencies and excesses, and most likely
to a greater magnitude.

Layer Ration Formulation

The same ingredient restrictions were used for
both the layer rations and the broiler rations.
As with the broiler rations, Rations B and C are
unacceptable due to deficiencies in energy and

excesses in protein and available lysine. For the

layer rations, Rations D and E, with the expanded
use of alternative ingredients, proved to be feasible solutions, without the energy deficiencies
and the protein and available lysine excesses seen
in the broiler rations. This can be explained by
the fact that layer rations are less nutrient dense
than rations for broilers or turkeys.

Conclusions
This series of formulations demonstrates that
synthetic methionine supplements cannot simply
be removed from the rations and the remaining
ingredients reformulated. The resulting imbalances would be detrimental to the birds health.
It appears that the use of fishmeal alone as an alternative ingredient is not sufficient to replace the synthetic methionine. It did appear that potentially
feasible rations could be developed with the use
of alternative ingredients. The primary constraint
of this last conclusion is that these ingredients are
either non-existent or of extremely limited availability when they are forced to fully comply with
the organic ingredients standards. And again it
must be noted that these conclusion were reached
using only two average rations. Other nutritionists will likely experience additional deficiencies/
excesses when formulating specific rations.
Source: Methionine Alternative Task Force, 2003

Appendix B
Available Methionine Content of Ingredients for Poultry (%)

Source: Methionine Alternative Task Force, 2003

Page 14

Organic Poultry Production: Providing Adequate Methionine

Appendix C
Broiler Ration Formulation Evaluation
Ration (lbs. per ton)
A

Corn

1065

170

160

874

950

Soybean Meal

855

1720

1690

800

582

Soybean Oil

21

66

60

DL Methionine

Other

55

44

40

56

58

Fishmeal

50

50

Corn Gluten Meal

220

245

Potato Protein

Earthworm Meal

65

Sesame Meal

100

1350

1250

1250

1350

1350

Nutritional Comparison
Metabolizable Energy (kcal/lb)
Protein, %
Available Methionine, %

21

38

39

29

28

0.49

0.45

0.49

0.49

0.49

102

108

25

11

Excess Available Lysine, %

Italicized values indicate imbalances of nutritional concern

Appendix D
Layer Ration Formulation Evaluation
Ration (lbs. per ton)
A

Corn

1090

245

455

1075

1310

Soybean Meal

645

1498

1245

465

40

Soybean Oil

58

56

57

DL Methionine
Other

204

201

193

215

210

50

50

50

Fishmeal
Corn Gluten Meal

195

125

Potato Protein

65

Earthworm Meal

100

Sesame Meal

100

1325

1165

1215

1325

1325

Nutritional Comparison
Metabolizable Energy (kcal/lb)
Protein, %
Available Methionine, %

18

34

31

22

20

0.40

0.40

0.40

0.40

0.40

107

88

Excess Available Lysine, %

Italicized values indicate imbalances of nutritional concern

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Page 15

Appendix E
Alternatives to Synthetic Methionine Feed Trial

Feed Rations Under Testing

Control Group (25 chicks)
lbs

Ingredient

239

organic shell corn

Hi-Meth Corn (26 chicks)

lbs
0

Potato Protein (25 chicks)

Ingredient

lbs

Ingredient

organic shell corn

275

organic shell corn

organic hi methionine

240

organic hi methionine

organic hi methionine

128

corn

140

corn

corn

13

organic soymeal

organic soymeal

organic soymeal

13

organic flaxmeal

12

organic flaxmeal

12

organic flaxmeal

50

organic poultry builder

50

organic poultry builder

50

organic poultry builder

50

organic oats

50

organic oats

50

organic oats

organic barley

organic barley

organic barley

calcium

calcium

dical phos

dical phos

105

dical phos

potato starch

potato starch

105

potato starch

calcium

Purpose

Control Group

To find a natural alternative to synthetic DL-Methionine in

organic poultry rations.

Good energy level, but not as high as the Hi Meth Corn

group. Very good appetitesalways rushed the feeder and
waterer. Initially, noticed a few birds with fecal matter covering vent as chicks. (After we physically removed the matter it
did not reappear.) Abscesses in wings from banding problems
developed. (May have had something to do with some of the
birds eventual total growth? ) 0% Mortality (no birds lost).
Feed Conversion Ratio: 2.77 lbs feed/1 lb gain.

Background 1
Three groups of cornish cross broiler cockerels are being given
different rations. Each group is receiving the same amount of
feed each day. Growing conditions are similar, all three groups
are being raised on the same organic farm, in separate adjoining pens. Each batch is being weighed twice/week to measure
growth patterns. Chicks arrived on May 10 as day-olds from
Sunny Hatchery in Beaver Dam, WI. Changed/refilled waterers twice daily. Feed was given twice a day (splitting the total
grams/day) except for the week of June 9 through 17, 1 X/day.
1

Test conducted at Appley Ever After Farm, Viroqua, WI

Page 16

Hi-Meth Corn
Highest energy level.( Initial feeding frenzies lessened when
feed was increased above recommended levels.) Initially,
noticed a few birds with fecal matter covering vent as chicks.
(After we physically removed the matter it did not reappear.) Gained weight fastest, but Control Group caught up
Organic Poultry Production: Providing Adequate Methionine

towards the end and surpassed the High Methionine Group

at the last weighing. Although they were so close, this might
have been insignificant. 3.85% Mortalitylost one bird
due to neck/leg problems at the end of the trial (week 6).
Feed Conversion Ratio: 2.78 lbs feed/1 lb gain.

Potato Protein
Grew the slowest and never caught up with the Control or
Hi Meth Corn groups, leading one to believe that it would
take longer to grow out a broiler, or raise a layer to begin

www.attra.ncat.org

laying eggs. Feed seemed to cake up more both towards

the bottom of the bags and in the feeder. Birds initially
seemed to take more water than the Control or Hi Meth
Corn groups, but eventually it was the same as the others. VERY calm, in comparison to the others groups. 12%
Mortality: lost 3 birds due to leg/neck problems early on.
Feed Conversion Ratio: 3.28 lbs feed/1 lb gain.

Conclusion
High-Methionine Corn is a potential alternative to synthetic
methionine in organic poultry rations.

Page 17

Notes

Page 18

Organic Poultry Production: Providing Adequate Methionine

Notes

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Page 19

Organic Poultry Production: Providing Adequate Methionine

By Anne Fanatico, Ph.D,
Research Associate, USDA ARS
Published 2010
Reviewed July 2016 by Kevin Ellis,
NCAT Agriculture Specialist
NCAT
Cathy Svejkovsky, Editor Amy Smith, Production
IP363
Slot 363
Version 070716

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Organic Poultry Production: Providing Adequate Methionine