Organic Poultry Production: Providing Adequate Methionine

1. Organic Poultry Production:
Providing Adequate Methionine
A Publication of ATTRA – National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service • 1-800-346-9140 • www.attra.ncat.org
By Anne Fanatico, Ph.D, Because synthetic amino acids are generally banned in organic livestock production, and animal slaugh-
Research Associate, ter by-products cannot be used in organic feed, nutrition can present challenges in organic poultry
USDA ARS production. Providing the amino acid methionine (MET) is generally the most difficult one. Feed rations
© 2010 NCAT 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 without oversupplying protein. For these reasons, development of a natural MET
supplement is needed.
Contents omnivorous in nature but are
often fed as vegetarians in com-
Introduction ......................1
mercial production. Under the
Synthetic methionine ....2 European Union organic leg-
Natural methionine islation, a greater amount of
supplement .......................3
outdoor access is required for
Methionine
requirements
organic poultry than in the
of poultry ...........................3 US. In Europe, organic poul-
Methionine deficiency try production is not expected
problems ............................6 to be as high-yield as conven-
Methionine tional confinement systems,
in feedstuffs.......................7 and slower-growing meat birds
Formulating diets and Photo courtesy Alisha Staggs are used. According to Sun-
feeding strategies ........ 10
drum (2006), organic poultry
Conclusions .....................11
References ...................... 12
Introduction production focuses on animal health and
welfare, good environmental practices,
Appendices .................... 15 The ban on synthetic amino acids in and product quality, and less on eco-
organic livestock production is simi- nomic measures such as reducing costs
lar to the ban on synthetic nitrogen in and maximizing production (weight gain,
crop production. In both cases, protein/ feed efficiency, etc.). However, economic
nitrogen is closely related to the level of returns are a concern for any commer-
performance of the animal or crop (Sun- cial operation. For more information
drum, 2005), but synthetic sources are on organic poultry requirements, see
prohibited. Rather, organic produc- ATTRA’s Organic Poultry Production.
tion relies on natural cycles of nitrogen
(i.e., nitrogen-fixing by plants and nutri- In the U.S., synthetic methionine (MET)
ATTRA – National Sustainable ent cycling via applications of animal has been the only synthetic amino acid
Agriculture Information Service
(www.ncat.attra.org) is managed manure on crops). allowed in organic livestock production,
by the National Center for Appro- and only in poultry. It is allowed tem-
priate Technology (NCAT) and is Under the USDA National Organic Pro- porarily but is being phased out. When
funded under a grant from the
United States Department of gram (NOP), poultry must be raised the NOP organic rule was first published
Agriculture’s Rural Business- with outdoor access, fed certified organic in 2002, the MET allowance was to end
Cooperative Service. Visit the
NCAT Web site (www.ncat.org/ feed and given no animal slaughter by- in 2005. An extension was granted until
sarc_current.php) for products, antibiotics, drugs or synthetic 2008 and then again until October 2010.
more information on
our sustainable agri- parasiticides. Interestingly, poultry are In the same vein, Europe has allowed a
culture projects.

2. small amount of nonorganic feed ingre- corn and soybean diet and is generally
dients to be used. From 2010 until the added in a pure form. The CYS require-
end of 2011, 5% nonorganic ingredients ment can be provided by MET. Most of
can be used. This small amount of non- the total sulfur amino acid requirement
organic ingredients (i.e., potato protein is met by the feedstuffs (about 75%), but
and corn gluten meal) has the potential the rest is normally supplemented by
to supply the MET requirement. In the synthetic MET (about 25%). Synthetic
U.S., a Methionine Task Force made up MET is used in virtually all commercial
mainly of organic poultry producers poultry diets in the U.S., both conven-
has been in contact with the National tional and organic.
Organic Standards Board about the
MET problem. The Task Force first Synthetic methionine
began meeting in 2003 and was reorga-
nized in 2006. Synthetic MET is manufactured as a
pure amino acid. Common forms are
Proteins are made up of amino acids, DL-MET and 2-hydroxy-4(methylthio)
and MET is an essential amino acid that butanoic acid (a.k.a. methionine
is not synthesized in sufficient quan- hydroxyl analogue free acid). Raw mate-
Related ATTRA tity by the animal and must, therefore,
publications
rials for DL-Met include oil, natural gas,
be supplied in the diet. Cysteine (CYS) air, and water which are used to make
Arsenic in Poultry is another amino acid related to MET propene, sulphuric acid (H2S), metha-
Litter: Organic metabolism, and together they are called nol (CH3OH), and ammonia (NH3) for
Regulations the sulfur amino acids (see box below). manufacture of DL-MET (Binder, 2003).
Organic Poultry Methionine can be provided as part of an DL-Methionine (the “DL” refers to the
Production in the intact protein or as a pure amino acid. It racemic mixture), comes in a crystal-
United States is the most limiting amino acid (or the line form and is 99% available MET. It
Parasite Manage- most difficult one to supply) in a typical is available from the companies Degussa
ment for Natural and
Methionine and Cysteine metabolism and Adisseo. Methionine hydroxyl ana-
Organic Poultry: logue comes in a liquid form and is
Coccidiosis
(Sulfur Amino Acids)
88% available MET. It is available
Methionine (MET) and cysteine (CYS) are collec-
tively referred to as sulfur amino acids (SAA) and
from Novus International. Synthetic
are involved in complex metabolic processes. MET is inexpensive, but as the cost of
Methionine is involved in the synthesis of body oil goes up, other methods of manufac-
proteins and is a constituent of many body turing MET will be increasingly attrac-
parts, including muscles, organs, and feath- tive. Synthetic MET is so pure that only
ers. It is also involved in functions unrelated about 5 lbs. of DL-MET are needed per
to protein synthesis, such as the synthesis of U.S. ton of feed.
polyamines. In addition, MET is a methyl-group
donor, helping to form dozens of compounds Products with zinc methionine available
including epinephrine, choline, and DNA. After from Zinpro are listed by the Organic
donation of a methyl group, through an irre- Material Review Institute (OMRI) as
versible process called transsulfuration, MET being permitted in organic livestock
can form CYS, another amino acid needed
production. 4-Plex-E has 20% MET
for protein synthesis. (Two cysteines bonded
together form cystine.) Although not techni- (directions for feeding poultry are 1.6
cally an essential amino acid, CYS synthesis is lbs. per U.S. ton). Zinpro-E has 40%
inadequate when poultry diets are deficient in MET (directions for feeding poultry are
MET. The requirement for MET can be satisfied 0.4 lbs. per U.S. ton). Because feeding
only by MET, whereas that for CYS can also be directions are just to satisfy zinc levels,
met with MET. Betaine and choline are nutri- only a small amount of MET is provided.
ents that are involved with MET metabolism Novus International has a zinc methio-
and save or spare some MET. See the Appendix
nine product, Mintrex, that is not listed
for more information on MET metabolic path-
ways and functions. by OMRI but has 80% MET value and is
fed at 0.25 to 0.50 lbs. per U.S. ton.
Page 2 ATTRA Organic Poultry Production: Providing Adequate Methionine

3. Natural methionine Table 1: Sulfur amino acid requirements of broilers*
supplement (fast-growing broilers raised in an environmentally controlled indoor environment)
Starter Grower Finisher
There is interest in developing a natu-
ral MET supplement by fermentation, % % %
extraction, or hydrolyzing protein. Methionine 0.50 0.38 0.32
Many amino acids are produced com- Methionine + cystine 0.90 0.72 0.60
mercially by bacterial fermentation. Source: NRC, 1994
Because genetically-modified organisms
are not permitted in organic production, *“Broilers” are chickens that are young birds, tender enough to be
any MET-producing bacteria would need prepared by fast cooking methods such as broiling.
to be naturally selected. However, high
levels of MET are toxic, so the yields broilers. In the starter phase, they are
from fermentation are very low and not 0.41% for MET and 0.41% for CYS.
cost effective. Therefore, production is
limited, and it is possible that natural Protein and amino acid requirements
MET can not be produced this way. vary considerably according to the pro-
ductive state of the bird, that is, the rate
MET can be extracted from intact pro- of growth or egg production. For exam-
teins or proteins partially hydrolyzed to ple, a mature rooster is bigger than a
isolate it, but there are no such products hen; however, the laying hen has higher
on the market for livestock. amino acid requirements due to egg
production.
Methionine Factors affecting responses of poultry
requirements of poultry to amino acids include environmental
Poultry do not have specific require- temperature, dietary factors, immu-
ments for crude protein levels, only nological stress, age, species, genetics,
amino acid levels. Amino acid require- and gender. These factors either influ-
ments are usually presented as percent- ence feed intake or reduce the efficiency
ages of the diet. They may also be pre- of use of an amino acid (D’Mello, 1994).
sented as a percentage of the protein For example, male meat birds need more
requirement. The National Research essential amino acids as well as more
Council’s (NRC) Nutrient Requirements feed than females.
of Poultry is commonly used in the U.S.
(available online at http://www.nap. Amino acid balance
edu/openbook.php?isbn=0309048923). Amino acids need an ideal balance in
The requirements of broilers are given relation to each other. An undersup-
for starter, grower, and finisher phases, ply of a single essential amino acid will
because the requirements change as the inhibit the responses to those in ade-
bird grows (less amino acids and more quate supply. In poultry, lysine is used
energy are required with age). Overall as the reference amino acid, and amino
crude protein levels of 23, 20, and 18% acid requirements can be expressed as a
are used for starter, grower, and finisher percent of lysine (100%). For example,
phases, respectively. The MET and CYS methionine plus cysteine should equal
requirements are listed in Table 1. 77.5% of the lysine level for a chick at
The NRC lists the total amino acid 0-3 weeks (Cole and Lunen, 1994). The
requirement rather than digestible ratio of MET to CYS should be about
amino acid. Baker (1997) specifies 60:40. Ideal proteins differ for broilers,
digestible amino acid requirements for layers, turkeys, and other types of birds.
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 3

4. Nutrient balance SAA by increasing their feed consump-
tion, and that the SAA requirement for
and feed intake maximum feed conversion efficiency was
Energy-to-protein ratios are important. greater than the requirement for egg
Energy is provided mainly by carbohy- production.
drates and fats in the diet. If the diet is
well-balanced, the bird eats primarily Ewing (1963) noted that as energy in the
to satisfy its energy requirements. If the diet increases, the requirement of MET
diet is deficient in protein in relation to increases in proportion. Forty years ago,
its energy content, the bird will overeat at 1000 Cal/lb. of feed (2,222 kcal/kg),
energy in an effort to obtain sufficient 0.50% MET was recommended in the
protein. diet. Ewing suggests formulating diets
with amino acid requirements calculated
Dietary energy exerts its effect through as a percent of energy.
variations in feed intake (Emmert, no
date). As energy levels increase, feed According to Larbier and Leclercq
intake decreases. A high-energy diet (1994), small birds such as leghorns are
able to keep energy intake constant even
A
effectively limits feed intake, which also
ccord- limits amino acid intake. Therefore, with varying levels of dietary energy
ing to U.S. a high dietary concentration of amino concentration, but heavy genotypes can-
research, acids (and other nutrients) is needed for not (their feed intake is more constant).
the methionine high-energy diets. The NRC nutrient Nutrient balance has an important
requirements are based on high-energy, impact on the carcass. In general, diets
requirement of slow-
high-protein (high amino acid level) high in energy produce fat carcasses,
growing birds is diets. These high efficiency diets began to and diets high in protein lead to lean
similar to that of be fed in the 1950s, and genetic selection carcasses. But again, the protein-to-
fast-growing birds. favored birds with voracious appetites. energy balance is important. If a bird
In contrast, as energy decreases, feed consumes excess energy compared to
intake increases, requiring a lower con- protein, a fatter bird develops (Leeson
centration of nutrients in the diet. If low and Summers, 1991).
concentrations of amino acids are used,
diets should be low-energy so that feed Methionine requirements of
intake will be increased. slow-growing meat chickens
Birds eat less when it is hot and more In the U.S., the fast-growing Cornish
when it is cold (NRC, 1994). Therefore, Cross broiler is used in both conven-
diets usually need to be higher in amino tional and organic production. In con-
acids during hot weather in order to trast, slow-growing meat chickens are
make sure birds get enough. used in the European Union organic pro-
gram, as well as the French Label Rouge
Feeding diets deficient in essential
program, and have a growing period of
amino acids can increase feed intake.
about 12 weeks. Small growers in the
Cherry & Siegel (1981) fed pullets diets
U.S. often use standard-bred birds, such
that were equal in energy and contained
as Barred Rock or New Hampshire,
15% crude protein and only differed in
which are very slow-growing.
levels of MET and SAA. The three diets
contained 0.27, 0.32, and 0.37% MET, In the U.S., maximum protein accretion
and 0.51, 0.56, and 0.61% SAA, respec- is the goal both in conventional and most
tively. Dietary effects on bodyweight, organic poultry production, and geno-
age at sexual maturity, egg production, types with a high growth capacity are
egg size, and egg quality were not signifi- raised with a high supply of amino acids
cant. They found that the pullets com- in concentrated diets. In contrast, in
pensated for a marginal deficiency of Europe slower growth and lower protein
Page 4 ATTRA Organic Poultry Production: Providing Adequate Methionine

5. accretion are expected in organic poul- efficiency, and
try production, and low-protein, low- greater carcass
energy diets are fed to maintain a slow and parts yield
growth curve. than slower-grow-
ing birds. The level
According to Sundrum (2005), a slow
of MET had a sig-
growth curve is important in sensory
nificant impact on
qualities of the meat that consumers
weight gain. There
prefer. In the US, Fanatico et al. (2007)
was no interac-
found that a trained sensory panel noted
tion between MET
more intense flavors in the thigh meat
level and geno- Photo courtesy Alisha Staggs
of 12-week-old slow-growing birds com-
type, meaning that
pared to that of 8-week-old fast-growing
the slow- and medium-growing birds
birds; however, the consumer sensory
responded the same way that the fast-
panel could not distinguish a difference.
growing birds did (weight gain increased
U.S. consumers, accustomed to the sen-
with increased level of MET). However,
sory attributes of conventional poultry,
an interaction did occur when breast
may require additional experience and
yield was measured. Breast yield of Fast
exposure to specialty poultry meats to
birds increased with the level of MET;
recognize their qualities.
breast yield of Medium birds responded
The nutrient requirements of high- only to the Intermediate diet; and breast
yielding broilers raised in controlled yield of Slow birds responded only to the
indoor environments are well-known. High diet.
In contrast, the nutrient requirements
Han and Baker (1991) found that slow-
of lower-yielding meat chickens raised
growing meat chickens require the amino
in less controlled housing with access to
acid lysine at the same concentration as
the outdoors and a high level of activ-
fast-growing broilers. However, the fast-
ity are not as well-known. Peter et al.
growing broilers required more than
(1997 ) found that a protein level of 20%
twice as much daily lysine as the slow-
is adequate as a starter for slow-growing
growing meat birds; the increased need
birds. After six weeks, protein content
was supplied by greater daily feed intake.
can be reduced to 17.5%.
The body composition of meat chick-
U.S. research was conducted to deter-
ens may come into play when consid-
mine the MET requirements of slower-
ering amino acid requirements. If the
growing meat chickens. Fanatico et al.
protein-to-fat ratio of the bird is greater
(2006) raised three genotypes with dif-
in a fast-growing chick than in a slow-
ferent growth rates (Fast, Medium, and
growing chick, then dietary amino acid
Slow), using graded levels of MET, and
requirements may be higher for the fast-
found that, based on feed efficiency and
growing chick.
weight gain responses, the MET and
SAA requirements of the various geno-
types are similar during the starter and Laying hens
grower phases. Breast yield response was The requirements for layers are given
not measured. on the basis of feed intake. For exam-
ple, 0.30% MET and 0.58% SAA are
Fanatico et al. (2007) also compared
required for leghorn-type layers that
these three genotypes when they were
consume 100 g (0.22 lb.) of feed per day.
given a low-MET basal diet or diets con-
Brown-egg layers have 10% higher amino
taining intermediate or high MET lev-
acid requirement values than white-egg
els that were formulated with or without layers because of their heavier weight.
synthetic MET. As expected, the Fast Laying hens have lower MET require-
birds had higher weight gain, better feed ments than meat birds. But during weeks
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 5

6. 22-34, layers are still growing and, at the
In the past: How did we raise poultry
same time, laying eggs. The amino acid before synthetic methionine was
requirements of low-yielding standard available?
breed layers such as Rhode Island Reds
Synthetic MET was not used in diets until the
or Brown Leghorns are not well-known. 1950s. In the past, poultry ate many animal
products such as meat and bone meal; high-
Turkeys protein diets were common.
Turkey poults have very high amino
acid requirements to meet the demands maximum economic returns may not be
of their rapid growth. It can be hard to the only goal.
get sufficient amino acids into poults in According to Sundrum (2005), there are
the starter phase because feed intake is no effects on animal health from feeding
low, and the poults need to accrete a lot a suboptimal diet or low-nutrient diet,
of protein. This is especially difficult to but the birds may not be fully realizing
do without synthetic MET. From 0 to their genetic potential. In fact, breeding
4 weeks, 0.55% MET and 1.05% SAA companies that sell specialty birds usu-
are required. Amino acid needs of tur- ally show expected growth performance
keys differ substantially by gender. In on a high-nutrient diet as well as a low-
Europe, slow-growing turkeys are used nutrient diet designed for conventional
in the same vein as slow-growing meat and specialty production, respectively.
chickens as discussed above. See Hubbard Breeders Website, www.
hubbardbreeders.com/product_leaflets/
Methionine deficiency S757N.pdf, for an example.
problems Low-nutrient diets or feed restrictions
are often used in the starter phase to
The protein and amino acid concentra-
slow the growth of fast-growing birds in
tions presented as requirement in the
order to reduce metabolic disorders and
NRC are to support maximum growth
lameness. Feed density can be increased
and production. Achieving maximum
later for compensatory gain (Sundrum,
growth and production, however, may
2005). The ability to adapt to variations
not always ensure maximum economic
in feed supply as wild animals do still
returns, particularly when prices of pro-
exists in domestic animals (Sundrum,
tein sources are high (NRC, 1994). And
2005). However, high-yielding animals
are more sensitive to suboptimal feed
Figure 1. Feather cover (% of body size) rations than low-yielding animals.
100
 
 U.S. organic poultry companies are
  concerned that fast-growing birds with

80 reduced MET levels in their diet will not
only perform poorly, but will also suffer
impaired immune function, resulting in
60 
 poor feathering, feather pecking, canni-



balism, and mortality.
 
40  The antioxidant mechanisms of sulphur
amino acids and their compounds are
 important. Normally, cells are equipped
20 with antioxidant mechanisms to deal
 — 1 LSL  – – 2 Hyl  - - - 3 LSL with free radicals. If antioxidants are
 — 1 SH  – – 2 SH  - – - 3 L. Silver
0 out of balance, problems can occur that
1.8 2.3 2.8 3.3 3.8 cause decreased animal performance.
Source: Elwinger, K. and R. Tausen. 2009. Methionine, (g/kg)
Sulphur-containing compounds such
Page 6 ATTRA Organic Poultry Production: Providing Adequate Methionine

7. as MET and CYS are powerful antioxi- company has a table of digestibility of
dants that can prevent damage in cells amino acids in various feed ingredients
(Anon, 2009). (available on its Website, http://www.
lysine.com/new/tecpoul2.htm). Methio-
Elwinger and Tausen (2009) found that
nine in most ingredients, such as in corn
reduced MET levels reduce feather cover
and egg weight, although the produc- and soybean meal, is highly digestible
tion of eggs was not affected. See Fig- (91%), but in flaxmeal, MET digest-
ure 1. They also found that feed intake ibility is only 82%, and in sesame meal
increased as feather cover deteriorated, only 42%.
thus reducing feed efficiency.
Ambrosen and Petersen (1997) studied Chart 1: Methionine and cysteine content of feedstuffs
the impact of protein levels in feed (11% Met Cys Notes
vs 19% crude protein) on cannibal-
ism and plumage quality. The plumage Soybean, full-fat, extruded 0.48 0.56
improved with increased protein. Chick- Soybean meal, expelled 0.54 0.59
ens supplemented with MET had better Fishmeal, menhaden 1.68 0.5
plumage quality and reduced feather Yeast, brewers dried 0.64 0.43
pecking compared to the MET-defi-
Casein 2.56 0.4 ratio met to cys is
cient birds. However, Biedermann et al. not good; should be
(1993) did not show poor feathering with 60:40
low protein levels. There are many fac- Milk powder, skim 0.79 0.33
tors involved in feather pecking beside
the nutrient level, and it is common for Rice 0.22 0.19
feather pecking to occur on farms with Meat and bone meal 0.81 0.58
high levels of MET in the diet. >50%CP
Meat meal >50% CP 0.72 0.85
Methionine in feedstuffs Potato protein 1.64 1.06
Black soldier larvae 0.9
Methionine and cysteine are present as
intact proteins in various feedstuffs. Algae 1.33 0.55
(Methionine is expressed as a percent Rapeseed, full-fat 0.38 0.46
of the feed ingredient or as a percent of Soybean meal, 48% CP 0.64 0.7
the protein in the feed ingredient.) The Sunflower meal expeller 0.67 0.49
Degussa (Evonik) company has a data-
Sunflower, full-fat 0.38 0.3
base that lists amino acids, including
MET and CYS, present in feedstuffs. It Sesamemeal 1.06 0.6
is updated every five years and will be Safflower meal 0.38 0.41
online in the future. Corn is low in MET flax meal
(0.17%), and soybean meal is moderate Dried distiller grains abd 0.51 0.48
(0.64%). See Chart 1 for MET and CYS soluble, corn
contents of various feedstuffs. Alfalfa meal 0.21 0.16
As mentioned earlier, the amount of Grass 0.27 0.16
total sulfur amino acids (MET + CYS) in Corn gluten meal, 60% CP 1.46 1.06
feedstuffs should be considered instead
Corn 0.17 0.18
of only MET. If CYS is inadequate, some
of the MET will be used to satisfy that Wheat 0.19 0.27
requirement. Field peas 0.19 0.31
Amino acids are more digestible in some Whey powder 0.17 0.24
ingredients than others. The Ajinomoto Source: AminoDat Degussa Amino Acid database
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 7

8. and crabmeal, in conjunction
Small- vs large-scale organic poultry production
with small-scale methods of de-
Profit margins are usually thin in poultry production, including organic hulling sunflowers, and found the
production. Therefore, feed efficiency and breast yield are important mea- approach questionable (FNE05-
surements for companies to determine profitability. These measurements
may not be as important to small producers who may have wider profit
54).
margins or may manage their operations as hobbies rather than businesses. • Canola (a cultivar of rapeseed)
Small-scale producers generally use extensive free-range systems in which meal is lower than soybean meal
grassy areas provide additional nutrients, including live protein (insects, in MET.
worms, etc.) and high-quality forages during warm months.
• Flaxseeds have a MET content
of 0.62% and should be limited
Plant protein because of a fishy flavor left in the
meat or eggs.
If only plant protein is used, more protein
is required than when animal proteins • While corn is relatively low in
are also used. However, high-protein MET, corn gluten meal is high
diets are not good for the birds or the (1.46% MET). Unfortunately,
environment. Various types of plant pro- there is none in organic form in
tein are discussed below. the US.
• Oilseed meals, such as soybean • High-methionine corn has been
meal, are common poultry feeds naturally selected by the Michael
after the oil has been extracted Field Institute (http://michaelfield-
for the vegetable oil market, saginst.org/work/crop/WorkPlan_
leaving a high-protein meal. Corn_Breeding.pdf). Jacob et al.
However, the extraction process (2008) fed the variety 3 floury-2
uses chemical solvents, and the MF hybrid, which averages 0.32%
remaining meal is not permitted MET, compared to 0.18% in con-
in organic production. Organic ventional corn. They found that
soybeans are produced in full- synthetic MET was not needed
fat (roasted or extruded) or meal when using high-MET corn for
(expelled) form. pullets. However, high-MET corn
is also high in protein; therefore,
• Many legumes and oil seeds such the overall high protein content of
as field beans, field peas, lentils, the diet is still a problem. In addi-
etc. have antinutritional factors tion, the high moisture and low
(ANF), including tannins and lec- yield of this corn variety make it
tins; some ANF can be removed by unattractive to corn growers.
processing or heat-treatment. For
example, soybeans have a trypsin • Potato protein is high in MET
inhibitor and must be heat-treated (1.64%), and it is a conventional
to destroy it. by-product that is currently used
in Europe, where a small percent-
• Sesame meal has a high MET con- age of feed ingredients do not have
tent (1.06%); however, the MET is to be organic in organic livestock
not well-digested and is also low in production. There is very little if
lysine. any organic potato protein in the
• Sunflower meal has a MET con- U.S.
tent similar to soybean meal.
Chickens cannot remove the hull Animal protein
of whole sunflower seeds. A SARE Animal protein is high quality and a
producer project looked at provid- good source of MET. In a natural set-
ing MET through a combination ting, poultry consume many sources of
of dehulled sunflowers, fishmeal, animal protein, including insects and
Page 8 ATTRA Organic Poultry Production: Providing Adequate Methionine

9. worms. In the past, animal slaughter only provide small areas (the NOP does
by-products (i.e., meat and bone meal) not specify stocking density for outdoor
were important ingredients in poultry areas); therefore, birds may not have
diets (see box), but they are banned in significant access to grassy areas. Small
organic livestock production. However, poultry producers, however, usually
other animal products can be used, such provide extensive outdoor access by way
as fishmeal and milk products, and are of small portable houses moved regu-
discussed below. Insects and worms on larly to fresh pasture. Forage is a source
range provide high-quality protein. of MET. Although the MET level of
forage is generally low to moderate, for-
• Fishmeal is a good source of MET
aging should be encouraged. Birds can
(1.68%) in organic livestock pro-
also obtain high-quality protein from
duction. However, there is little
insects and worms on pasture.
fishmeal available without the syn-
thetic preservative ethoxyquine Moritz et al. (2005) found in the sum-
which is not permitted in organic mer that forage (tall fescue, orchard-
production. Natural substances grass, red clover, and white clover)
F
such as tocopherol can be used to had higher MET levels than in the fall
ishmeal and
prevent rancidity. Unfortunately, (0.31% vs. 0.17%, respectively). They
there is very little fishmeal avail- compared broiler performance in diets dairy prod-
able without ethoxyquinine. Fish- with/without synthetic methionine and ucts can
meal can be used only in small with/without feed restriction. They con- provide high-quality
amounts because it taints the fla- cluded that the ability of forage to meet protein for organic
vor of meat and eggs. Some com- the MET requirement depends on envi-
poultry. Worms
panies market their products as ronmental conditions and subsequent
“veg-fed,” and, therefore, fishmeal feed intake. Horsted et al. (2006) found and insects on pas-
is not an option for them. that chicory was an especially attractive ture are also a good
• Dairy by-products can be high forage to hens and had a moderate MET protein source but
in MET and highly digestible. content (0.40%). The quality of forages may contribute to
Because liquid milk products are needs to be maintained for good MET parasite problems in
not concentrated due to the pres- levels. In most parts of the country, for-
age growth slows or stops in the winter. birds due to indirect
ence of water, powdered or concen-
Moritz found that the digestibility of for- life cycles.
trated products are particularly
useful. Casein is the solid residue age varies over the seasons as well.
that remains after the acid or ren- Earthworms and insects are high-qual-
net coagulation of milk. It has a ity proteins, similar to fishmeal, and
very high level of MET (2.56 %) high in MET. While there are few com-
and is very high in crude protein mercial products, Neptune Industries
(80%). Organic casein is not avail- developed Ento-Protein, an insect meal,
able commercially for livestock and worms and insects can also be pro-
feed. Whey powder, a by-product duced on-farm. Worms and insects can
of cheese-making after most of the convert wastes such as food scraps or
protein and fat are removed, is not animal manure to high-quality protein.
particularly high in MET unless The remains, especially worm castings,
the protein is concentrated. can also be very useful soil amendments.
• Dried brewer’s yeast has a moder- See ATTRA’s Worms for Composting
ate level of MET (0.64%). (Vermicomposting) and Baitworm Pro-
duction. Additional unconventional pro-
Additional proteins teins are discussed below.
Outdoor access is required in organic • Black soldier flies lay eggs in
poultry production. Many operations waste, and when the larvae hatch,
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 9

10. they consume the waste and eases, and ammonia emissions from
develop into a source of high- poultry houses are a concern for air
quality protein. The larvae can quality. Metabolizing excess protein can
“self-harvest” because they crawl also be detrimental to the bird, stress-
upwards and will fall into collec- ing the kidneys, depending on the extent
tion tubes. of the excess (Fanatico, et al. 2009).
• Algae is high in MET (1.33%). Evidence that excess protein causes
Chlorella has potential as a feed stress in birds is also seen in the
supplement; however, production increased size of adrenals (Leeson and
in ponds, harvesting, and drying Summers, 1991). Feeding high levels
are challenging. of protein, particularly fishmeal, can
predispose birds to necrotic enteritis
• Worms, algae, and aquatic plants (Dahiya and Drew, 2007).
accumulate heavy metals at con-
centrations greater than in the In addition, plant proteins usually have
surrounding environment, and antinutritional factors that require heat
these heavy metals could transfer treatment or other processing to remove.
I
If synthetic to meat and eggs (DEFRA, 2006). Many feeds have maximum inclusion
Unconventional proteins may be rates beyond which feeds can not be
MET is removed
too expensive because of the labor used without determintal effects. See
from typical and processing required. Leeson and Summers (1991) for more
diets based on corn • Although some of the feedstuffs information.
and soybean meal, discussed above are high in MET,
Broiler and layer diets without synthetic
the feed ingredients large amounts are required to
MET were formulated by the Methionine
should be adjusted meet SAA requirements com-
Task Force in 2003 and compared to a
to provide more MET. pared to the very small amounts
diet with synthetic MET (see Appendix).
of a pure MET supplement. For
All the diets without synthetic MET are
instance, one pound of DL-MET
excessive in protein, with the exception
replaces 50 pounds of fishmeal.
of diets using potato protein and corn
gluten meal, which are not available in
Formulating diets and organic form in the U.S. In addition,
feeding strategies earthworm meal is not available. A chart
accompanies the formulations and shows
It is difficult to meet SAA requirements
digestible or available MET in various
in organic poultry production without
feedstuffs.
also providing excessive protein. Sup-
plying sufficient MET to birds with There are strategies to conserve feed-
plant proteins, such as soybeans or sun- stuffs with high-quality protein. For
flower meal, may result in diets with example, the highest quality proteins
excessive protein levels, which can be (generally animal proteins) should be
harmful to both the birds and the envi- used in the starter phase when birds are
ronment. Birds excrete the nitrogen in young, their digestive systems are not
protein as uric acid, which is broken developed, and their feed intake is low.
down into water and ammonia. Extra Plant proteins can be used later dur-
water is needed to excrete excess pro- ing finishing (Sundrum, 2005). Multiple
tein, making litter wetter and promot- phase feeding (beyond the usual starter,
ing microbial growth. High-moisture grower, and finisher phases) can be use-
litter creates an optimal environment ful to more closely match the diet with
for pathogens and can cause breast blis- nutrient requirements. A broiler’s nutri-
ters. Excess ammonia can also cause ent requirements change daily rather
respiratory problems, which increases than only three times.
the susceptibility of birds to other dis-
Page 10 ATTRA Organic Poultry Production: Providing Adequate Methionine

11. In “choice feeding,” a completely formu- See Table 3 for fishmeal-based organic
lated feed is not provided but rather the broiler diets designed by West Vir-
separate ingredients. For example, corn ginia University for research using both
may be offered separately from a pro- slow- and fast-growing broilers. No syn-
tein concentrate mixed with vitamins thetic MET is used, and all the ingredi-
and minerals. Choice feeding could help ents are available in the U.S.
match nutrients even more closely to
requirements that change daily accord- Trials
ing to temperature, stage of produc-
The Methionine Task Force and its mem-
tion, and gender. In choice feeding,
bers have conducted feeding trials to test
homegrown organic feeds can be read-
various diets. For example, Organic Val-
ily used. Many grains are provided in
ley did trials with high-MET corn and
whole forms to reduce processing costs,
presented a poster at the 1st IFOAM
improve gut health and maintain nutri-
International Conference on Animals
ent content.
in Organic Production (see Appendix).
Some trials included additional be-
Diet formulations taine in an attempt to spare or reduce
There are diet formulations available the need for some MET.
for feeding with synthetic MET, such
The Methionine Task Force has also
as those at the Canadian Website http://
sponsored research to develop a natu-
www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/livestock/
ral methionine product. In addition, the
poultry/bba01s38.html. However, nei-
Task Force commissioned an 80-page
ther the MET levels nor protein levels
literature review of methionine by
of the diets are listed, so it is not known
researchers at California State Polytech-
whether the target MET level is met
nic University (Burns-Whitmore, 2007).
without excessive protein.
See Nutrition and Feeding of Organic
Sample diet formulations for broilers,
Poultry (Blair, 2008) for general infor-
layers, and turkeys are provided in Pos-
mation on organic feedstuffs and feeding.
sibilities and Limitations of Protein Sup-
ply in Organic Poultry and Pig Produc-
tion (Sundrum, 2005). However, many of Conclusions
the ingredients are nonorganic, such as It is likely that organic poultry will not
potato protein and corn gluten meal, and have enough methionine in the diet after
these cannot be used in the U.S. synthetic methionine has been banned
or that the diets will contain excessive
See Table 2 for starter and grower
protein. Animal proteins (dairy prod-
organic meat-chicken diets from Europe
ucts, fishmeal, or insects/worms) and
using organic sunflower, sesame, and
nonconventional proteins such as algae
rapeseed, which can be difficult to
have an important role to play, but a
obtain in the U.S. Note that the MET
natural methionine supplement would
and MET+CYS levels are lower than
greatly reduce the problem.
those recommended by the NRC.
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 11

12. References production. European Symposium on Poultry Nutri-
tion, Edinburgh, Scotland, August 23-27, 2009.
Ambrosen, T. and V.E. Petersen. 1997. The influ-
ence of protein level in the diets on cannibalism Emmert, J. L. No date. Sulfur Amino Acid Nutri-
and quality of plumage of layers. Poultry Science tion of Broilers.
76(4):559-563. Ewing, W. Ray. 1963. Poultry Nutrition. 5th Edi-
Anon. 2009. Amino acids focus at Adisseo seminar. tion (revised). The Ray Ewing Company, Pasadena,
World Poultry. Sept. 2. California. Pp. 1475.
Baker, D.H. 1997. Ideal amino acid profiles for Fanatico, A.C., C.M. Owens, and J.L. Emmert.
swine and poultry and their application in feed for- 2009. Organic Poultry Production in the U.S.:
mulation. BioKyowa Technical Review No. 9, pp. Broilers. Journal of Applied Poultry Research
1-24. 18(2):355-366.
Binder, M. 2003. Life Cycle Analysis of DL-methio- Fanatico, A.C., P. B. Pillai, J. L. Emmert, E. E.
nine in broiler meat production. Animo News. June. Gbur, J. F. Meullenet, and C. M. Owens. 2007. Sen-
sory attributes of slow- and fast-growing chicken
Biedermann, G. von, N. Schmiemann, and K. genotypes raised indoors or with outdoor access.
Lange. 1993. Investigations of the effects of plum- Poultry Science 86:2441-2449.
age condition at different ages in laying hens.
Archiv fur Geflugelkunde 57(6):280-285. Fanatico, A.C., T. O’Connor-Dennie, C. M. Owens,
and J. L. Emmert. 2007. Performance of alterna-
Blair, R. 2008. Nutrition and Feeding of Organic tive meat chickens for organic markets: impact of
Poultry. CAB International, Wallingford, Oxford- genotype, methionine level, and methionine source.
shire, U.K. 314 pp. Poultry Science 86 (Supplement 1). Abstract.
Burns-Whitmore, B. 2007. A Review of Recent Sci- Fanatico, A.C., P. B. Pillai, T. O’Connor-Dennie,
entific Research of Methionine. California State J. L. Emmert. 2006. Methionine requirements of
Polytechnic University, Pomona. http://www.ams. alternative slow-growing genotypes. Poultry Sci-
usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELP ence 85 (Supplement 1). Abstract.
RDC5067942. Downloaded Aug. 2009.
Han, Y. and D.H. Baker. 1991. Lysine requirements
Cherry, J. A. and P.B. Siegel. 1981. Compensatory of fast- and slow-growing broiler chicks. Poultry
increase in feed consumption in response to mar- Science 70(10):2108-2114.
ginal levels of the sulfur containing amino acids.
Horsted, K., M. Hammershoj, and J.E. Herman-
Archiv fur Geflugelkunde 45(6):269-273. sen. 2006. Short-term effects of productivity and
Cole, D.J.A. and T.A. van Lunen. 1994. Ideal egg quality in nutrient-restricted versus non-
Amino Acid Patterns. Pp. 99-112. In: Amino Acids restricted organic layers with access to different
in Farm Animal Nutrition. CAB International, forage crops. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Sec-
Wallingford, Oxfordshire, U.K. tion A, Animal Science 56(1):42-54.
Dahiya, J.P. and M.D. Drew. 2007. Balanced amino Jacob, J. P., N. Levendoski, and W. Goldstein 2008.
acid control NE: part 2. Feedstuffs. Pp. 26-27, 29. Inclusion of high methionine corn in pullet diets.
July 9. Journal of Applied Poultry Research 17(4):440.
DEFRA. 2006. Organic egg production: A sustain- Larbier, M. and B. Leclercq. 1994. Nutrition and
able method for meeting the organic hen’s protein Feed of Poultry. INRA, Paris, France.
requirements. Project code OF0357. U.K. Leeson, S. and J.D. Summers. 1991. Commer-
D’Mello, J.P.F. 1994. Amino Acids in Farm Ani- cial Poultry Nutrition. University Books, Guelph,
mal Nutrition. CAB International, Wallingford, Ontario, Canada. P. 283.
Oxfordshire, U.K. National Research Council. 1994. Nutrient
Elwinger, K. and R. Tausen. 2009. Low-methio- Requirements of Poultry. 9th rev. ed. National
nine diets are a potential health risk in organic egg Academy Press, Washington, D.C.
Page 12 ATTRA Organic Poultry Production: Providing Adequate Methionine

13. 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 organi-
cally reared broiler chickens. Journal of Applied
Poultry Research 14(3):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 61(3):110-116.
Sundrum, A. 2005. Possibilities and limitation
of protein supply in organic poultry and pig pro-
duction. Organic Revision: Research to support
revision of the EU regulation on organic agricul-
ture. http://www.organic-revision.org/pub/Final_
Report_EC_Revision.pdf. Downloaded Jan. 2009
Sundrum, A. 2006. Protein supply in organic poul-
try and pig production. Pp. 195-199 in Proceedings
of the 1st IFOAM International Conference on Ani-
mals in Organic Production, St. Paul, Minnesota,
Aug. 23-25.
Table 2. Organic starter and grower diets
Starter 0-3 weeks Grower 3 -11 weeks
% %
Corn 20 15
Wheat 37 43.5
Sunflower 7 7
Pea 4
Rapeseed 5 2
Soybean meal 24 22
Sesame 1 1
Soy oil 2.5 2.5
Minerals/vitamins 3 3
Organic acid 0.5 0
Calculated feed composition (%)
Crude protein 20.5 19.7
MET 0.34 0.32
MET+CYS 0.71 0.675
Source: modified from 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 49:74-80.
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 13

14. Table 3. Organic research diet formulations and descriptions of nutrient content
Starter formulation1 Grower formulation Finisher formulation
Item Slow-growing Fast-growing Slow-growing Fast-growing Slow-growing Fast-growing
broiler broiler broiler broiler broiler broiler
(0–28 d) (0–21 d) (28–56 d) (21–38 d) (56–83 d) (38–54 d)
Ingredient (%)
Corn 38.33 38.33 54.90 54.90 65.55 65.55
Soybean meal (44%) 43.91 52.08 36.19 34.45 26.24 24.95
Sand2 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 1.10 0.86 1.53 0.82 1.11 0.66
phosphate
Salt 0.42 0.41 0.51 0.46 0.49 0.46
Vitamin-mineral 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20
premix3
Choline 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
Calculated nutrient
ME (kcal/kg) 2,918 2,918 3,215 3,131 3,209 3,167
CP 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
Analyzed nutrient
CP 24 27 22 24 21 23
Met 0.41 0.45 0.33 0.38 0.32 0.37
1
All formulations were breed-specific to recommendations determined by the University of Arkansas.
2
Washed builder’s sand was used to dilute nutrients in the Slow-growing diets so that corn percentages could remain constant
among Slow-growing and Fast-growing diets.
3
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 µg; 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, A.L., K.G.S. Lilly, K.R. Beaman, C.K. Gehring, and J.S. Moritz. The effect of genotype, choice feeding, and season
on organically reared broilers fed diets devoid of synthetic methionine. Journal of Applied Poultry Research 18:54-65.
Page 14 ATTRA Organic Poultry Production: Providing Adequate Methionine

15. Appendix A
Methionine Pathway
Jason L. Emmert, Timothy A. Garrow and
David H. Baker. 1996. Hepatic Betaine-
Homocysteine Methyltransferase Activity in
the Chicken is Influenced by Dietary Intake
of Sulfur Amino Acids, Choline and Betaine.
Journal of Nutrition, 126: 2050-2058. Figure
1. Metabolism of sulfur amino acids, cho-
line and betaine. Page 2051.
Appendix B
Evaluation of Organic Broiler and Layer Ration Formulations
Introduction methionine levels rather than the available methi-
onine values shown on this chart. This was done
A series of ration formulations was developed to
because many of the ingredients contain significant
evaluate the viability of using alternative ingredi-
total methionine levels, but due to many factors,
ents to replace the available methionine currently
only a fraction of this methionine is available to
supplied by synthetic sources in poultry rations.
poultry. Using the available methionine values for
The ingredients’ nutritional information came
both the ingredients and the nutritional require-
from several sources: Feedstuffs Reference Guide
ments results in the most valid ration formulations.
2003-2004, National Research Council’s Nutri-
It must be noted that both the nutritional content
ent Requirements of Poultry (1994), Ajinomoto
of ingredients and the nutritional requirements for
Heartland LLC, and information supplied by sev-
ration formulations will vary among nutritionists
eral ingredient producers. The nutritional profiles
and feed manufacturers. The values presented here
that served as the basis for the formulations were
are an attempt to establish acceptable averages for
derived using several sources as well.
each bird type.
The basis for feed formulation is developing the
nutritional matrix that is the backbone for each Available Methionine Content of
ingredient. For each ingredient, a complete nutri-
tional profile must be established for each of the
Ingredients for Poultry
nutritional constraints of the ration. The values The range of available methionine values in ingre-
shown in the attached chart, “Available Methionine dients that could possibly meet organic produc-
Content of Ingredients for Poultry,” were developed tion standards (no animal by-products) is signifi-
using the previously identified sources of informa- cant, from a low of 0.08% of the ingredient (as fed)
tion. Typically, many evaluations have used total for dried kelp meal to a high of 0.93% for Menha-
den fishmeal. For the purposes of this evaluation,
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 15

16. fishmeal will be considered an acceptable ingre- protein and available lysine were excessive. There-
dient under the organic standards. The primary fore, Ration C should be considered unacceptable
ingredients in current poultry rations are corn and due to these surpluses. Rations D was formulated
soybean meal. Corn (0.16% available methionine) is with fishmeal and corn gluten meal, while Ration
extremely low in available methionine and soybean E used fishmeal, corn gluten meal, potato protein,
meal (0.61% available methionine) can be consid- earthworm meal, and sesame meal. In Rations D
ered as moderate in its available methionine con- and E, the target values were achievable for energy
tent. For these reasons, it is the standard in poultry and available methionine, and the excesses in avail-
rations that supplemental synthetic methionine is able lysine were at an acceptable level. The main
added. These synthetic sources typically are DL- concern with Rations D and E is the increase in
methionine (99% available methionine) and HMB protein of about 7 to 8%. Several nutritionists con-
(Alimet, 88% available methionine). Due to the tacted were uncomfortable with protein levels that
available methionine potencies of the supplements, exceeded the requirements by more than 5%. It
the typical inclusion rate is three to six pounds per might be possible to reduce this protein excess if
ton of the ration (0.15 to 0.3% of the ration). For more alternative ingredients were available and
the rations in this example, organic soybean oil was used in the ration.
also used when necessary to allow more formulation
These formulations simulated a broiler ration. Tur-
freedom, even though many organic feed producers
key rations are more nutrient dense than broiler
do not use soybean oil (the oil is usually supplied to
rations, but the amino acid balance is proportion-
the ration in the form of full-fat soybean meal).
ally similar. It can be assumed that in attempt-
ing to formulate turkey rations with these same
Broiler Ration Formulation constraints and ingredients, there would be simi-
The attached sheet summarizes a series of broiler lar deficiencies and excesses, and most likely to a
rations that were formulated to meet a common greater magnitude.
nutrient profile. The nutrients of interest in this com-
parison are shown in the “Nutritional Comparison” Layer Ration Formulation
section below each ration. The alternative ingredi-
The same ingredient restrictions were used for both
ents chosen for these formulations were restricted to
the layer rations and the broiler rations. As with
those with the greatest available methionine content.
the broiler rations, Rations B and C are unaccept-
The “Other” portion of the diet is comprised of all
able due to deficiencies in energy and excesses in
other required ingredients: limestone, phosphate,
protein and available lysine. For the layer rations,
salt, trace minerals, and vitamins.
Rations D and E, with the expanded use of alter-
Ration A represents what could be considered a native ingredients, proved to be feasible solutions,
current ration. Ration B is the resulting formula- without the energy deficiencies and the protein and
tion after removing the DL methionine. In this case, available lysine excesses seen in the broiler rations.
several compromises had to be made to achieve a This can be explained by the fact that layer rations
feasible solution. These compromises result in a are less nutrient dense than rations for broilers or
ration that would be unsuitable for broiler produc- turkeys.
tion. The energy of Ration B had to be reduced by
100 kcals and the available methionine reduced by Conclusions
0.04%. At the same time, the protein of the rations
This series of formulations demonstrates that
increased from 21 to 38% (a level which could be
synthetic methionine supplements cannot sim-
physiologically harmful to the birds) and the avail-
ply be removed from the rations and the remain-
able lysine (the second essential amino acid after
ing ingredients reformulated. The resulting imbal-
methionine) was increased by 102%. Ration C was
ances would be detrimental to the birds’ health. It
formulated without DL methionine but with fish-
appears that the use of fishmeal alone as an alter-
meal allowed up to a limit of 2.5% of the ration.
native ingredient is not sufficient to replace the
In this ration, the target available methionine
synthetic methionine. It did appear that poten-
level of 0.49% was achievable, but (as in Ration B)
tially feasible rations could be developed with the
an energy level reduction was required, and the
Page 16 ATTRA Organic Poultry Production: Providing Adequate Methionine

17. use of alternative ingredients. The primary con-
straint of this last conclusion is that these ingredi-
ents 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 nutrition-
ists will likely experience additional deficiencies/
excesses when formulating specific rations.
Source: from the Methionine Alternative Task Force 2003
Appendix C
Available Methionine Content of Ingredients for Poultry (%)
Kelp Meal
Bakery By Product, Dehy
Rye
Beans
Barley, Std
Sorghum
Peas
Oats
Corn
Buckwheat
Alfalfa Meal, Dehy, 17%
Rice Grain
Whey, Dehy
Wheat, Soft White Winter
Triticale
Rice Bran
Millet, Pearl
Coconut Meal
Corn Germ Meal
Brewer's Dried Grains
Lupinseed Meal
Corn Gluten Feed
Safflower Meal
Peanut Meal, Mech Extracted
Linseed Meal
Soybean Meal, Full Fat Expelled
Distiller's Dried Grains
Sesame Meal
Cottonseed Meal, Expelled, 41%
Crab Meal
Flax Meal
Canola Meal Synthetic Sources
Soybean Meal, Expelled DL Methionine 99%
Soy Protein Concentrate HMB 88%
Sunflower Meal, Expelled
Shrimp Meal
Skim Milk, Dehy
Corn Gluten Meal, 60%
Earthworm Meal
Potato Protein
Fishmeal, Menhaden
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8
Source: from the Methionine Alternative Task Force 2003
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 17

18. Appendix D
Broiler Ration Formulation Evaluation
Ration
A B C D E
(lbs. per ton)
Corn 1065 170 160 874 950
Soybean Meal 855 1720 1690 800 582
Soybean Oil 21 66 60 0 0
DL Methionine 4 0 0 0 0
Other 55 44 40 56 58
Fishmeal 0 0 50 50 0
Corn Gluten Meal 0 0 0 220 245
Potato Protein 0 0 0 0 0
Earthworm Meal 0 0 0 0 65
Sesame Meal 0 0 0 0 100
Nutritional Comparison
Metabolizable Energy (kcal/lb) 1350 1250 1250 1350 1350
Protein, % 21 38 39 29 28
Available Methionine, % 0.49 0.45 0.49 0.49 0.49
Excess Available Lysine, % 0 102 108 25 11
Italicized values indicate imbalances of nutritional concern
Appendix E
Layer Ration Formulation Evaluation
Ration
A B C D E
(lbs. per ton)
Corn 1090 245 455 1075 1310
Soybean Meal 645 1498 1245 465 40
Soybean Oil 58 56 57 0 0
DL Methionine 3 0 0 0 0
Other 204 201 193 215 210
Fishmeal 0 0 50 50 50
Corn Gluten Meal 0 0 0 195 125
Potato Protein 0 0 0 0 65
Earthworm Meal 0 0 0 0 100
Sesame Meal 0 0 0 0 100
Nutritional Comparison
Metabolizable Energy (kcal/lb) 1325 1165 1215 1325 1325
Protein, % 18 34 31 22 20
Available Methionine, % 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40
Excess Available Lysine, % 0 107 88 0 0
Italicized values indicate imbalances of nutritional concern
Page 18 ATTRA Organic Poultry Production: Providing Adequate Methionine

19. Appendix F
Alternatives to Synthetic
Methionine Feed T rial
Purpose
To find a natural alternative to synthetic DL-Methionine in organic poultry rations.
Background1
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 5/10 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 9th through 17th, 1 X/day.
Good energy level, but not as high as the Hi Meth Corn group.
Very good appetites—always 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.)
Abcesses 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.
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 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% Mortality—lost 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.
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 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.
1
Test conducted at Appley Ever After Farm, Viroqua, WI
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 19

20. Organic Poultry Production:
Providing Adequate Methionine
By Anne Fanatico, Ph.D
Research Associate, USDA ARS
© 2010 NCAT
Paul Williams, Editor
Robyn Metzger, Production
This publication is available on the Web at:
www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/methionine.html
or
www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/methionine.pdf
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