Formulating poultry feed based on total amino acids is inaccurate as less than 90% are actually utilized by birds. Using digestible amino acids yields more consistent performance. Adding L-Threonine to feed can improve ingredient and nutrient utilization while lowering costs by reducing soybean meal and poultry fat. Studies show providing higher Threonine levels to chickens with enteric challenges results in similar body weights and yields as non-challenged birds. Increasing amino acid density in feed through adding L-Threonine achieves better performance at lower diet costs.

1. ABOUT LYSINE and THREONINE A feed formula based on total amino acids looks good on paper, but doesn’t look so good to the bird. Less than 90% of the total amino acids are actually utilized. Formulating feeds on a digestible amino acid basis yields consistent, predictable performance.

2. L-Threonine Use L-Threonine to improve ingredient and nutrient utilization, while lowering feed costs. Meeting the energy and amino acid requirements of poultry through improved ingredient management can reduce your feed costs, especially in times of high fat prices and high ingredient prices. Comparing feed formulas with and without L-Threonine, significant reductions in soybean meal and poultry fat arerealized. .

3. L-Threonine A number of studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of higher Threonine levels in broiler chickens with enteric challenges (necrotic enteritis and coccidiosis). The results clearly demonstratethat the Threonine requirement is higher, and to minimize excess crude protein the preferred method of meeting this increased requirement for Threonine is with crystalline L-Threonine. Body weights and carcass yield of the challenged birds were the same as the non-challenged birds at the higher Threonine levels.

4. L-Threonine Protein utilization in broilers is affected by the limiting amino acid content. Feeding an amino acid concentration greater than typically used achieves increased performance while reducing overall dietcosts. The first step toward increased amino acid density is the addition of L-Threonine to the diet.

5. L-Lysine Lysine, Threonine and Tryptophan are the most critical three of twenty two amino acids which are the building blocks for protein. Lysine, Threonine and Tryptophan are the essential amino acids for proper animal growth and must be supplied through the diet.

6. Supplements of animal and/or plant protein sources such as soybean meal or fish meal are the typical vehicles for adding amino acids to animal feed. As an alternate supplement, crystalline amino acids are more economical, while creating a more balanced, nutritionally complete feed.

7. Achieving the proper balance of amino acids in the diet can improve feed efficiency by allowing a shorter growing period and produces an animal with leaner meat.

8. In an animal diet formulated with animal and/or plant protein, excess amino acids are poorly utilized by the animal and the excess is excreted as nitrogen in the urine. Lysine and Threonine supplementation can reduce the amount of nitrogen excreted into the environment by up to 30%. This is possible because part of the dietary protein can be replaced by crystalline amino acids. Animal performance will remain equal or better as long as the ideal amino acid profile is maintained.

9. Lysine Lysine has the extraordinary potential to benefit your operation. First by lowering diet costs, then by reducing nitrogen excretion and thus ammonia production. Plus, your production can become even more cost effective and environmentally friendly when you add another amino acid, L-Threonine.