Effect of sulfur amino acids levels on egg quality from laying hens in the first production cycle

An assay was conducted to evaluate the effect of sulfur amino acid on egg quality in laying hens during the first production cycle. One hundred and sixty two (162) Isa Brown hens 30-wk of age, with average egg production of 91% were distributed in a randomized complete block design with three treatments and nine replications of six hens each. Treatments consisted of three methionine + cystine levels (0.745%, 0.710% and 0.670%). The 0.710% methionine + cystine level was considered as baseline (100%), and the other 2 levels were considered as 5% above and 5% below this standard value. The methionine + cystine intake, egg weight, eggshell, albumen and yolk percentage, specific gravity and Haugh units were evaluated. Data were analyzed using the SAS 9.1. Tukey test was used for differences between means. The methionine + cystine levels significantly affected (P < 0.05) the methionine + cystine intake, egg weight, albumen percentage and Haugh units. There was no significant differences (P > 0.05) between treatments for eggshell percentage, yolk percentage and specific gravity. The 0.745% methionine + cystine level maximized the methionine + cystine intake supplying the demands of sulfur amino acids and improving the egg quality in laying hens during the first production cycle.