Andriienko L. Productivity and Digestibility of Feed in Young Rabbits at Different Levels and Sources of Methionine in Compound Feeds

The results of the study of the influence of different levels and sources of sulfur-containing essential amino acid methionine in the rabbit's diet on their productivity and digestibility of feed are presented in the dissertation. It is proved that the optimal level of methionine in compound feed for young rabbits of meat productivity is 0.41 %. Research on the optimal level of methionine in compound feed has added to the concept of «ideal protein» in the diet of rabbits. It has been established that the ratio of methionine to lysine in compound feed should be 0.46:1, and the ratio of lysine to sulfur-containing amino acids should be 1:0.72. The second experiment was based on determining the most effective source of methionine. The control group was supplemented with dietary supplement feed DL-, first group L-methionine and the second experimental hydroxy analogue of MHA in the amount of 0.41 %. During the test period, 0.41 % L-methionine content in the diet significantly improved the performance and digestibility of rabbit feed compared to DL-methionine and MHA analogues.