Journal of Animal Science, Vol 74, Issue 5 1063-1066, Copyright © 1996 by American Society of Animal Science

JOURNAL ARTICLE

Efficacy of a lysine-tryptophan blend for growth of chicks

D. H. Baker, S. R. Fernandez, H. M. Edwards 3rd and C. M. Parsons
Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana 61801, USA.

Two chick experiments were conducted to compare the growth-promoting efficacy as well as the toxicity of a new source of L-tryptophan and L-lysine, Tryptosine (16.1% tryptophan, 56.3% lysine). A corn-feather meal-soybean meal basal diet was made singly deficient in either lysine or tryptophan, and graded doses of lysine or tryptophan from either Tryptosine or feed-grade sources of lysine and tryptophan were supplemented. Linear (P < .01) weight gain responses occurred, and responses to lysine or tryptophan in Tryptosine were similar to those obtained with equal doses of lysine or tryptophan provided by feed-grade sources of L-lysine.HCI or L-tryptophan. The toxicity trial involved additions of 1, 2, or 4% lysine with .29, .58, or 1.16% tryptophan to a lysine- and tryptophan-adequate corn-soybean meal diet. Both amino acids were provided as either Tryptosine or as feed-grade sources of lysine and tryptophan. Weight gain and feed intake were reduced in a linear fashion (P < .01) as levels of the two excess amino acids increased. The decreases caused by Tryptosine were similar to those caused by equivalent levels of excess feed-grade lysine and tryptophan.