Effect of sulfur-containing dietary supplements on gizzard lining erosions

Three experiments were conducted with crystalline amino acid basal diets containing 5% isolated soy protein to ascertain the supplementary effect of sulfur-containing compounds on blood constituents and gizzard lining erosion. At the 0.40% methionine dietary level, the plasma albumin protein values were improved by supplements of sulfate and fishery products, whereas, the globulin values were variable. At the methionine content of 0.55%, the hematocrit value was also increased. Taurine, cysteic acid or fish meal ash did not improve the growth of chicks fed 0.45% methionine. Gizzard lining erosions were quite prevalent and severe when chicks were fed inadequate methionine and were improved considerably but not totally prevented by the 0.70 to 1.25% levels of sulfur amino acids.