Encapsulated L-Lysine: from physicochemical properties to broiler responses

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Poultry Science

Background:

• Optimizing amino acid bioavailability is crucial for broiler production efficiency and environmental sustainability.
• Minimizing nitrogen excretion through precise nutrient formulation is a key goal in modern animal agriculture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of dietary micro-encapsulated L-lysine on broiler growth, feed efficiency, carcass yield, and blood parameters.
• To assess the potential of micro-encapsulated L-lysine as a partial replacement for conventional L-lysine HCl in broiler diets.

Main Methods:

• Characterization of micro-encapsulated L-lysine physicochemical properties using FTIR, DSC, and FESEM.
• A feeding trial with 600 broiler chicks across six dietary treatments, including a control and varying levels of micro-encapsulated L-lysine (60-100%).
• Analysis of growth performance (body weight, feed intake), feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass traits, and serum metabolites (HDL-cholesterol, globulin).

Main Results:

• Micro-encapsulated L-lysine did not significantly affect final body weight or feed intake.
• A significantly lower feed conversion ratio was observed in broilers fed diets with 80-100% micro-encapsulated L-lysine during the starter phase (1-28 days).
• Dietary inclusion of 70-80% micro-encapsulated L-lysine increased HDL-cholesterol and decreased serum globulin levels compared to the control.

Conclusions:

• Micro-encapsulated L-lysine shows potential for enhancing feed efficiency in broiler chickens during early developmental stages.
• Partial replacement of crystalline L-lysine with micro-encapsulated L-lysine is feasible in broiler diets without adverse effects on carcass characteristics.
• This approach supports precision nutrition strategies by optimizing amino acid delivery and potentially reducing nitrogen excretion.