The effect of the methionine+cystine level on the performance of European quail during two phases in the growing period (from hatch to 21 days of age and from hatch to 35 days of age) was evaluated in a completely randomized experimental design with six levels of total methionine+cystine (.73; .79; .85; .91; .97 and 1.03%), and four replicates and 12 quails per experimental unit. Body weight, weight gain, feed intake and feed:weight gain ratio were evaluated in both phases. Significant and quadratic effects of methionine+cystine on the performance traits recorded from hatch to 21 days of age were observed. The highest body weight and weight gain and lowest feed intake and feed:weight gain ratio were estimated for quails fed .95% and .94% diets. Significant and quadratic effects of metionine+cystine on body weight, weight gain and feed intake from hatch to 35 days of age were estimated for quails fed .93%; .93%; and .94% diets, respectively. Weight gain methioninine+cystine requirement from hatch to 21 days is .95%, and from hatch to 35 days of age is .93%.
amino acid; performance; nutritional requirement; weight gain
