The ameliorative effects of DL- methionine and vitamin C against chronic lead toxicity in guinea pigs were studied and a comparison was done between the two ameliorating agents against adverse effects of 20 ppm lead. 32 weaned guinea pigs were divided into four groups of 8 animals under RBD and group G1 was fed on basal diet, G2 basal diet plus 20ppm lead, G3 basal diet plus 20 ppm lead plus 20 ppm DL-methionine and the G4 basal diet plus 20 ppm lead plus 500 ppm vitamin C for 90 days. Lead was given as aqueous solution of lead acetate; DL-methionine as aqueous solution of DL-methionine; and vitamin C as aqueous solution of L-ascorbic acid. A metabolism trial of four days duration was carried out after 45 days of experimental feeding selecting four animals from each group. Supplementation of 20 ppm lead (Pb) in the diet of guinea pigs had no significant effect on the dry matter intake, body weight gain and nutrient digestibility of guinea pigs. The intake and balance of calcium and lead were significantly different in all lead treated groups as compared to control group. No significant difference effect on growth and metabolism were obtained in DL methionine supplemented group with Vitamin C supplemented group. | DL - methionine and vitamin C effects on growth and nutrient metabolism of guinea pigs supplemented with dietary lead
