Effects of arginine replacement with L-citrulline on the arginine/nitric oxide metabolism in chickens: An animal model without urea cycle.

This study revealed that NCL diet supported arginine metabolism, nitric oxide synthesis, and promoted the intestinal function of broilers. Thus, L-citrulline may serve as a partial arginine replacement in broiler's diet without detrimental impacts on the performance, arginine metabolism and gut health of chickens.