Effect of Body Size and Dietary Energy on the Protein Requirement of Turkey Breeders

Abstract

CONSIDERABLE research has been directed toward a more basic understanding of the dietary protein and energy requirements and interrelationships in meat type and egg production strains of chickens. However, little direct information is available on the protein requirement of turkey breeders for maximum productive and reproductive performance in relation to dietary energy density, environmental temperature, genetic differences in body size and productive ability.A brief report by Carter et al. (1957a) in which 16 and 18% protein diets were compared indicated that the 18% protein level fed to large type white turkey females at 800, 900 and 1000 Calories of productive energy per pound of feed resulted in a slight improvement in fertility and hatchability. Robblee and Clandinin (1959) made comparisons between rations containing 15 and 17% protein in combination with productive energy levels of 700, 790 and 880 Calories per pound of feed. They were unable to demonstrate any…