Feed Gorging and Extended Water Restriction Do Not Produce Knockdown in Male Turkeys Fed Monensin

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the effects of feed restriction with subsequent gorging during extended water restriction on 27- to 57-d-old toms fed excess monensin. Four treatments were factorially arranged with two levels of dietary monensin (0 and 140 ppm) and two feeding-watering regimens (ad libitum and restricted). Ad libitum birds had full access to feed and water but restricted birds only had access to feed from 0800 to 1200 h daily. A 24-h water restriction regimen was imposed biweekly from 28 to 42 d and a 36-h water restriction regimen was imposed biweekly from 43 to 57 d. The restricted feeding and watering regimen decreased (P < .01) feed intake, weight gain, and feed efficiency. Excess monensin had no effect (P > .10) on feed intake regardless of feeding and watering regimen. Monensin had no effect on the weight gain and feed efficiency of ad libitum birds, but monensin exacerbated the decrease on gain (monensin by regimen, P < .01) and feed efficiency (monensin by regimen, P < .09) induced by feed and water restriction. No treatment-related abnormalities were observed during either interim or terminal necropsies. Neither clinical signs of ionophore toxicity nor pathologic findings attributed to monensin treatment were observed during the study. Based on these observations, feed gorging and water restriction will not adversely affect the health status of, or increase the mortality rate of, 4- to 8-wk-old male turkeys fed monensin.