Growth and Feed Utilization of Turkeys as Affected by Reserpine

Abstract

AORTIC rupture in turkeys was first discussed by Durrell, Pomeroy, Carr and Jerstad in 1952 but was first adequately described by McSherry et al. (1954). Within recent years the severity of the problem has markedly increased. Various changes in management and rations have not altered the course of the condition, Ringer (1959), Morrison (1960).Ringer (1959) suggested that the high blood pressure of turkeys, particularly males, might account for the incidence of aortic rupture. Carlson (1959), Barnett (1960), Morrison (1960) and Slinger et al. (1961) reported that various levels of reserpine in the diet reduced losses from spontaneously appearing aortic rupture.The effect of reserpine on growth and feed efficiency when fed during the time when losses due to aortic rupture are most severe has not been adequately studied. Patrias (1960) reported that growth was only slightly affected when reserpine was fed to turkeys from sixteen to twenty-two weeks of …