Low Protein Diets for Turkeys Raised Under Practical Conditions

Abstract

Baldini et al. (1954a, b) have reported good growth in turkey poults up to six weeks of age on 20% protein diets supplemented with lysine and methionine. In the following experiment we have confirmed these findings and have extended observations through a complete growing season under practical conditions.Six hundred straight run Buff poults were randomly divided into six groups and placed on raised screen flooring. At the end of twelve weeks the groups were transferred to range pens for the duration of this feeding trial. The compositions of rations used and the experimental design are presented in Tables 1 and 2 respectively. Birds were individually weighed at two week intervals and feed consumption data for the same periods were obtained.The weight and feed consumption data at six, twelve and twenty-six weeks of age are given in Table 2. Throughout this experiment the requirement for supplemental methionine was satisfied …