Methionine supplementation in the productive efficiency, carcass characteristics and economics of growing indigenous turkey

Abstract

The effect of dietary methionine supplementation at varying levels on the productive efficiency, carcass characteristics and economics of growing indigenous turkey was investigated. Four Isocaloric and Isonitrogenous diets were formulated. The diets were supplemented with 0.00%, 0.05%, 0.10%, and 0.15% respectively. Eighty (80) turkey poults and aged 12 weeks, were randomly allotted to the four dietary treatments at 20 birds each, and subdivided into 2 replicates having 10 poults each in a completely Randomized design experiment. The trial lasted 8weeks. The feed:gain ratio showed no significant (p>0,05) difference, though diet 2 proved to be the best. Birds fed diet 2 also had a higher body weight than the others. The values of parameters such as dressed weight (g), carcass yield (%BW), meat (PDW) Bone (PDW), abdominal fat and meat-to-bone ratio did not differ significantly (P>0.05). However, birds fed diet 2 gave the highest meat (PDW) and meat-to-bone ratio. The overall relative cost per kg gain that is most beneficial was obtained by feeding diet 2. The results indicate that supplementing growing turkey feed- containing 18%CP and 2800 Keal/kg ME with 0.05% methionine enhances productive performances, good carcass yield and production cost. Key words: Methionine, supplementation, turkey, carcass, economics