Response of Turkey Broilers to Different Stocking Densities, Lighting Treatments, Toe Clipping, and Intermingling the Sexes

Abstract

A total of 7,428 turkey poults were used in two experiments designed to evaluate the interrelated effects of stocking density, lighting, toe clipping, and intermingling the sexes. Mortality was unaffected by stocking density. Although high stocking density had the effect of reducing body weight and percent Grade A carcasses, monetary returns were highest per unit of floor area for birds grown under high stocking density conditions. There was no apparent monetary advantage in extending the slaughter age from 98 to 119 days for males or by rearing the sexes separately to 14 weeks of age. Body weights of birds grown under low intensity, green light were heaviest but this was not reflected in higher monetary returns. There was no beneficial effect on the biological traits resulting from toe clipping. Body weight was adversely affected by toe clipping but this was not reflected in reduced monetary returns. In a windowless building, adequately ventilated, with the capability of maintaining low internal temperatures (not exceeding 21 C), high stocking density and low light intensity may be useful in the conservation of both heat and light energy.