Studies on the Vitamin E Requirement of Turkeys for Reproduction

Abstract

ABSTRACT SEVERAL reports have shown that vitamin E may be deficient in turkey breeder rations consisting of practical ingredients (Jensen et al., 1953; Atkinson et al., 1955; and Jensen et al., 1956). Little information is available on the quantitative requirement of breeding turkeys for vitamin E. Scott and Nelson (1955) suggested that the requirement of breeding turkeys for vitamin E is in excess of 13.6 I.U. per pound, based on studies with both practical and purified rations. The purpose of the experiments reported here was to extend the studies on the quantitative requirement of turkey breeder hens for vitamin E. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE Broad Breasted Bronze turkey hens from a strain maintained at the Experiment Station were used in the study. They were hatched April 1, 1955, were fed a practical ration during the growing period, and were reared on range to 28 weeks of age. At that time ten hens were . . .