The True Metabolizable Energy Values of Several Feedingstuffs Measured with Roosters, Laying Hens, Turkeys and Broiler Hens

Abstract

Three experiments were made to measure the effect of the type of the assay bird on the true metabolizable energy (T.M.E.) values of certain feedingstuffs. In the first experiment wheat and oats were assayed with S.C.W.L. roosters and hens of different strains. The grains differed in T.M.E. content but the values obtained with roosters and laying hens were not different. In the second experiment yellow corn, soybean meal, wheat shorts and fish meal were assayed using S.C.W.L. roosters, S.C.W.L. laying hens of a different strain, and adult Small White turkey hens. The T.M.E. value of the soybean meal was greater (P < 0.01) for the turkeys than for the chickens; no other differences between birds was observed. In the final experiment a laying hen diet and wheat bran were assayed using broiler hens in addition to the three types of birds used in the second experiment. No differences attributable to the type of assay bird were observed.