Turkey Diets Research Articles

Selected metabolic, epigenetic, nitration and redox parameters in turkeys fed diets with different levels of arginine and methionine

Abstract The amino acid guidelines formulated by British United Turkeys postulate higher levels of lysine (Lys) in turkey diets than those recommended by the National Research Council. However, any modifications in the Lys content of turkey diets should be accompanied by changes in the inclusion rates of other amino acids, including methionine (Met) and arginine (Arg). The research hypothesis postulates that the appropriate inclusion levels and ratios of arginine and methionine in turkey diets with high lysine content can improve the antioxidant status of turkeys without compromising their metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of different Arg and Met ratios in Lys-rich diets on biochemical indicators, redox status and epigenetic changes in turkeys. The turkeys were assigned to six groups with eight replicates per group and 18 birds per replicate. Six feeding programs, with three dietary Arg levels (90%, 100% and 110%) and two dietary Met levels (30% and 45%) relative to dietary Lys content were compared. During each of the four feeding phases, birds were fed ad libitum isocaloric diets with high Lys content. Our results show that in growing turkeys fed diets with high Lys content, the inclusion rate of Arg can be set at 90% of Lys content with no negative effects on their antioxidant status, metabolism or performance. Diets with high Arg content (110% Lys) are not recommended due to the risk of lipid and protein damage, and an undesirable increase in insulin and T4 levels. Regardless of dietary Arg levels, an increase in the Met inclusion rate from 30% to 45% of Lys content minimizes the oxidation of lipids, proteins and DNA, and increases the antioxidant defense potential of turkeys.

The use of a feed additive from the larvae of Lucilia Caesar flies in feeding of young turkeys

The use of flour from fly larvae in the feeding of farm animals is a new direction that is becoming increasingly widespread among the world’s leading producers. The technology of obtaining flour from fly larvae solves several critical problems of agricultural development: production of cheap and high-quality animal protein; replacement of imported components in animal feed; involvement of biological waste in secondary processing; reduction of environmental burden. The purpose of the work was to study the effectiveness of using innovative protein-lipid concentrate from fly larvae of the Lucilia Caesar population in feeding of young turkeys of the BIG-6 cross. In order to conduct the research 3 groups of young turkeys were formed with 20 heads in each (10 females and 10 males), which were housed separately. The control group has been received a general economic ration. The experimental groups have been fed protein-lipid concentrate: the 1st experimental group – 5,0 %, the 2nd experimental group – 7,5 % by weight of compound feed. The duration of fattening was 17 weeks. The positive effect of protein-lipid concentrate on the bioconversion of feed nutrients, the balance and use of nitrogen by the body of young turkeys, productivity and quality of meat was revealed. The physiological regularities of the effect of the studied feed on the intensity of metabolic processes in the body of females and males have been established. Optimal norms for the introduction of protein-lipid concentrate into the diets of young turkeys have been proposed. As a result of the experiment, the level of profitability from rearing experimental groups of young female turkeys increased by 1,49 and 2,21 abs.%, young male turkeys – 2,88 and 4,04 abs.% compared to the control groups.

Replacement of soybean oil with cold-extracted fat from Hermetia illucens in young turkey diets: Effects on performance, nutrient digestibility, selected organ measurements, meat and liver tissue traits, intestinal microbiota modulation, and physiological and immunological status

This study aimed to evaluate the partial or total replacement of soybean oil with cold-extracted Hermetia illucens larvae (BSFL) fat in young turkey diets on growth performance, coefficients of apparent ileal nutrient digestibility, pancreatic enzyme activities, selected gastrointestinal tract (GIT) segment measurements, microbial community modulation, selected biochemical blood indices, hormone concentrations, immune status traits, and muscle and liver tissue traits. A total of 216 7-day-old female turkeys (B.U.T. 6) were randomly allotted to 3 dietary treatments. Each group contained 6 replicate pens with 12 birds per pen. The birds were fed a soybean-maize basal diet enriched with 50 g/kg dietary fat, i.e., soybean oil (SO) in the control group, 50:50 SO and H. illucens larvae fat in the BSFL50 treatment group, and BSFL fat as the sole energy source in the BSFL100 group. The experiment lasted 28 days. The provided BSFL fat was characterized by high lauric and palmitic acid contents, as well as saturated fatty acids (SFAs), while concentrations of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids were higher in the SO group. The growth performance parameters were not affected (P > 0.05) by BSFL fat substitution. However, the apparent ileal digestibility of the ether extract was significantly increased (P < 0.001) after BSFL fat inclusion as the sole energy source with simultaneous enhancement (P < 0.001) of lipase activity. Partial or total replacement of SO with BSFL fat improved cecal microbiota communities by limiting (P < 0.001) Bacteroides-Prevotella cluster counts. Additionally, the beneficial effect of BSFL100 was observed in the case of a decreased (P = 0.004) IL-6 concentration. In conclusion, it is possible to partially or totally substitute SO in turkey diets with cold-extracted BSFL fat without any negative effect on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, physiological traits, or immunological status traits. Furthermore, the cold-pressing technique can be adopted and recommended to obtain BSFL fat as a dietary energy source in turkey nutrition.

Dietary supplements based on modified and enriched with amino acids zeolite in the cultivation of young turkeys

Relevance. Modern turkey crosses have a genetically determined high growth rate. These farm birds are very sensitive to even minor fluctuations in their diet, are susceptible to a deficiency of amino acids, protein, mineral elements and vitamins, which can contribute to a decrease in their productivity, the development of pathological processes and diseases. The use of modern technologies and scientific achievements has made it possible to prepare a new product — modified zeolite. This natural mineral is already free of impurities and microbes, with open pore windows, has a high ability to selectively exchange, and is obtained by various methods of activating zeolite in industrial conditions. At the same time, Ulyanovsk specialists have mastered the technology of enriching modified zeolite with useful substances.Methods. The aim of the work was to study the effect on the body of turkeys and the level of their productivity of additives based on modified zeolite enriched with amino acids. The experiment was organized for 60 days on 250 turkeys of the breed Hybrid Cread-mayker aged 55–60 days in the conditions of the Ulyanovsk region. The control group received the main ration (MR), the experimental group was given once a day in addition to the MR in the morning feeding in a mixture with mixed feed 5% additives of modified zeolite enriched with amino acids.Results. The inclusion of a supplement based on modified zeolite enriched with amino acids in the diet of turkeys does not have a negative effect on the hematological parameters of their blood, all indicators corresponded to the physiological norm. During the experiment in the 2nd group, the live weight of poultry was obtained larger by 8.70%, which amounted to 12,296 kg, respectively, more profit was obtained from the sale of turkey meat, total revenue was 133,210, and additional profit was 27,960 rubles, 2.41 rubles of profit was received for 1 ruble of costs. Тhe data indicate the normalization of mineral homeostasis in the body of turkeys and better absorption of nutrients in the feed diet.

Growth performance and blood indices of growing turkeys fed diets containing shrimp waste meal

Abstract Fish meal (FM) is a major source of animal protein in the diet of turkeys but its high cost has been a major challenge to poultry practitioners in developing countries. Growth performance and blood indices of growing turkeys fed diets containing shrimp waste meal (SWM) as substitute for FM were investigated in a 56-day feeding trial using eighty (80) 4-weeks-old male British United Turkeys (BUT). The turkeys were allotted on weight equalisation into four treatments with four replicates of five turkeys each. Four diets were formulated such that FM in the control diet (diet 1) was substituted by SWM at 150, 300 and 450 g/kg (protein for protein) in diets 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomised design and data collected were analysed using ANOVA. Cost of feed consumed was highest (p &lt; 0.05) for turkeys fed the control diet and lowest for group fed diet 4. Weight gain decreased (p &lt; 0.05) with increasing SWM level in the diet at the grower phase (day 57–84). Turkeys fed the 450 g/kg SWM diets had the lowest (p &lt; 0.05) feed intake. At the grower phase, best feed:gain, cost of feed consumed, feed cost per weight gain and protein efficiency ratio were recorded in turkeys fed control and 150 g/kg SWM diets. Uric acid, creatinine, cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), haematocrit, and white blood count differed significantly (p &lt; 0.05) among the treatments at the starter phase. In conclusion, the present study showed that SWM can serve as a potential replacement for FM when substituted at 150 g/kg in the diets of turkeys without any deleterious effect on their performance and haematocrit.

DYNAMICS OF LIVE WEIGHT GROWTH IN TURKEYS OF HYBRID CONVERTER CROSS WHEN USING THE WATER-SOLUBLE PROBIOTIC LIQUAFEED IN THE DIET

The article presents the results of the study on the growth dynamics in turkeys of Hybrid Converter cross when using the water-soluble probiotic additive Liquafeed in the diet. In the conditions of the Krivets Ptitsa LLC, a production trial was realized. Two groups of turkeys (12000 birds in each) were formed: experimental and control. The poultry of the experimental group were given a probiotic Liquafeed at the rate of 50 g per 1 ton of water for 60 days. In the Laboratory of Hematology and Biochemistry of FSBSI ARVRIPP&amp;T according to the GOST methods (State Standard) an analysis of the compound feed used in the diet of turkeys was carried out. The dynamics of live weight growth in poultry was studied under production conditions. The positive effect of the probiotic Liquafeed on the live weight growth has been established. Average daily weight gains increased. The live weight of turkeys during the rearing period (98 days) in the experimental group was higher by 6.3% than in the control group. The obtained results make it possible to recommend the use of the probiotic Liquafeed to increase the performance of turkeys.

ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ КОМПОЗИЦИИ КОРМОВЫХ ДОБАВОК ПРИ ВЫРАЩИВАНИИ ИНДЕЕК

The article presents the results of experimental studies when introducing into the diet of turkeys a composition of feed additives used to prevent the anthropogenic impact of pollutants on the body of animals and poultry. In order to determine the effectiveness of the composition of feed additives, we studied the clinical status of turkeys and determined morphobiochemical blood parameters. It was found that the composition of feed additives «Productive Hepato» and «Maxisorb®» contribute to an increase in the live weight of turkeys and does not have a negative effect on the physiological parameters of birds. According to the biological value of the meat of turkeys receiving this composition of feed additives, the meat of turkeys of the control group is superior. Thus, this composition can be recommended for use by turkeys in order to prevent contamination with pollutants of various origin of poultry slaughter products.

Use of an Ethanol Bio-Refinery Product as a Soy Bean Alternative in Diets for Fast-Growing Meat Production Species: A Circular Economy Approach

The recent conceptual pivot from bioethanol production to ethanol biorefining has led to development of protein derived by fractionating the non-ethanol streams post fermentation within the plant. The aim of this study was to identify the effect of replacing dietary soy with corn-fermented protein (CFP) on performance of fast-growing meat species and the impact on the carbon footprint associated with the feed for each species. The study contains trials on 3 species, broiler, turkey and salmon. In trial one, 324 broiler chicks were allocated randomly to 36 pens distributed into 3 dietary treatments; control (0% CFP), 5% CFP and 10% CFP; for 35 days. In trial 2, 150 turkey poults were allocated to 3 treatments: control (0 CFP), 4% CFP and 8% CFP for 35 days. In trial 3, 525 Atlantic Salmon (starting weight 304 g ± 10.7 g) were raised in 15 saltwater tanks for 84 days with 5 treatments, control (0% CFP), 5% CFP, 10% CFP, 15% CFP and 20% CFP. Growth response, nutrient utilisation and carbon footprint were assessed in each trial. Replacement of soy with CFP showed limited differences in growth response and nutrient utilization but replacing soy bean meal with CFP at rate of 5%, 8% and 10% in broiler, turkey and salmon diets, respectively resulted in a 14% decrease in carbon footprint of diet manufacturing. This investigation shows coupling bioethanol production with poultry and salmon production represents a highly effective circular economy contributing to multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The effect of a direct-fed microbial (PrimaLac) and fat inclusion on performance and energy metabolism in broiler chicks and turkey poults

Two battery trials were conducted to determine the effects of dietary direct-fed microbial (DFM) and dietary fat inclusion on broiler chick and turkey poult performance and dietary apparent metabolizable energy, nitrogen corrected (AMEn) when fed corn, wheat, and soy diets. For both experiments, a 2 x 2 factorial experimental design was used with supplemental fat at low (1%, LF) or high (6%, HF) levels and DFM inclusion (0 or 0.91 kg/ton) as main effects. Dietary treatments were randomly assigned to 72 cages of birds and fed for 21 days. Growth performance was measured weekly, and cecal contents were collected for volatile fatty acid (VFA) analysis on day 21. Fat supplementation resulted in increased body weight gain (BWG) in both broilers and turkeys. Specifically, in LF diets, DFM inclusion resulted in increased BWG compared to the non-DFM treatments. Cumulative feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved in HF treatments and the LF with DFM treatment compared to the LF with no DFM. In both trials, as expected, feeding HF diets resulted in increased AMEn. However, the DFM inclusion resulted in a greater uplift in AMEn in LF diets for both broilers and turkeys. In either trial, diet did not impact cecal VFA concentrations; thus, the impact on DFM on VFA production remains uncertain. In conclusion, the performance of broiler chicks and turkey poults was improved by DFM inclusion in reduced fat diets which was associated with increased energy digestibility as measured by AMEn.

Evaluation of Methionine Sources in Protein Reduced Diets for Turkeys in the Late Finishing Period Regarding Performance, Footpad Health and Liver Health

Footpad dermatitis and hepatic lipidosis are health problems in fattening turkeys where a positive influence of higher methionine content in feed is discussed. The effects of the methionine supplements DL-methionine (DLM) and liquid methionine hydroxyl analogue free acid (MHA-FA) under the aspect of low protein diets were investigated in this study based on performance parameters, footpad health, liver health and oxidative stress. In this study, 80 female turkeys (B.U.T. Big 6) of 63 day-old, were randomly assigned to four groups characterising a 2 × 2 factorial design with five replicates each over five weeks. The groups were fed with diets differing in methionine source (DLM vs. MHA-FA, assuming a biological activity of MHA-FA of 65%) and crude protein content (15% vs. 18%) for 35 days. The results showed no significant interactions between the protein content and methionine source. Strong protein reduction significantly impaired water intake, feed intake, weight gain and feed conversation ratio, but improved footpad health. DLM and MHA-FA addition had no significant effect on weight gain, crude fat and protein contents in the liver, but DLM resulted in a significant increase in livers antioxidative capacity compared to MHA-FA. Although the protein reduction resulted in reduced performance, the study showed that MHA-FA can be replaced by DLM in a 100:65 weight ratio without compromising performance but with certain advantages in the antioxidative capacity of the liver.

Increased Dietary Inclusion Levels of Lysine Are More Effective than Arginine in Supporting the Functional Status of the Gut in Growing Turkeys.

Simple SummaryThe concentrations of essential amino acids (EAA) in turkey diets are established in line with the recommendations of either the British United Turkeys (BUT) or the National Research Council (NRC), which, however, differ with regard to the dietary levels and ratios of important EAA, including lysine (Lys), arginine (Arg) and methionine (Met). For instance, the dietary Arg:Lys ratio in turkey diets recommended by the BUT is approximately 2–5% higher than that recommended by the NRC. Similarly, the lowest and the highest values of the Met:Lys ratio recommended by the BUT exceed those recommended by the NRC by around six and three percentage points, respectively. The above differences may appear to be relatively small, but they raise concerns in the turkey production sector due to their potential impact on both feed cost and bird physiology. Since the turkey sector has grown rapidly in the past decade, a further understanding of the EAA needs of birds is essential to achieving high growth rates and maintaining a profitable and sustainable production.Arginine (Arg) and lysine (Lys) may be important for the overall health of turkeys. The aim of this study was to determine whether low (consistent with the guidelines) and high (10% higher than recommended) levels of dietary Arg and Lys can modulate performance and the functional status of the gut. Female turkeys were allocated to four dietary treatments (two levels of Lys (low or high) and two levels of Arg (low or high)) for a 16 wk feeding period. The treatments did not affect turkey performance determined separately for four feeding phases and for the entire 16 wk experiment (p > 0.05). They had no significant influence on carcass yield, meat characteristics or the associated traits either (p > 0.05). High-Lys diets contributed to a decrease in cecal pH, a significant increase in the concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and a decrease in the concentrations of putrefactive SCFA and ammonia in the cecum. High dietary levels of both amino acids significantly enhanced the activity of cecal microbiota evaluated based on extracellular enzyme activity. These findings indicate that the higher dietary level of Lys was more effective in modulating the physiological status of the gut in turkeys than Arg.

The immune status, oxidative and epigenetic changes in tissues of turkeys fed diets with different ratios of arginine and lysine

In the present experiment, it was assumed that the appropriate dietary ratio of arginine (Arg) to lysine (Lys) can improve the immune status and growth performance of turkeys. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two inclusion rates of Arg relative to Lys in turkey diets with Lys content consistent with National Research Council (NRC) recommendations or 10% higher on the immune status of birds and indicators of protein and DNA damage due to oxidation, nitration or epigenetic changes. Another goal was to determine which dietary Arg:Lys ratio stimulates the immune response of turkeys vaccinated against Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale. The experiment was performed on 576 turkeys randomly assigned to four groups with two levels of Lys (low = NRC recommendation or high = NRC + 10%) and two levels of Arg (95% or 105% Arg relative to the content of dietary Lys). It was found that the Lys content of turkey diets should be 10% higher than that recommended by the NRC and combined with the higher Arg level (105% of Lys). Although the above Arg:Lys ratio did not improve the growth performance of birds, it stimulated their immune system and reduced protein nitration as well as protein and DNA oxidation.

Growth performance and meat quality of meat-type guinea fowl fed different commercial diets

The aim of study was to assess the growth performance, meat quality, and fatty acid composition of meat-type guinea fowl fed balanced commercial diets under two different feeding programs, similar to those for slaughter turkeys and broiler chickens, respectively. A total of 80 4-week-old meat-type guinea fowl divided into two groups (four replicates per group; 10 birds in each replicate) were raised for 14 weeks. One group received commercially available diets in a three-phased program (TM group), whereas the other group was fed commercial diets in a two-phased program (CM group). Growth-performance-related traits were recorded. At the end of rearing (14 weeks of age), eight birds from each group were slaughtered. Carcass yield and technological traits of meat (pH, color, water-holding capacity, natural and thermal loss, tenderness, fatty acid profile) were analyzed. Groups did not differ in terms of body weight as well as carcass yield and characteristics. There was no difference in meat quality and the fatty acid profile of breast and thigh meat of guinea fowl from TM and CM groups. The findings of this study suggest that both commercial diets (for broiler chickens and turkeys) can be used in meat-type guinea fowl rearing. Due to the lower price of diets fed to the CM group and the lack of significant variation in meat quality traits, its use seems to be more justified from an economic point of view.

The use of biogenic growth stimulants to increase the economic efficiency of turkey meat production

Relevance. The article provides a substantiation of the economic efficiency of the use of biologically active additives that improve the bioavailability of nutrients in compound feeds in the diets of meat-producing turkeys and increase the yield of competitive high-quality products. Among the most effective biogenic preparations that have a positive effect on metabolic processes in the body of poultry, there is a biogenic growth stimulator — succinic acid. The inclusion of this preparation in a complete feed at different age periods of growing turkey poults has a significant effect on the feed intake and conversion. Methods: scientific and economic experience on the use of succinic acid when growing turkeys. Results . The article presents the results of a research to study the effect of adding succinic acid during the period of growing in feed on the indicators of meat productivity of turkey poults and thus increasing the efficiency of its production. It was found that the maximum slaughter yield for both half-gutted and gutted carcasses in group 2 turkeys that received 0.02 g/kg succinic acid was, respectively, 80.4% and 60.2%, which is 2.5% and 2.4% higher than in the control, respectively. In terms of meat productivity, poultry raised on the basis of the addition of succinic acid to feed has advantages over the control group (without the use of the drug), as well as in biological and nutritional additional costs for succinic acid, the cost of meat in the experimental groups was lower than in the control due to higher productivity.

Use of fly larvae Hermetia illucens in poultry feeding: A review paper

The paper presents the review of scientific publications of world literature on the use of the larvae of black soldier fly ( Hermetia illucens) when feeding poultry. Nowadays, the issue of replacing traditional sources of protein when feeding poultry is very urgent, especially in connection with the global food crisis. Insects are the natural food of most birds; thus, the use of fly larvae for feed production has a biological basis. The research results presented in published works show that there are no negative effects on bird health and meat quality when feeding poultry, quail and other birds. In some cases, the experimental groups of birds gained weight slightly more slowly than the control group. Other reports indicate that birds grew at the same rate as normal birds. The quantity and quality of eggs did not differ significantly, but dietary changes affected the colour of yolks and eggshell. The effect of the addition of live larvae to the diet of young turkeys on the weight characteristics of was studied. Replacing 10% of the daily amount of feed with live Hermetia illucens larvae in the diet of turkeys showed that the daily feed intake and body weight gain of the experimental birds were significantly higher compared to the control groups, which led to a significantly higher body weight of chicks at the age of five weeks (2.19 kg vs. 2.015 kg, respectively) and a significantly lower feed conversion rate. Most researchers agree that replacing protein in poultry feed with insect flour should be partial, in the 15–30% range. Feeding with larvae that have undergone processing – grinding, chitin removing, heat treatment – is more preferable than using whole larvae, since the chitinous membrane makes larvae difficult to be digested in the digestive tract of birds.

Paleodiet of Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) in the Early Pueblo Period of the Northern Southwest

Turkey domestication in the northern Southwest is not clearly defined, in part because wild turkeys are difficult to differentiate from domestic turkeys based on skeletal morphology. Stable isotope analysis is a method that researchers have used extensively to help build a picture of how turkey populations were managed by humans. Earlier evidence for C4 plant consumption by turkeys is limited to a small number of published studies. Using a stable isotope mixing model with a sample of 19 turkey bones from five early Pueblo habitation sites in northwestern New Mexico and southwestern Colorado, we estimated that the turkey diet consisted of 60–89% C4 plants, with the remainder consisting of C3 plants and invertebrates. This contributes to the existing body of data on turkey diet in the northern Southwest during the Basketmaker III and Pueblo I periods and shows that a mixing model can be useful for turkey paleodietary analysis.

The effect of dietary full-fat Hermetia illucens larvae meal on gut physiology and growth performance in young turkeys

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of full-fat Hermetia illucens larvae meal (HM) as a protein source in diets for the youngest turkey poults, based on growth performance and parameters of intestinal function, i.e. immune status and fermentation processes in the gut. The experiment was carried on 432 one-day-old male Hybrid Converter turkeys. The birds were randomly divided into four dietary treatment groups, with twelve replicates of nine birds each. During a four-week feeding period, the HM content of turkey diets was 50, 100 and 150 g/kg in groups HM50, HM100 and HM150, respectively. The highest HM content in the experimental diet HM150, limited by high crude fat content, replaced 1/3 of soybean meal (SBM) (295 vs. 429 g/kg) in the control diet HM0. The inclusion of dietary HM resulted in a linear increase in the dry matter (DM) content and viscosity of small intestinal contents. The highest inclusion rate of HM did not affect IgA levels, but it increased IgY levels in the small intestinal tissue compared with the control treatment. At the same time, dietary HM exerted anti-inflammatory effect by decreasing TNFα and increasing IL-6 levels in small intestinal tissue (linear and quadratic response, respectively). The dietary inclusion of HM increased the activity of selected microbial enzymes (α-galactosidase, β-glucosidase and β-glucuronidase) and butyric acid concentration in the cecal digesta. Increasing inclusion levels of HM did not affect the final body weight (BW) or body weight gain (BWG) of birds, but induced a linear decrease in the feed conversion ratio (FCR). The results of this study indicate that HM can be included in diets for young turkeys at up to 150 g/kg without compromising the immune status or growth performance of birds, intestinal development and function.

Utilization of rice milling waste (RMW) in local turkey diets: effect on haematological indices and blood chemistry

One hundred Local Turkey Poults brooded on commercial broiler starter mash for four weeks were utilized in a Completely Randomized Design Experiment to evaluate the effect of feeding varying levels of Rice Milling Waste (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%), on the haematological and blood chemistry indices of grower and finisher turkeys. Five grower and finisher diets were respectively formulated such that rice-milling waste was substituted for maize at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. The poults were randomly assigned to the five experimental diets, having 20 poults per treatment. Each treatment group was replicated twice with 10 poults per replicate at the grower and finisher phases. Feed and water were provided ad-libitum. The study lasted 20 weeks covering a growing period of 16 weeks and finishing period of 4 weeks. Haematological indices of interest (Hb, PCV, WBC RBC) and blood chemistry measurement (Creatine, Urea, Alkaline phosphate, Albumen and Globulin) were measured. Results obtained showed that substituting maize with 50% RMW produced superior blood quality in terms of Hb counts, white blood cell and red blood cells at the grower and finisher phases. Considering the biochemical values, 50% substitution also proved superior to other treatment groups in terms of Albumen, Globulin and Total protein concentration, at the grower and finisher phases. It was concluded that, substituting maize with 50% rice milling waste enhanced the haematological values and serum biochemical indices in grower and finisher turkeys, which in turn led to enhanced biological performance of the turkeys placed on this diet.&#x0D;

Response of broiler turkeys to graded dietary levels of Palm Kernel Meal in replacement for maize

The performance of local broiler turkeys fed dietary treatments in which palm kernel meal (PKM) replaced maize at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 percent was evaluated. The replacement levels of 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 percent represented diets 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 respectively. One hundred and eighty day-old unsexed turkey poults were allotted to the six dietary treatments. The treatments were replicated three times. Each replicate having ten poults. The experiment was carried out as a completely randomized design experiment. The feeding trial lasted for 24 weeks. With the exception of mortality, significant differences (P&lt;0.05) existed in the final weight, feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio. The final weight and weight gain of birds fed diet 4 (60% replacement level) were not significantly different (P&gt;0.05) from that of diet 3 (40% replacement level) but were significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) than other dietary treatments. Feed intake and feed conversion ratio increased as the level of replacement increased. There were no significant differences (P&gt;0.05) in the feed conversion ratio of turkeys fed diets 1, 2, 3, and 4. There were no significant differences (P&gt;0.05) in slaughter weight, dressed weight, breast, wings and back cuts of turkeys fed the various dietary treatments. Dressing percentage values were similar for birds fed diets 1, 2, 3, and 5. Abdominal fat of turkeys increased with increasing concentration of PKM at the expense of maize in the diets. The thigh weight of turkeys fed diets 1, 2, 3 and 6 were not significantly different (P&gt;0.05) but were significantly higher than that of diets 4 and 5; whereas the drumstick weight of birds fed diets 2 to 6 were significantly higher than that of diet 1. Similarly meat-to-bone ratio of turkeys fed diet 3-6 were significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) than that of diets 1 and 2. The spleen of turkeys fed diets 2 was higher than others. Palm kernel meal can replace maize up to 60 percent in the diet of local broiler turkeys for good growth and carcass performance.

Response of broiler turkeys to graded dietary levels of Palm Kernel Meal in replacement for maize

The performance of local broiler turkeys fed dietary treatments in which palm kernel meal (PKM) replaced maize at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 percent was evaluated. The replacement levels of 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 percent represented diets 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 respectively. One hundred and eighty dayold unsexed turkey poults were allotted to the six dietary treatments. The treatments were replicated three times. Each replicate having ten poults. The experiment was carried out as a completely randomized design experiment. The feeding trial lasted for 24 weeks. With the exception of mortality, significant differences (P&lt;0.05) existed in the final weight, feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio. The final weight and weight gain of birds fed diet 4 (60% replacement level) were not significantly different (P&gt;0.05) from that of diet 3 (40% replacement level) but were significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) than other dietary treatments. Feed intake and feed conversion ratio increased as the level of replacement increased. There were no significant differences (P&gt;0.05) in the feed conversion ratio of turkeys fed diets 1, 2, 3, and 4. There were no significant differences (P&gt;0.05) in slaughter weight, dressed weight, breast, wings and back cuts of turkeys fed the various dietary treatments. Dressing percentage values were similar for birds fed diets 1, 2, 3, and 5. Abdominal fat of turkeys increased with increasing concentration of PKM at the expense of maize in the diets. The thigh weight of turkeys fed diets 1, 2, 3 and 6 were not significantly different (P&gt;0.05) but were significantly higher than that of diets 4 and 5; whereas the drumstick weight of birds fed diets 2 to 6 were significantly higher than that of diet 1. Similarly meat-to-bone ratio of turkeys fed diet 3-6 were significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) than that of diets 1 and 2. The spleen of turkeys fed diets 2 was higher than others. Palm kernel meal can replace maize up to 60 percent in the diet of local broiler turkeys for good growth and carcass performance.