Turkey Grower Research Articles

Evolution of TLR3 gene in Nigerian indigenous and exotic turkeys

This experiment was carried out to determine the evolution of the TLR3 gene in Nigerian indigenous and exotic turkeys. A total of 150 turkeys i.e. 100 exotic and 50 indigenous were used for this study. Birds were allotted treatments and fed formulated grower diets that meet the NRC—Turkey grower nutritional requirements. Genomic DNA was isolated from each blood sample, and the concentration and purity of each DNA sample was determined using a Nanodrop Spectrophotometer. After DNA extraction and quantification, three DNA samples from each genetic group (or breed) were taken for TLR3 gene discovery and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The source sequence and the retrieved sequences were trimmed and edited while the amino acid sequences of the new turkey TLRs were predicted based on the open reading frames of the expressed nucleotide sequences, and the nomenclatures of turkey TLRs were based on the best hits of the proteins in the database. From the findings of the study, the SNP (172N>N) detected at position 516 was synonymous in both exotic and local turkey breeds, and this resulted in amino acid changes from Alanine to Threonine in exotic turkeys and Cysteine to Tyrosine in local turkeys. Also, in this study, the SNP (7 Q>*) detected in exon 4 was non-synonymous, resulting in amino acid changes from Cytosine to Threonine in the exotic turkey. Positive Tajima's D values were the same for exotic and local turkey breeds. The findings of this study suggest significant instances of purifying selection acting on the gene. Based on the results of this research, the populations of local and exotic turkeys showed a low level of heterozygosity at TLR3 locus and may be homogenous. Also, there was low genetic diversity in the TLR3 gene of both local and exotic turkey breeds. This suggests potential vulnerabilities and challenges for their long-term health and adaptability. Strategies that aim to increase genetic diversity, like cross-breeding should be implemented.

Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) under semi intensive System in the Sudan

he objectives of this study were to determine the growthperformance and carcass traits of turkeys under semi intensive system in theSudan. Atotal of 100 unsexed turkey growers from the commercial breed(B.U.T. Big 6) were used during 7 th June to 6 th August, 2011. Birds were keptin an open sided deep litter poultry house at the University of Bahri Farmfrom 9 to 16 weeks of age and fed on turkey grower and finisher diets.Results of feed intake and body weight showed a consistent increase withincrease in age. Performance results showed that turkey had 2.42 kg, 6.64 kg,79.49 g, 1.5 kg/ bird/ day, 2.8 and 4%, starting weight, finishing weight,average daily gain, average feed intake; average feed conversion ratio (FCR)and total mortality, respectively. Results also showed that turkey had 6.91 kg,5.03 kg, 76.98%, 14.37%, 14.2% and 33.4% slaughter weight, carcassweight, dressing percentage and thigh, drumstick and breast weights aspercentage of carcass weight, respectively. Males obtained significantlyheavier slaughter, carcass, thigh, drumstick and breast weights than females.On the other hand PH, WHC and cooking loss were 5.63, 36.6 and 2.05,respectively. It can be concluded that, the rearing of B.U.T. Big 6commercial breed of turkey is possible under semi intensive system in theSudan. Further studies are needed to determine turkey performance andcarcass attributes under range and intensive systems of management using thesame breed or other turkey breeds.

Pathology and Characterization of Fowlpox Virus Infection in a Turkey-Chicken Backyard Flock, Nigeria

Cutaneous scabs were seen on the nares and shanks in three grower turkeys in a mixed turkey-chicken flock in Langtang-north LGA of Plateau State, Nigeria. A chicken in the flock had diphtheritic membrane covering the mucous membranes of the oro-pharynx and the turkeys had cutaneous pox lesions on the nares and shank. Fowlpox virus infection was diagnosed by gross and histopathology and confirmed by isolation of the virus in chorioallantoic membrane of 9-12 weeks chicken embryonating eggs. The DNA of Fowl Pox Virus (FPV) was detected in the cutaneous scabs of the turkey and chicken using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) which amplified a 578 base pairs fragment of the 4b core protein gene. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the fowlpox virus responsible for this infection clustered with the sublineage A1 genotype of clade A of fowlpox virus and shares 98% homology with the vaccine strain produced in Nigeria. The sequence has been deposited in the GenBank under the accession number MK435242. Our results confirmed the presence of FPV in the turkeys and suggest a predisposition by the chickens. We therefore suggest vaccination for small holder poultry to mitigate against mortality in turkeys and chickens and molecular epidemiology of fowlpox viruses in Nigeria to unravel viral evolution.

Circulation and Molecular Characterization of Hemorrhagic Enteritis Virus in Commercial Turkey and Meat Chicken Flocks in Australia.

Currently, there is no available vaccine against hemorrhagic enteritis virus (HEV) in Australia. Although it is assumed that subclinical HEV infections occur and may be associated with an increase in colibacillosis in Australian commercial turkey flocks, the prevalence of infection with this virus in the country is largely unknown. The aims of this study were to determine the extent of HEV infection in commercial flocks in Australia and to investigate the diversity of Australian HEV strains. Serum and spleen samples were collected from breeder and grower turkeys and serum was collected from breeder and grower chickens by the two major poultry integrator companies in Australia. Of the turkey samples, 727/849 (86%) sera were positive for anti-HEV antibodies by ELISA. HEV DNA was detected in 215/278 (77%) spleen samples positive by PCR. Of the meat chicken sera, 115/144 (80%) samples were seropositive. Sequencing the whole genome of three HEV field isolates showed that the Australian strains are highly similar and cluster separately from strains from other geographic regions although several point mutations were shared with HEV strains considered to be virulent. In conclusion, HEV infection is ubiquitous in Australian commercial poultry flocks. The impact of the many genomic point mutations detected in Australian HEV strains on virus pathogenicity is unclear.

Influence of supplemental L-arginine on physico-chemical and sensory properties of breast meat from turkeys

A total of one hundred and forty four grower (56-84d) turkeys were used to investigate the effect of dietary supplemental L-arginine on growth response, physico-chemical and sensory properties of the resultant breast meat. Dietary treatments consisted of basal diet supplemented with 0 (control), 0.05 and 0.10% L-arginine, respectively. A completely randomized design was used with turkeys randomly allotted to 18 pens; each pen housed eight birds. Six pens were assigned to each treatment. Growth performance of the birds, cook loss, refrigeration loss, freeze loss and water absorptive power of the breast meat were measured. Finisher turkeys fed diet supplemented with 0.05 % L-arginine and control group had reduced (P < 0.05) feed intake and improved (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio. Meat samples from turkeys fed diet supplemented with L-arginine showed increased (P<0.05) cook loss weight (in g) and percentage cook loss when compared with control group. Turkeys fed diet supplemented with 0.10% arginine had the highest (P<0.01) percentage refrigeration loss, freeze loss weight (g) and percentage freeze loss. Increasing supplementation level of arginine showed a linear reduction (P<0.001) in the thaw weight of breast meat. Sensory parameters of meat sample were not influenced (P>0.05) by varying level of arginine supplemented. In conclusion, arginine supplementation seems to weaken the muscular cross-bridges in breast meat and hence resulted in higher cook loss, refrigerated loss and freeze loss.

475 The Effects on Average Daily Gain When Adding Corn to a Turkey Grower Ration.

475 The Effects on Average Daily Gain When Adding Corn to a Turkey Grower Ration.

Effect of dietary supplementation with arginine on haematological indices, serum chemistry, carcass yield, gut microflora, and lymphoid organs of growing turkeys

A 8-wk feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with Arg on haematological indices, serum chemistry, carcass yield, gut microflora, and lymphoid organ weights of growing turkeys. A total of one hundred and eighty 56-d-old male grower turkeys were weighed individually and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments with 6 replicate pens, and 10 turkeys per pen in a completely randomized design. Dietary treatments consisted of basal diets supplemented with 0, 0.5, and 1.0g Arg/kg. Haematological indices and serum chemistry were measured at 84 and 112 d of study. Carcass yield, relative weights of retail cuts, organ weights, and gut microflora were measured at d 112. Except eosinophil, no effect of Arg supplementation was obtained on haematological indices at d 84. At d 112, finisher turkeys fed the diet supplemented with 0.5g Arg/kg had the greatest red blood cell (quadratic, P<0.001), lymphocyte (linear, P=0.011; quadratic, P<0.001), and basophil counts (quadratic, P<0.001). In grower turkeys at d 84, total serum protein (quadratic, P=0.030), and serum globulin concentrations (quadratic, P=0.043) increased initially as Arg supplementation increased from 0 to 0.5g/kg, but decreased with the 1.0g Arg/kg. Uric acid concentration and alanine aminotransferase activity reduced as Arg supplementation increased from 0 to 0.5g/kg, but increased with the 1.0gArg/kg (quadratic, P=0.002). In finisher turkeys at d 112, total serum protein (linear, P=0.004; quadratic, P=0.002), serum globulin (linear, P=0.008; quadratic, P=0.030), serum albumin (linear, P=0.012; quadratic, P=0.040), and triodosterine concentrations (linear, P=0.025; quadratic, P=0.033) increased with increasing Arg supplementation. At d 112, spleen weights increased linearly (P=0.006), while thymus weights increased quadratically (P=0.003) with increasing dietary Arg supplementation. Salmonella counts in the small intestinal content of turkeys at d 112 reduced quadratically as Arg supplementation increased from 0 to 1.0g/kg (P=0.029). In conclusion, Arg supplementation increased packed cell volume of finisher turkeys, improved serum chemistry of grower, and finisher turkeys as indicated by increased total serum protein, and reduced serum enzymes with appreciable improvement obtained when included at 0.5gArg/kg. Arginine supplementation enhanced the relative weights of thymus, spleen, and reduced Salmonella counts in small intestine of turkeys.

Growth performance, nutrient digestibility, metabolizable energy, and intestinal morphology of growing turkeys fed diet supplemented with arginine

A 8-wk feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with Arg on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, metabolizable energy, and intestinal morphology of growing turkeys. A total of one hundred and eighty 56-d-old male grower turkeys were weighed individually and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments with 6 replicate pens and 10 turkeys per pen in a completely randomized design. Dietary treatments consisted of basal diets supplemented with 0, 0.5, and 1.0g Arg/kg. Growth response was measured during the grower (d 56–84) and finisher (d 84–112) phases, while nutrient digestibility, metabolizable energy, and intestinal morphology were measured at d 84 and 112. Arginine supplementation had no effect on growth response during the grower phase. During the finisher phase, feed conversion ratio decreased initially as Arg supplementation increased from 0 to 0.5g/kg, but it increased with the 1.0g Arg/kg (quadratic, P=0.028). At d 84, grower turkeys fed diets supplemented with 1.0g Arg/kg had greater (linear, P<0.001) apparent dry matter, crude protein, and ether extract digestibility. At d 84, greatest apparent metabolizable energy, nitrogen corrected apparent metabolizable energy, and true metabolizable energy values were obtained with grower turkeys fed diet supplemented with 0.5g Arg/kg (quadratic, P<0.001). At d 84, duodenum, and ileum villus height in grower turkeys increased linearly, and quadratically (P<0.001) with increasing Arg supplementation. Dietary supplementation with Arg reduced the apical widths in duodenum (linear, P=0.003; quadratic, P<0.001), jejunum (linear and quadratic, P<0.001), and ileum (linear, P=0.010; quadratic, P=0.004) of grower turkeys. At d 112, jejunum villus height (quadratic, P=0.042), and ileum villus height (linear, P=0.022; quadratic, P=0.042) of finisher turkeys increased, while duodenum apical widths reduced (quadratic, P=0.033) with increasing Arg supplementation. In conclusion, Arg supplementation showed a linear improvement in nutrient digestibility of grower turkeys at d 84, increased nutrient absorption in grower, and finisher turkeys as indicated by increased intestinal villus height at d 84, and 112. Furthermore, dietary supplementation with 0.5g Arg/kg promoted a quadratic improvement in feed conversion ratio of finisher turkeys, and metabolizable energy values of grower turkeys at d 84.

Tissue distribution of sulphadimidine sodium in non-starved and starved grower turkeys (meleagris gallopavo)

Background: The use of veterinary drugs in food-producing animals has potential to generate residues in edible tissues and posses health hazard to consumers especially when the withdrawal period is not observed.Objectives: The study was conducted to determine the tissue residue and withdrawal period of sulphadimidine in non-starved and starved grower turkeys following a single intramuscular administration.Methods: Forty two turkeys of both sexes and 12 weeks old weighing 1.57±0.2 kg were divided into two groups of twenty one each. One group was administered a single intramuscular dose of sulphadimidine sodium (100mg/kg body weight). The other group was kept off-feed for 48 hours before drug administration. Three turkeys each were sacrificed from the starved and non-starved group and two grammes (2g) of tissue sample were harvested from selected tissues.Results: The results showed that the drug residues persisted in all the tissues of turkeys sampled for up to thirty (30) days after drug administration. The starved turkeys maintained consistently higher concentrations of the drug in the tissues than fed ones. Sulphadimidine residue was significantly increased (p&lt;0.05) between days 3 to 6 in the spleen of non-starved turkeys. However, the concentrations in the spleen decreased significantly (p&lt;0.05) between days 6 to 10 and 25 to 30.Conclusion: Sulphadimidine residue persisted in the tissues of non-starved and starved turkeys for up to 30 days after intramuscular injection. This should be given due consideration in the estimation of the withdrawal period for the drug, since sulphadimidine residue in meat &gt; 0.2 ppm is unsafe for human consumption.

Validation of HOBO Pendant® data loggers for automated step detection in two age classes of male turkeys: growers and finishers

Activity levels can be used as a predictor of health status, physical condition, feed efficiency, and coping style in animals. Small, portable data loggers have been validated as an inexpensive and effective alternative to video or live observation for automated activity detection in several livestock species. Our study aimed to validate the use of Onset HOBO Pendant® G acceleration data loggers for automated step detection in two age classes of male turkeys: growers and finishers. The loggers were attached to one leg in an elastic harness and programmed to record each turkey’s leg accelerations every 0.1s. For the grower turkeys, the activities of 60 males were recorded in a runway twice per week from 9–11 weeks of age. In the finisher trial, the loggers were attached to eight 14 week old male turkeys to record their stepping activities in a trial pen over 54min. Simultaneous video observation allowed for logger suitability to be determined for reporting walking activity. The 0.1s data points were identified as either: true positives, false positives, false negatives, or true negatives then the logger sensitivity, false discovery rate, specificity, precision, and accuracy were calculated for each turkey run. Over the 309 grower turkey runs, 4364 steps were observed in the video while the loggers detected 4865 steps. The grower logger results showed a mean sensitivity of 96.02±6.82%, specificity of 99.10±0.86%, and an average false discovery rate of 12.41±10.13% for step detection (mean±standard deviation). For the grower turkey loggers, the mean precision and accuracy for step detection were 87.59±10.13% and 98.95±0.77%. For the eight finisher turkeys, a total of 2420 steps were seen by the video and the loggers recorded 2691 data points as steps. The finisher turkey logger data showed a mean sensitivity of 89.58±11.75%, mean false discovery rate of 14.73±10.66%, and average specificity of 99.81±0.19%. The finisher logger results had a mean precision of 85.27±10.66% and a mean accuracy of 99.73±0.13%. Although the loggers showed high sensitivity for detecting turkey steps under research settings, future research should try to reduce the loggers’ susceptibility to background noise, which would improve their performance for application in commercial conditions.

THE USE OF AGRO INDUSTRIAL BY-PRODUCTS IN THE DIET OF GROWER TURKEYS

&lt;p&gt;An experiment was conducted to evaluate the response of grower turkeys to diets containing different agro industrial by-products. A total of 120grower turkeys were used for this study. Four experimental diets were formulated and designated as T1, T2, T3, and T4. T1 (control diet) contained none of the agro industrial by products used while T2, T3 and T4 contained15% each of Wheat offal, Maize offal, Rice offal respectively. The turkeys were randomly allocated to four experimental treatments of thirty birds per treatment while each treatment was replicated three times (3) with ten (10) birds per pen in a completely randomized design. The result of growth performance revealed that average feed intake, average weight gain and feed conversion ratio of turkeys fed the control and 15% Wheat Offal diets were not significantly different (P&amp;gt;0.05). The result of carcass characteristics and organ weights followed similar trend. Turkeys fed 15% Maize Offal and 15% Rice Offal diets recorded the lowest values (P&amp;lt;0.05). There were no significant differences (P&amp;gt;0.05) in all the haematological parameters and serum biochemical indices measured except PCV which decreased across the treatment groups. It was concluded that 15% wheat offal can be included in the diet of grower turkeys without adverse effect on growth performance, carcass yield and health status of birds.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Â &lt;/p&gt;

Comparative Pharmacokinetics of Intramuscular Sulphadimidine in Non-starved and Starved Grower Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo)

Comparative Pharmacokinetics of Intramuscular Sulphadimidine in Non-starved and Starved Grower Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo)

Effect of supplementation with molecular or nano-clay adsorbent on growth performance and haematological indices of starter and grower turkeys fed diets contaminated with varying dosages of aflatoxin B1

A 12-wk feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of supplementation with molecular or nano-clay adsorbent on growth performance and haematological indices of starter (0–56d) and grower (56–84d) turkeys fed diets contaminated with varying doses (0, 60, and 110ppb) of aflatoxin B1. Two hundred and sixteen 1-d-old male turkeys were assigned to 9 diets supplemented with no adsorbent, molecular clay adsorbent, and nano-clay adsorbent and contaminated with 0, 60, and 110ppb aflatoxin B1 in a 3×3 factorial arrangement of treatments with 3 replicate pens and 8 turkeys per pen. The turkeys were housed in an open-sided, deep litter system, which was partitioned into 27 pens (2×1.5m2) using wire mesh. As aflatoxin contamination increased from 0 to 110ppb, feed intake and weight gain decreased and feed conversion ratio (FCR) increased in starter turkeys, but the adverse effects of aflatoxin were progressively less from those fed the diets with no adsorbent to molecular clay adsorbent and then to nano-clay adsorbent (adsorbent× aflatoxin. P<0.044). Grower turkeys fed the diets with adsorbents consumed more feed and had better FCR than those fed the diets without adsorbent, and those fed the diets with nano-clay adsorbent had better FCR than grower turkeys fed the diets with molecular clay adsorbent (P<0.001). The highest mortality was observed in starter and grower turkeys fed the diet with no adsorbent and contaminated with 110ppb aflatoxin (adsorbent×aflatoxin, P=0.002). As aflatoxin increased in starter and grower turkeys fed the diets with no adsorbent, white blood cell (WBC) and lymphocyte counts increased and packed cell volume (PCV) decreased, whereas aflatoxin had no noticeable effect on those response criteria in turkeys fed the diets with molecular clay and nano-clay adsorbent (adsorbent×aflatoxin, P<0.05). Starter turkeys fed the diets with adsorbents had a greater Hb and monocyte concentration (P<0.001), whereas grower turkeys fed the diets with adsorbents had less heterophil and eosinophil counts (P<0.043) than those fed the diets with no adsorbent. In conclusion, supplementation of aflatoxin-contaminated diets with clay adsorbents seemed to improve weight gain and reduce mortality, and reduce adverse effects of aflatoxin on PCV and Hb in turkeys. Grower turkeys fed the diet supplemented with nano-clay adsorbent had better growth performance than those fed the diet supplemented with molecular clay adsorbent.

Effect of dietary corn dried distillers grains with solubles, canola meal, and chloride on electrolyte balance, growth performance, and litter moisture of growing turkeys

A study determined if dietary corn dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), canola meal (CM), or chloride (Cl) could adversely affect the performance and litter moisture of turkeys. A total of 1,089 Nicholas toms were used in a study during 2 to 14 wk of age. The poults were randomized into 99 pens (11 poults/pen) with number reduced to 10/pen at 8 wk. The factorial arrangement consisted of 3 diet sets [corn-soy (CS), CS + 20% DDGS, CS + 20% DDGS + 10% canola meal] and 3 Cl levels (0.22, 0.32, 0.42%), making 9 treatments distributed in 11 replicate blocks. Diets were formulated to be isocaloric with similar levels of digestible amino acids for each of 4 feeding phases. The dietary electrolyte balance varied with diet set and age period and ranged from 351 to 181 mEq/kg of diet (Na+ + K+ − Cl−) or 184 to −29 mEq/kg (Na+ + K+) − (Cl− + S2−). Individual BW and pen feed residues were measured at each phase. Samples of litter were collected at 11 and 14 wk for measuring moisture. During 2 to 14 wk, no differences were observed in BW and ADG attributable to diet (P < 0.05). Birds fed diets containing DDGS or with CM consumed 6.0% more ADFI (P > 0.05). No differences were found for Cl or diet × Cl interaction for BW, ADG, or ADFI. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was higher (P > 0.05) for birds fed diets containing DDGS or CM. A diet × Cl interaction was found for FCR during 8 to 14 wk; increasing Cl over 0.22% significantly increased the FCR by 3.0% only in diets containing DDGS with CM. Litter moisture was increased in diets containing DDGS or with CM, and by increased Cl. Including S in dietary electrolyte balance resulted in a better albeit weak correlation with ADG during 2 to 5 wk (−0.51 vs. −0.36) and FCR during 11 to 14 wk (−0.36 vs. −0.21). Due to the detrimental effect on FCR, high Cl should be avoided with DDGS and CM in turkey grower diets.

Evaluation of Soybean Hulls in Grower Turkey Diets

A 42 day study was carried out to evaluate the effect of soybean hulls (SBH) in diets of grower turkeys. Four experimental turkey grower diets were formulated such that soybean hulls made up of 0.0 (control diet), 10.0, 20.0 and 30.0% of the diets respectively replacing maize and soybean meal. These diets were offered randomly to ninety six (96), six week old black coloured local turkeys divided into four groups of 24 birds each replicated 3 times with 8 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design experiment. Results indicated that grower turkeys on the diet (0.0% SBH) produced significantly (p 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) than those fed 10.0, 20.0 and 30.0% SBH diets. Feed intake increased significantly (p 0.05) for turkeys fed diets containing 0.0 and 10.0% SBH and those on 10.0, 20.0 and 30.0% SBH diets. It appears that Soybean hulls at 10.0, 20.0 and 30.0% dietary levels depressed body weight gain and increased feed intake of grower turkeys significantly. Nevertheless, 0.0 and 10.0% dietary SBH produced similar (p>0.05) feed cost per kg weight gain.

Performance and cost implication of finisher turkeys fed varying levels of rice millingwaste

A 28-day experiment was conducted to determine the effect of feeding varying levels of rice milling waste as a substitute on maize on the performance, nutrient utilization and the economics implication on finisher turkeys. Five turkey finisher diets were formulated by substituting maize with rice milling waste at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%, respectively. One hundred Grower Turkeys were used for the survey. The birds were randomly allotted to the five treatment diets. Each treatment group of 20 turkeys was replicated 2 times with 10 turkeys per replicate in a completely randomized design. Feed and water were provided ad-libitum. The experiment lasted twenty-eight days. Parameters measured include productive performance, economics of production and efficiency of nutrient utilization. Results obtained showed that substituting maize with 50% rice milling waste produced enhanced performance that was next to the control in terms of mean final weight, mean final weight gain best nutrient utilization and highest benefit while 100% substitution showed the poorest response in all the parameters studied. This result showed that rice-milling waste can be used to the tune of 50% in finishing local turkeys. Keywords: Finisher,Turkeys, Performance, Nutrient, Utilization, Production cost, Rice milling waste.

Studies on canola seed in turkey grower diet: Effects on ω-3 fatty acid composition of breast meat, breast skin and selected organs

The use of full-fat canola seed as a source of ω-3 fatty acids in rations for turkeys was assessed in 12-wk-old Nicholas heavy broiler turkeys of both sexes. Results indicate that dietary C18:3ω3 from full-fat canola seed is readily absorbed and converted to its longer chain metabolites (C20:5ω3, C22:5ω3, and C22:6ω3) prior to tissue deposition. Key words: Canola, turkeys, ω-3 fatty acids

Effect of Feeding Palmitic, Oleic, and Linoleic Acids to Japanese Quail Hens (Coturnix coturnix japonica).: 1. Reproductive Performance and Tissue Fatty Acids

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of diets containing 3% of either palmitic acid (Diet PA), oleic acid (Diet OA), or linoleic acid (Diet LA) on reproductive performance, fatty acid composition of egg yolk, plasma, and liver, and total plasma phosphorus of Japanese quail. Each diet was fed to 20 individually caged hens from 5 wk of age. A 24-wk production period started at 8 wk of age. Fertile eggs for incubation were obtained by placing at random a male in the cage with the female for 15 to 20 min twice per week. The males were kept in separate individual cages and fed a turkey grower diet throughout. Feed consumption, egg production, egg output, and the number of chicks per hen were higher (P<.05) in birds fed Diet PA than in those fed Diet OA or Diet LA. Hatchability was not different (P>.05) between Diet PA and Diet OA, but they were higher (P<.05) than that of Diet LA. Quail weight at hatch from birds fed Diet LA was heavier (P<.05) than those from Diet OA, but not different (P>.05) from those fed Diet PA. Total plasma phosphorus concentration was higher (P<.05) in birds fed Diet PA than in those fed Diet LA. High levels of oleic and linoleic acids were found in egg yolk, plasma, and liver lipids from birds fed Diet OA and Diet LA, respectively. Feeding Diet PA resulted in elevated levels of palmitoleic acid in all three tissues. The highest overall reproductive performance on Diet PA suggests that palmitic acid has some physiological role in reproduction. The sustained near-maximal levels of egg production and fertility achieved in this trial indicate the superiority of the mating procedure, which would also permit testing the response of male and female birds while minimizing injuries incurred by the females.

The Effect of Light Intensity, Temperature, and Diet on Growth in Red-Legged Partridge

Three hundred Red-legged partridge chicks (Alectoris graeca) were divided into two groups and fed starter diets calculated to contain 24.5 and 24.9% crude protein and 2646 and 2662 kcal/kg metabolizable energy, respectively. One diet consisted of 5% fish meal while the other contained all vegetable protein. One-half of the birds on each diet were grown under fluorescent light intensity of 300 lx; the remainder received 5 lx. The results indicated that neither the source of protein nor intensity of light had an effect on the rate of growth to 8 weeks of age.At 8 weeks of age, the birds were randomly divided among three climatic chambers and kept under a constant temperature of either 18.3, 23.9, or 29.5 C. At 12 weeks of age, one-half of the birds in each chamber were fed a 20% turkey grower diet; the remainder received equal parts by weight of the turkey grower diet and whole milo. Individual body weights and feed consumption were measured biweekly. Best growth was obtained in birds kept at 29.5 C and fed equal parts of turkey grower and milo from 12 to 30 weeks of age.

Anticoccidial Drugs and Duckling Performance to Four Weeks of Age

Frequently, publications pertaining to waterfowl state that medicated feeds should not be fed to ducklings and goslings. In some localities, producers and hobbyists who raise a small number of ducklings and goslings can purchase only medicated chick, turkey, or gamebird starter and grower feeds. Because of the lack of documented information on this subject and the numerous requests for advice on this matter, anticoccidial drugs, zoalene, sulfaquinoxaline, and amprolium, were mixed in mash feed and fed to Khaki Campbell male ducklings to 4 weeks of age.No significant differences in mean body weight, mortality, and anatomical development were observed among the treatments. Medicated commercial crumble turkey and chick starter feeds produced significantly better feed conversion than the mash medicated or nonmedicated feeds. These differences can be attributed to greater feed spillage with the mash feed. Some ducklings in all treatments showed unsteadiness of gait and shaky legs. These conditions disappeared when the ducklings were moved from the battery brooder to an outside pen. Zoalene, sulfaquinoxaline, and amprolium used at the recommended levels for chickens and turkeys did not cause any leg or anatomical problems in ducklings.