Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/16
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience includes the growers of the corn and soybeans, the processors of the corn into ethanol and soybeans into soybean meal, poultry nutritionists, poultry/turkey processors, poultry producers, poultry scientists, and amino acid suppliers. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? One international graduate student, Mahmoud H. Farahat, conducted his research at Minnesota and graduated with his Ph.D in 2012 from the University of Zagazig, Egypt and is currently a faculty member at Zagazig U. He received mentoring and training in experimental design, formulation of diets, data collection, summarization and statistical analyses in the studies on distillers grains. Another graduate student (Adam Maidman, Statistics Dept, University of Minnesota) learned regression techniques to calculate the lysine requirement and error estimates. The undergraduates (Alexandra Bailey, Vuong Vu, Peter Breimhurst, Rachel Ganske, Michaela Olson) received training on data collection and entry, error checking, conducting basic statistics and graphics, care and handling of poultry, and prepartion of report tables, Vu and Ganske have graduated with BS in Animal Sciences. Vu is employed in the poultry industry and Ganske was accepted into Veterninary school and is currently a first year student in the program. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The target audiences were reached in a variety of difference ways such as presentations at scientific meetings, publications, website postings, nutrition conferences, research reports to sponsors, re-publication in industry press, poultry associations and consultation. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Overall Impact. Variability in ingredient costs and ingredient supply results in alternative ingredients substituting for the traditional corn and soybean meal (SBM) used in the Midwest. Regardless, ingredients need to be well characterized relative to their nutrient contributions in the diet. Substitutions can impact overall gut health. The completed research generated new knowledge in the use of co-products (distillers dried grains with solubles and crude corn oil) from ethanol production. The corn oil could be used as a source of energy especially for the young turkey while the DDGS could be used at levels of 20% with attention to diet electrolyte balance and amino acid levels. Newly determined requirements for the amino acids lysine and threonine far exceeded existing recommendations. Decreasing the oligosaccharide content of SBM which causes gut disturbance improved young turkey performance. The research was unable to confirm that substitution of alternative ingredients into the diet would have either positive or negative effects on gut health. Objective 1. Determine if differences exist in feeding value of conventional and modified distiller's dried grains (DDGS) in market turkey diets, A series of major experiments were conducted. Two experiments were conducted to test the feeding value of DDGs and another ethanol co-product, the crude corn oil (CCO) to market turkeys. A trial was designed to compare CCO and an animal vegetable fat blend (AV) in diets fed to male turkeys from hatch to 18 wks of age. Commercial tom turkeys were fed either AV fat or crude corn oil at an inclusion level of 3% of the diet to 12 wks of age and then at 3 or 6%. Poults fed diets with corn oil had slightly improved body weight at 1 wk of age (2.7%) but this difference did not persist. Live performance from 12 to 18 wks of age was primarily affected by level of fat (3 vs 6%) and not fat source. Average daily gain was improved in each feeding period by 3.8% by feeding 6% supplemental fat. Fat sources were similar in impact on performance while a higher fat level of either CCO or AV was successful in improving body weight, gain and feed efficiency. Another study determined if chloride addition to diets varying in alternative products could shift the dietary electrolyte balance to levels that could adversely affect turkey performance and litter moisture. In a factorial design, there were three diet sets (corn-soy-meat (CSM), CSM+20% DDGS, CSM+20% DDGS+10% canola meal) and three chloride levels (.22, .32, .42%). Diets were fed to male turkeys during 2 to 14 wks of age. Individual BW and pen feed residues were measured at each phase to determine the average BW, ADG, daily feed intake, and feed efficiency (F/G). Birds fed diets with DDGS or with canola meal consumed 6.0 % more daily feed (P> 0.05) than those fed CSM. Feed efficiency was higher (P>0.05) for birds fed diets containing DDGS or with canola meal. During 8-14 wks of age and only in diets with DDGS and canola meal, increased chloride significantly increased F/G by 3% in comparison to low chloride. It can be concluded that considerable attention should be paid to the dietary electrolyte balance and chloride level during incorporation of DDGS with canola meal in turkey diets as chloride levels higher than 0.22% could be detrimental to feed efficiency. Observed responses in these two studies indicated that better knowledge is needed regarding the turkey response to amino acids to better utilize the co-products. A series of trials were conducted to examine responses to dietary concentrations of amino acids. In young poults, different ratios of threonine (thr) to lysine(digestible) were used to formulate diets with a range in ratio of 54 to 66%. Thr affected weight to 2 wks of age with no carry over effect to for body weight at 18 wks of age but gain during 6-18 wks of age was greater at the higher ratio (66%) especially for poults. Based on performance to 6 wks of age, the optimal ratio of thr to lysine was found to be 58% but there was some benefit to initially feeding a ratio of 66% on gain post 6 wks of age. Breeder recommended amino acid levels were needed to optimize poult body weight. Two studies were conducted to determine the digestible lysine requirement of younger and older male turkeys. The requirement was determined using male Hybrid Converter turkeys that were 0 to 4 wks of age and 16 to 19 wks of age. The summit and basal approach was used to maintain amino acid balance with low and high levels of digestible lysine. Assay diets were composed primarily of corn, soybean meal, and poultry byproduct meal. The basal diet in addition contained 10% DDGS with solubles and 1% wheat midds. Diets with different levels of dlys were generated by mixing different proportions of basal and summit diets. Linear and quadratic break point regression was used to determine the dlys requirement. Confidence interval for the break point was constructed using bootstrap methods. The digestible lysine requirement for gain for the 0 to 4 wk turkey was substantially greater than the estimated dlys requirement previously published by the NRC (1.72% vs 1.40% dlys). The calculated dlys requirement and the 95% confidence interval for gain for the 16 to 19 wks age period using linear regression was 1.07% (.97-1.18%). For feed efficiency, the requirement was 1.00% (.92-1.12%). In conclusion, the dlys requirement was greater than the estimated dlys requirement from NRC (1994) and Hybrid recommendation. Both requirement studies confirmed the need for updated requirement information for current turkey genetics. The impact of the results of this series of studies is primarily a change in knowledge. Turkeys have been selected for a more rapid rate of gain, making the provision of needed nutrients in the diet even more critical. In comparison to published standards (NRC, 1994), the research indicates new requirements are considerably higher. This also effects utilization of alternative feed ingredients such as DDGS where small differences in nutrient content can result in suboptimal performance as exemplified by a shift in dietary electrolyte balance. Objective 2. Determine if soybean meal with reduced oligosaccharide content is more beneficial than conventional soybean meal in market turkey diets. One research project was conducted with reduced oligosaccharide soybean meal. Soybean meal genetically selected for a low content of oligosaccharides (ULO) was compared to conventional soybean meal (SBM) in market turkey diets. Feed utilization and growth was improved with ULO inclusion in young hen turkeys to 6 wks of age with significant improvements in body weight and feed efficiency by feeding ULO as part of the starting diets. Metabolizable energy determinations made with young broilers and turkeys indicated improvement with ULO as compared to SBM ranging from 10 to 23% depending on methodology used and was greater in turkeys than in chicken broilers. Diets with ULO allowed more corn and less supplemental fat to be used, thus decreasing the cost of dietary energy. Feeding a reduced oligosaccharide soybean meal was primarily beneficial for the younger turkeys. Objective 3. Determine if inclusion of DDGS and low oligosaccharide soybean meal either inhibits or promotes proliferation of enteric pathogens such as E. coli and Clostridium. Diets with two types of DDGs were fed to turkeys to 6 wks of age. At 2 and 6 wks of age, ½ of the turkeys fed each diet were inoculated with one of the pathogenic bacteria - E. coli, Clostridium perfringens, or Clostridium septicum. Samples of different parts of the digestive tract were taken up to 14 days post inoculation and then analyzed for bacterial counts. Bacterial counts per gram of tissue were quite variable and not related to diet.
Publications
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
SOME NUTRITIONAL STUDIES ON CORN DISTILLERS DRIED GRAINS WITH SOLUBLES.Mahmoud Hosny Ibrahim Mahmoud Farahat. Submitted to Zagazig University for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D) in Veterinary Medical Sciences (Nutrition and Clinical Nutrition;Department of Nutrition and Clinical Nutrition; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
S.L. Noll, A. Maidman, Z. Jiang, and P.B. Tillman. U of M Research Update: Lysine Requirement of Market Tom Turkeys. Minnesota Nutrition Conference.
file:///C:/Users/nollx001/Documents/Proceedings%20CD/MNC%202016/proceedings/pdfs/noll.pdf
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
S. L. Noll, Z. Jiang, and P. B. Tillman.Digestible amino acid ratios for starting and finishing male market turkeys. Poultry Sci. 95 (E-Suppl. 1): 136.
http://www.poultryscience.org/psa16/abstracts/toc.htm
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
S. Noll, A. Maidman, Z. Jiang, P. Tillman. Digestible lysine requirement of male market turkeys.Poultry Sci. 95 (E-Suppl. 1):296
http://www.poultryscience.org/psa16/abstracts/toc.htm
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Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience is primarily poultry nutritionists (both academic and industry) but also includes poultry feed formulators, ingredient suppliers and purchasers, and turkey producers, Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?A graduate student was trained in the development of regression models for the determination of the lysine requirement. Undergraduate students were trained in data handling, analyses and data summarization. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The data were presented to the Poultry Science community at their annual summer meeting. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Complete the lysine requirement determination in older turkeys. Complete the fatty acid analyses of tissues from turkeys fed corn oil and animal-vegtable fat supplements.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Crude corn oil is a co-product of the production of distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) as a result of oil separation during the production of DDGS. The crude corn oil (CCO) could be used as an energy source in poultry diets. A trial was designed to compare CCO and an animal vegetable fat blend (AV) in turkey diets from hatch to 18 wks of age. Commercial tom turkeys were fed either AV fat or crude corn oil at an inclusion level of 3% of the diet to 12 wks of age. After 12 wks of age, turkeys within each fat source were re-assigned to one of four treatments: AV fat at 3 or 6% inclusion or CCO at 3 or 6% inclusion. Diets were formulated to be isocaloric. Through 12 wks of age, performance was similar for the two sources of fat. Poults fed diets with corn oil had slightly improved body weight at 1 wk of age (2.7%) but this difference did not persist. Live performance from 12 to 18 wks of age was primarily affected by level of fat (3 vs 6%) and not fat source. Average daily gain was improved in each feeding period by 3.8% by feeding 6% supplemental fat. Body weight at 18 wks of age was increased by 1.8% with 6% fat inclusion. Average daily feed intake was not significantly affected but a trend existed for less feed intake with the higher fat level. Feed efficiency was reduced to a greater extent for the 15 to 18 wk period vs the 12 to 15 wk period for the 6% inclusion level as compared to the 3% inclusion level (4.6 vs 3.0%). In summary, at least for live performance, fat sources were similar in impact on performance while a higher fat level of either CCO or AV was successful in improving body weight, gain and feed efficiency. New generation amino acid requirement determination in commercial turkey poults resulted in an estimate of 1.72% digestible lysine (dlys) for gain. The requirement was determined using male Hybrid Converter turkey poults (0 to 4 wks of age). The summit and basal assay diets were composed primarily of corn, soybean meal, and poultry byproduct meal. The basal diet in addition contained 10% dried distillers grains with solubles and 1% wheat midds. The basal and summit diets were formulated to contain 1.4 (approximates the dlys requirement from NRC, 1994) and 2.0% dlys respectively, with a calculated ME content of 2950 kcal/kg. Crude protein was 24.4 and 28.2%, respectively. Diets with different levels of dlys were generated by mixing different proportions of basal and summit diets. Each diet (mash form) was fed to 10 replicate pens (16 poults/pen). The digestible lysine requirement for gain was substantially greater than the estimated dlys requirement previously published by the NRC (1.72% vs 1.40% dlys) confirming the need for updated requirement information for current turkey genetics.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
SL Noll, Z Jiang, PB Tillman. 2015. Digestible lysine requirement of male turkey poults. Poult. Sci. 94 (E-Suppl. 1): 124.
|
Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14
Outputs
Target Audience: The main audience are poultry producers, processors and poultry allied industry. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Data was disseminated through various allied industry publications and presented at the Poultry Science Association annual meeting. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Amino acid needs of turkeys will be examined in both younger and older turkeys to build on this existing work.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Two studies have been initiated to determine a ratio of digestible lysine to energy in starting poult diets fed to poults from early (1 to 2 wks of lay, Study 2) and mid-lay turkey breeders (14 wks of lay, Study 1). Both studies are in progress with the study on poults from mid-lay breeders further along at 12 wks of age. Starting diets (0-2 wks of age) were formulated to metabolizable energy levels of 2900 and 3050 kcal/kg with digestible lysine to ME ratios (dlys/ME) of .52 to .6% digestible lysine per 1000 kcal/kg at each energy level for a total of 8 diets. For the 2 to 6 wk feeding period, ME levels were increased by 50 kcal/kg with digestible lysine to ME ratios increasing from .44 to .54 (% per 1000 kcal/kg). Diets were formulated on an ideal amino acid ratio basis and energy levels adjusted with supplemental fat and changes in corn and soybean meal levels. By formulating on an ideal amino acid ratio basis, dietary crude protein levels increased as the dlys/ME increased. All diets were fed in mash form. Each diet was fed to 6 replicate pens of Hybrid Converter tom poults. Body weight and feed intakes were measured during 0 to 2 and 2 to 6 wks of age. After 6 weeks of age, each starting treatment was assigned to one of two grower diets (a low and high nutrient dense diet). Dietary ME and dlys/ME affected performance through 6 wks of age for each breeder age poult. Body weight at 6 wks of age was increased by .45 lbs (8.7%) by the high diet ME in the starting diets (3050 and 3100 kcal/kg during the respective 0 to 2 and 2 to 6 week feeding periods). The ratio of dlys to ME (%/1000 kcal/kg) that gave the best performance was .6 and .55% during the 0 to 2 and 2 to 6 week feeding periods amounting to an increase of .5 lbs difference between the L1 vs L4 regimen. The diet that performed the best and within reach of the breeder expected performance (94%) was the diet combination of high ME and the highest dlys/ME (L4).
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Noll, S. L., U of M Research Update - Turkey Poult Response to Dietary Protein and Energy. Proceedings 75th Minnesota Nutrition Conference.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Noll, S. L., Nutritional Influences on Early Poult Performance Effect of Lysine to Energy ratio. Minnesota Turkey Growers Association - Gobbles.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
S. L. Noll, A. J. Calvert, A. Copeland, and J. Brannon. Improving turkey poult performance through amino acid density. Poultry Scie. 93(E-supple. 1):114.
|
Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: The main audiences for the knowledge generated in the project are producers, processors and professionals in the turkey industry Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Undergraduate students participating in the projects recieved training on varous aspects of conducting research including an introduction tofeed formulation, data collections methods, animalcare, data handling and analyses. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Presentation and publication at the annual Poultry Science Association Meeting, Midwest Poultry Federation Convention, Minnesota Nutrition Conference, and Multistate Nutrition Conference. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Further work is planned on assessing feed ingredient value and improving poult response to initial diets.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Soybean meal genetically selected for a low content of oligosaccharides (ULO) was compared to conventional soybean meal (SBM) in market turkey diets. Feed utilization and growth was improved with ULO inclusion in young hen turkeys to 6 wks of age with significant improvements in body weight and feed efficiency by feeding ULO as part of the starting diets. Metabolizable energy determinations made with young broilers and turkeys indicated improvement with ULO as compared to SBM ranging from 10 to 23% depending on methodology used and was greater in turkeys than in chicken broilers. Diets with ULO allowed more corn and less supplemental fat to be used, thus decreasing the cost of dietary energy. * Corn derived dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) has changed composition due to additional removal of corn oil from the product. Determination of metabolizable energy yielded differences among DDGS sources with the range in True Metabolizable Energy (TMEn) content of 2747 to 3138 kcal/kg (DM basis). DDGS samples with crude fat content in excess of 11% had an average TMEn of 3042 kcal/kg (DM basis) while those DDGS samples with fat content ranging from 7 to 10.5% were not different from each other and averaged 2775 kcal/kg. Fat content of the DDGS was not predictive of its metabolizable energy content.* Improvements in poult uniformity and brooding weight were examined by determining influence of early poult nutrition on final market weight for poults sourced from different breeder hen ages. Different ratios of threonine (thr) to lysine (digestible) were used to formulate diets with a range in ratio of 54 to 66%. Thr affected weight to 2 wks of age with no carry over effect to for body weight at 18 wks of age but gain during 6-18 wks of age was greater at the higher ratio (66%) especially for poults from mid-lay breeders. Based on performance to 6 wks of age, the optimal ratio of thr to lysine was found to be 58% but there was some benefit to initially feeding a ratio of 66% on gain post 6 wks of age particularly for the poults from older breeders. Different dietary amino acid densities were fed to male turkeys using the thr ratio of 58% and diets were formulated on an ideal amino acid basis with the level ranging from NRC (1994) requirements and then increasing to primary breeder commercial recommendations. Dietary protein affected body weight to 6 wks of age and continued to influence growth to market at 18 wks of age despite all birds being fed the same diet after 6 wk of age. Amino acid density affected intestinal weight and length in a non-linear manner. Breeder recommended amino acid levels were needed to optimize poult body weight.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
M. Farahat, E. Hassanein, W. Abdel-Razik, and S. Noll, 2013. Effect of dietary corn dried distillers grains with solubles, canola meal and dietary chloride on dietary electrolyte balance, growth performance, and litter moisture of growing turkeys. Poultry Sci. 92: 1253-1265.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Danzeisen JL, Calvert AJ, Noll SL, McComb B, Sherwood JS et al. Succession of the turkey gastrointestinal bacterial microbiome related to weight gain. PeerJ 1:e237 http://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.237
|
Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Presentation and publication at the International Poultry Scientific Forum and at the Minnesota Nutrition Conference. PARTICIPANTS: Principal investigators TARGET AUDIENCES: The main audiences for the knowledge generated in the project are producers, processors and professionals in the turkey industry PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The following study determined if chloride addition to diets varying in alternative products could shift the dietary electrolyte balance to levels that could adversely affect turkey performance and litter moisture. A total of 990 tom Nicholas turkeys were used from 2-14 wks of age. The poults were arranged at random into 99 pens (10 poults/pen). In a factorial design, there were three diet sets (corn-soy-meat (CSM), CSM+20% DDGS, CSM+20% DDGS+10% canola meal) and three chloride levels (.22, .32, .42%) making nine dietary treatments with 11 replicates per treatment. Diets were formulated to be isocaloric with a similar digestible amino acid content. There were four feeding phases (2-5, 5-8, 8-11, and 11-14 wks of age). Individual BW and pen feed residues were measured at each phase to determine the average BW, ADG, daily feed intake, and feed efficiency (F/G). ANOVA was conducted to determine statistical significance of diet set and chloride level and their interaction on performance. During 2-14 wks, no differences were observed in BW and ADG. Birds fed diets with DDGS or with canola meal consumed 6.0 % more daily feed (P> 0.05) than those fed CSM. No differences were found for chloride or diet x chloride interaction for BW, ADG, or feed intake. Feed efficiency was higher (P>0.05) for birds fed diets containing DDGS or with canola meal. A diet by chloride interaction was found for F/G. During 8-14 wks of age and only in diets with DDGS and canola meal, increased chloride significantly increased F/G by 3% in comparison to low chloride. It can be concluded that considerable attention should be paid to the dietary electrolyte balance and chloride level during incorporation of DDGS with canola meal in turkey diets as chloride levels higher than 0.22% could be detrimental to feed efficiency.
Publications
- M. Farahat, E. Hassanein, W. Abdel-Razik, and S. Noll, 2012. Effect of incorporation of DDGS and canola meal to turkey diets on the dietary electrolyte balance, performance, and litter moisture. Poultry Sci. 91(Supple. 1):74
|
Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Presentation and publication at annual Poultry Science association meeting. PARTICIPANTS: The principal investigator utilized collaborations with the turkey industry to sample turkeys in commercial settings. Other collaborators were researchers in the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota and also the North Dakota State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Research project is providing training for one graduate student in a Masters Program in Animal Sciences. TARGET AUDIENCES: The main audiences for the knowledge generated in the project are producers, processors and professionals in the turkey industry. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Two studies were conducted to determine the clinical effects of Topmax (2% ractopamine hydrochloride) (RAC) on growth performance in turkey hens. In light hen finishing turkeys (1248, Hybrid Converter), hens were fed one of four treatments with RAC supplemented at 4.6, 8.2, and 11.8 g/ton or a non-supplemented control (C) for the last 14 days prior to slaughter. Hens were weighed at 9 wks-6 days at the start and at 11 wks-6 days of age at the end of the treatment phase. Feed intake was measured. Six hens per pen were selected for the determination of carcass yield/parts weight and breast meat (pectoralis major) quality (color, terminal pH). Weights of the parts taken included breast meat (boneless, no skin) while the weight of the thighs and drums included bone and attached skin. Data were analyzed using mixed model procedures (SAS). Polynomial contrast tests were used to determine linear, cubic, and quadratic relationships with RAC level. RAC supplementation significantly affected average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency (FE), drum and thigh weight, and breast meat color. Linear contrasts were significant for the above variables; in addition, cubic and quadratic contrasts were significant for breast meat color. Feed intake and breast meat pH were not affected. Significant improvement in responses as compared to C were dependent on RAC level with FE improved by 6.1% at 4.6 RAC, ADG by 3.6% at 11.8 RAC, thigh weight by 3.6% at 8.2 RAC, and drum weight by 2.9% at 4.6 RAC. Meat quality of the breast major muscle was not affected negatively by RAC. The second study was conducted to determine the clinical effects of 2% ractopamine hydrochloride (RAC) Type A Medicated Article on growth performance in tom finishing turkeys ( 576, Nicholas, Large White) during three different age periods: 15-17, 17-19, and 19-21 wks of age. After a one week acclimation period, turkey finisher toms were fed one of two treatments with and without RAC (4.6 g/ton) for the last 14 days prior to slaughter. Toms were allocated to pens one week prior to the start of the treatment based on body weight. Individual body weights were taken at the start and finish of the 14 day treatment phase. Feed intake was measured for the two week period. Data were analyzed using mixed model procedures (SAS). The model included diet treatment, age group and their interaction as a fixed effect with significant effects at P<.05. Turkeys fed RAC, on average, had 0.3 kg increased body weight. Average daily gain of turkeys fed Topmax was improved 9.2% (20.2 g/day) for all age groups. No differences were noted for feed intake among diet treatments. Feed efficiency (feed/gain) of turkeys fed RAC was improved by 6.75% (20 points) during the feeding period compared to the respective non-supplemented control treatments. Feeding of RAC to finisher toms and light hens for two weeks improved gain and feed efficiency.
Publications
- Noll, S. L., Trites, J.D.*, J. Brannon, and W. Weber. 2011. The evaluation of Topmax (ractopamine hydrochloride) in tom finishing turkeys administered at 4.6 g/ton at three different age periods: 15-17, 17-19, and 19-21 weeks of age. Poultry Sci. (E-Supplement 1): 33.
- S. L. Noll, J. D. Trites, R. Cox, J. Brannon, and W. Weber. 2011. The evaluation of Topmax (ractopamine hydrochloride) administered at 4.6 g/ton to 11.8 g/ton to finishing hen turkeys for the last 14 days prior to slaughter for improved gain and feed efficiency. Poultry Sci. (E-Supplement 1): 269.
|
Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Research results have been shared with members of the poultry community. PARTICIPANTS: The principal investigator utilized collaborations with the turkey industry to sample turkeys in commercial settings. Other collaborators were researchers in the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota and also the North Dakota State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Research project is providing training for one graduate student in a Masters Program in Animal Sciences. TARGET AUDIENCES: The main audiences for the knowledge generated in the project are commercial turkey producers and veterinarians. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Examination of causes for variability in early turkey poult performance assessed on different farms. Turkey producers have noticed unevenness in their flocks at market and a study was initiated to determine if differences exist between light and heavy weight poults that could explain the variability. Work is still in progress. Eight flocks (six commercial flocks and two research flocks) were sampled at 1-wk intervals to 3 wks of age. Poults were weighed and gut and tissue samples were taken for histopathology scores. Gut contents were taken for virus and bacteria tests. Body weight of the research flocks exceeded those of the commercial flocks at 3 wks of age. Remaining tests are yet to be completed on all flocks.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
|
Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Project results were reported nationally with poster presentations at the annual Poultry Science Association meeting; orally at regional meetings in the Midwest. Information was also distributed in proceedings papers for nutrition conferences, scientific abstracts, industry magazines, newspaper articles, and the University of Minnesota DDGS website. PARTICIPANTS: The principal investigator utilized collaborations with the University of Illinois and with industry (turkey and ethanol processors) to develop the trial and obtain the results. Partners included a private ethanol company (DakotaGold, Poet) and the Midwest Poultry Research Program. TARGET AUDIENCES: The main audiences for the knowledge generated in the project are commercial poultry nutritionists and poultry producers that formulate and mix feed on-farm. A secondary audience is formed by the ethanol processors which produce the DDGS and wish to provide technical information to buyers regarding the use of DDGS in poultry feeds. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Fraction of the corn prior to fermentation for the production of ethanol, results in new or modified corn-coproducts. Commercial products available are corn germ (CG) and high protein distillers grains (HDG) besides the conventional dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). A turkey feeding trial was conducted with commercial Large White toms during 6 to 19 wks of age. The study examined incorporation of CG and HDG in diets with and without DDGS. Two levels of inclusion were used for each co-product addition. The diets were fed in mash form and adjusted nutritionally for age period. A corn/SBM/poultry byproduct meal based diet series was used along with a 20% DDGS diet series . Levels of 15 and 30% CG, and, 7 and 14% HP were used. The levels were decreased by 50% when incorporated into the 20% DDGS diets. The experimental design was a randomized block design with 8 replicate pens per treatment. Addition of 15% and 30% CG to diets without DDGS improved body weight and feed conversion, respectively, when compared to the control (P<.05). Inclusion of 14% HP had no effect on 19 wk BW or cumulative F/G, however, gain and F/G was poorer in the final feeding period of 17-19 wks of age. Inclusion of 20% DDGS tended to reduce gain and feed intake in the 17-19 wk period and suggests that a lower level of DDGS should be fed during that time period. Addition of corn germ to diets without DDGS improved body weight and feed conversion although this may have been due to the higher supplemental fat levels in these diets or better quality protein provided by the corn germ. Addition of both corn germ (30%) and HP-DDG (14%) to the same diet did result in depressed body weight and gain but did not affect feed efficiency in the diet series without DDGS. The results suggest that there is an upper limit of the amount of corn protein that can be tolerated. In diets with 20% DDGS, addition of 7% HP-DDG increased feed efficiency. Inclusion of 20% DDGS tended to reduce gain and feed intake in the 17-19 wk period and suggests that a lower level of DDGS should be fed during that time period.
Publications
- S. L. Noll and J. Brannon, 2009. Utilization of corn co-products in diets for market tom turkeys. Poult. Sci. 87 (Suppl. 1):114.
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Project results were reported nationally with poster presentations at the annual Poultry Science Association meeting; orally at regional meetings in the Midwest. Information was also distributed in proceedings papers for nutrition conferences, scientific abstracts, industry magazines, newspaper articles, and the University of Minnesota DDGS website. PARTICIPANTS: The principal investigator utilized collaborations with the University of Illinois and with industry (turkey and ethanol processors) to develop the trial and obtain the results. Partners included in the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association and the Midwest Poultry Research Program. TARGET AUDIENCES: The main audiences for the knowledge generated in the project are commercial poultry nutritionists and poultry producers that formulate and mix feed on-farm. A secondary audience is formed by the ethanol processors which produce the DDGS and wish to provide technical information to buyers regarding the use of DDGS in poultry feeds. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Volatility in feed ingredient prices led to interest in determining the potential maximum level of inclusion of corn derived distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) in diets for market tom turkeys when corn and/or soybean prices are high. Many producers limit the level of inclusion of DDGS to 10% or less. The response of market turkey toms to inclusion level of DDGS was examined during 2-19 wks of age. Large White male turkey poults (Nicholas strain) were randomly assigned to pens at 2 wks age and fed diets containing 10, 20, or 30% DDGS or where the dietary inclusion was gradually increased from 5% up to 40% in diets as the birds aged. The basal diet was composed primarily of corn, soybean meal, and poultry by-product meal. Diets were formulated using digestible amino acids. All diets were supplemented as needed with lys and met to meet the specific NRC recommendations for these amino acids. Diet levels of poultry byproduct meal were limited to prevent an excess of dietary phosphorus. The results indicate that feeding levels of up to 30% DDGS in turkey starter diets was not detrimental to poult weight or feed efficiency. In turkey finisher diets, feeding of up to 40% DDGS was not detrimental to growth until 17 wks of age. A comparison of energy utilization of individual feed ingredients by chickens and turkeys as determined by the true metabolizable energy method (TME) indicated that turkeys derive significantly less energy from feed ingredients as compared to chickens. Across a variety of ingredients, the average difference in metabolizable energy content was 20% less for turkeys as compared to chicken roosters. The results indicate that with the TME model of determination, energy utilization in turkeys needs further examination with the goal of improving energy use from feed ingredients.
Publications
- Jacob, JP, Noll, SL, and Brannon, JA. 2008 Comparison of Metabolic Energy Content of Organic Cereal Grains for Chickens and Turkeys. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 17: 540-544.
- Noll, SL, and Brannon,J. 2008. Response of market turkey toms to diets containing high levels of corn distillers dried grains with solubles. Poult. Sci. 87 (Suppl. 1):100.
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Project results were reported nationally with two poster presentations at the annual Poultry Science Association meeting; orally at a regional meeting (Midwest Poultry Federation) and at industry meetings in Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, and Minnesota. Information was also distributed in proceedings papers for nutrition conferences, scientific abstracts, industry magazines, newspaper articles, and the University of Minnesota DDGS website.
PARTICIPANTS: The principal investigator utilized collaborations with the University of Illinois and with industry (turkey and ethanol processors) to develop the trial and obtain the results. Partners included in the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association and the Midwest Poultry Research Program.
TARGET AUDIENCES: The main audiences for the knowledge generated in the project are commercial poultry nutritionists and poultry producers that formulate and mix feed on-farm. A secondary audience is formed by the ethanol processors which produce the DDGS and wish to provide technical information to buyers regarding the use of DDGS in poultry feeds.
Impacts
Previously it was found that that market turkey performance was poorer in diets containing high levels of by products (poultry byproduct meal and distillers dried grains with solubles, DDGS). It was suspected that amino acid levels, particularly that of threonine, may have limited performance. The subsequent study examined the response of market turkey toms to diet threonine (thr) level during 8 to 19 wks of age. Diets were formulated to contain 90, 94, 100, and 106% NRC digestible thr from intact protein. In addition, supplemental thr was used to reach 100 or 106% NRC thr. Diets were composed primarily of corn, soybean meal, poultry by-product meal (PBM, 10%) and corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS, 20%). The results obtained found that in diets containing a large amount of alternative protein (10% PBM and 20% DDGS), a gain response to supplemental thr was observed when diet thr from intact protein was less than 106% NRC during 8-11 wks, less than 100 %
NRC during 11-14 wks, and less than 94% NRC during 14-19 wks of age. The results indicated that digestible thr levels were critical to maintain optimal performance (body weight and feed conversion) during the growing period of 8-11 wks of age and as diet protein level decreased in diets containing large amounts of alternative protein sources which displace soybean meal. A potential disadvantage of feeding of DDGS is the lower energy of the product in comparison to corn. A study was conducted to determine the extent of performance loss in market tom turkeys when diet metabolizable energy was reduced by 150 kcal/lb in a diet containing primarily corn, soybean meal, PBM and DDGS during 0-19 wks of age. At 19 wks of age, the diet with lowered energy had live weights reduced by 2.3% and feed efficiency (f/g) increased by 4.7%. Supplementation of the low energy diet with a commercially available enzyme product partially restored body weight and feed efficiency. The results indicated that
although lowering diet energy increased feed intake, body weight gain was not maintained. The results support recommendations to balance diets for digestible amino acid levels and metabolizable energy content when incorporating significant amounts of by products such as DDGS and animal byproducts if optimal performance is desired.
Publications
- S. L. Noll and J. Brannon, 2007. Response of market turkey toms to dietary protein and threonine levels in diets containing corn distillers dried grains. Poult. Sci. 86 (Suppl. 1):68.
- S. L. Noll, J. Brannon, and C. Parsons, 2007. Nutritional value of corn distiller dried grains with solubles (DDGs): Influence of solubles addition. Poult. Sci. 86 (Suppl. 1):68.
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
The nutritional value of corn derived distillers dried grains (DDGS) with varying levels of solubles was examined. It was hypothesized that variable solubles addition to the wet grains prior to drying could effect the nutrient composition of the dried product and perhaps change the dynamics of the drying process to effect product quality. Batches of corn distiller dried grains were produced with varying levels of solubles (syrup) added back to the wet grains (mash) and then dried. The batches produced contained syrup added at approximately 0, 30, 60, and 100% of the maximum possible addition of syrup to mash. Actual rates of syrup addition were 0, 12, 25, and 42 gal/minute. Dryer temperature decreased with the decrease in rate of solubles of addition. Samples of each lot of material were taken and were chemically analyzed. The results indicate that the level of solubles addition has most of its effect on particular particle size and color of the dried product.
Particle size was greatly affected with larger and more variable particle size with the highest level of solubles addition. Content of fat and ash increased with solubles addition. The TMEn content increased with solubles addition. Mineral content, especially for sodium, phosphorus, potassium, chloride, and sulfur increased as the level of solubles addition increased. Protein and amino acid content showed very little change in the various products.*A feeding trial was conducted to examine different inclusion levels of poultry byproduct meal (PBM) and DDGS and their combined effect on market tom performance during 5-19 wks of age. Large White male turkey poults (Nicholas strain) were randomly assigned to pens (10/pen) at 5 wks age and fed one of the following diet treatments (T): 1. Corn and soybean meal control; 2. As T1 with PBM (8% ); 3. As T1 with PBM (12%); 4. As T1 with DDGS (10%); 5. As T1 with DDGS (20%); 6. As T 2 and T4; 7. As T2 and T5; 8. As T3 and T4; and, 9. As T3 and T5.
Each diet was fed to 10 replicate pens. At 19 wks of age, dietary treatment significantly affected 19-wk body weight and feed efficiency (5-19 wks) (P<.001) (Table 2). The body weight of the corn-soy control diet (T1) averaged 20.18 kg. Diets containing PBM (8 or 12%) or DDGS (10 or 20%) were not significantly different from the control. BW of turkeys fed diets containing PBM (8 or 12%) in combination with 20% DDGS was less than that of the control by 3.3%. A significant interaction existed for inclusion of PBM and DDGS (P<.02) for feed efficiency. Feed/gain of turkeys fed diets containing PBM (8 or 12%) or DDGS (10 or 20%) were not significantly different from the control. However, the feed/gain increased for turkeys fed diets containing PBM (8 or 12%) in combination with 20% DDGS, which were significantly different from the control by 5 to 6 points. In summary, performance of turkeys fed 20% DDGS diets was not different from the control except when used in combination with high
levels of PBM.
Impacts
Lack of consistency in the nutrient content of corn distillers dried grains can be partially attributed to the amount of solubles that is added to the wet grains prior to drying. The variability in DDGS nutrient content may keep the product from being used by poultry producers. Corn-derived distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was found to be acceptable ingredient in market turkey diets at inclusion levels of less than 20%. Higher amounts of DDGS can be used if other alternative ingredients such as animal byproduct meal are limited in their use.
Publications
- Noll, S. L., C. Parsons, and B. Walters. 2006. What's new since September 2005 in feeding distillers co-products to poultry. In Proceedings 67th Minnesota Nutrition Conference. University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota.
- Noll, S. L., and J. Brannon, 2006. Inclusion levels of corn distillers grains with solubles and poultry byproduct meal in market turkey diets. Poultry Sci. 85(Suppl 1): 106.
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
Distillers dried grain with solubles (DDGS) obtained locally was evaluated for energy content via AMEn and TMEn methodology. For AMEn determination, the DDGS was included in a basal diet at levels of 0, 20, and 40%. The corn-soybean meal based turkey starter diet was formulated to provide similar levels of ME, digestible Lys and Met, Ca, and P and fed to male turkey poults during 3-17 da of age. At10 d of age, a marker for acid insoluble ash (Celite at 1.5%) was added and fed for the last seven days. The excreta samples were collected during the last three days of the feeding period (15, 16, and 17 d of age) to determine the AMEn level in each diet. Cecatomized chicken roosters were used for determination of TMEn. The TMEn of the DDGS sample was 3411 (S.E. 263) kcal/kg DM basis. The AMEn value as predicted by extrapolation of the linear regression equation to 100% DDGS inclusion and resulted in an estimate of 3207 (S.E. 152) kcal/kg AMEn DM. There were significant
differences among treatments and a significant linear decrease in feed efficiency as DDGS level increased during 3 to 10 days of age. However, there was no other significant difference among the three treatments in the performance during the feeding period. In conclusion, up to 40% of high quality DDGS may be used safely in commercial turkey production with attention to dietary energy and digestible amino acids. Hydrolyzed distillers grain (HDG) is a new product developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, which is a distillers dried grain with high protein content. To estimate the opportunity price of HDG as a protein source in a corn and soybean meal based diet in poultry starter diet, an economic analysis was conducted using least cost formulation techniques using a commercial formulation program (Acufeed, Wala Co., St. Paul, MN). Nutrient restrictions were fixed based on the NRC (1994) requirements for turkey poults and diets were formulated to be isocaloric. Ingredient
price was set based on current feed industry ingredient prices with the exception for HDG, which was based on conventional DDGS price. The analysis indicated that HDG was a more economical source of threonine as compared to corn and soybean meal when priced cheaply. Tryptophan and lysine content of HDG limit its incorporation at high levels into turkey starter diets. Performance of Large White turkeys was evaluated to determine the effect of feeding canola meal (CM) as a replacement for soybean meal (SBM) on growth performance. Controls were fed conventional corn-SBM diets. Test diets included CM in the diet at levels of 20 or 30% and were either isocaloric starting at day of age or isocaloric after 8 wks of age. No significant difference in body weight or feed efficiency was found for 20% CM treatments fed to males. Treatments containing 30% CM fed to males did show a significant decrease in body weight and increased feed efficiency including the diet supplemented with lysine with no
differences detected for female turkeys. Canola meal was found to be an acceptable protein source when fed up to 20% in the turkey diets.
Impacts
Alternative ingredients for inclusion into turkey diets were examined on the basis of feeding trials and through economic analyses. Both corn-derived dried distiller grains with solubles and canola meal were found to substitute successfully for a portion of corn and soybean meal in turkey diets giving producers the flexibility to choose among available ingredients to reduce poultry diet costs. Corn-derived dried distiller grains with solubles could be incorporated into young turkey diets at a level of 40% which is far greater than previously recommended inclusion levels of 10%. Canola meal could be incorporated into turkey diets at 20%, findings similar to previously published results. A high protein dried distillers grains (HDG) was found to have a higher value than traditional dried distillers grains but that it was not equivalent to that of soybean meal. The keys for incorporation of HDG into ration formulas are the costs of providing lysine, tryptophan, and
threonine. The highest possible HDG cost was $5.84 per hundredweight with a dietary inclusion level of 10%. The HDG is used as a protein source, especially as a source of threonine, when the HDG cost is less than $5.84/ cwt.
Publications
- Abe, Chikako, 2005. Distillers Dried Grain with Solubles as a Feed Ingredient for Turkeys. M.S. Thesis, University of Minnesota.
- Rost, Ken, 2005. Canola Meal in Turkey Diets. M.S. Thesis, University of Minnesota.
- Shurson, J., S. Noll, and J. Goihl, 2005. Corn by-product diversity and feeding value to non-ruminants. Proceedings 66th Minnesota Nutrition Conference and Technical Symposium: Future of Corn in Animal Feed. Pages 50-68. University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota.
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
A sample of high protein distillers grains was produced under pilot processing conditions and characterized for its nutritional value. The product called hydrolyzed distillers dried grains (HDG) was obtained from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The sample was submitted for determination of proximate components, sugar, starch, amino acid, and minerals. For digestible amino acid determination, cecatomized chicken roosters were used. Growing turkeys were used for the determination of TMEn. HDG was included into a basal diet at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 percent. The corn-soybean meal based turkey starter diet was formulated to provide similar levels of ME , digestible lysine and methionine, calcium, and phosphorus. Ten replicate pens of seven poults were fed the test diets starting at 3 d of age through 18 d of age. At the end of the trial, two poults per pen were randomly selected, euthanized, and internal organs (spleen, heart, liver, gastrointestinal tract, bursa)
weighed. Results (as fed) for ash, DM, fat, fiber, protein, starch and sugars were 1.43, 95.86, 10.7, 3.9, 57.8, 1.6, 2.0 percent, respectively. Lys, arg, and trp content as percent of protein were 1.99, 2.63, and 0.34, respectively. Digestibility coefficients of lys, met and cys are 68.1, 85.9, and 78.3 percent, respectively. TMEn was 2692 plus/minus 78 kcal/kg as is. There was a significant linear decrease (P<0.01) at 11 day of age in average daily gain (ADG) and feed intake as HDG was increased and a cubic effect (P<0.02) in ADG during 11 to 18 days. In conclusion, up to 10 percent of HDG can be included in poultry starter diets although higher levels may be possible after two weeks of age. Phytase use was examined in market turkey tom diets reared to 16 weeks of age. Performance of the negative control (NC, phosphorus deficient) was depressed in comparison to the positive control (PC). Decreased body weights, daily gain, daily feed intake, percentage toe ash and poorer feed
efficiency were observed for NC turkeys. Phytase enzyme supplementation improved performance over that of NC at a level of 500 FTU/kg (335 FTU/kg analyzed), which gave performance similar to that of the PC for body weight, daily gain and percentage toe ash. Supplementation with a higher level (750 FTU/kg or 499 FTU/kg analyzed) may give some additional growth and feed efficiency improvements.
Impacts
High protein distillers grains was found to be an acceptable feeding ingredient for turkeys when included in diets up to 10 percent. Poor content of lysine, tryptophan and arginine limits its value in comparison to soybean meal. Inclusion of phytase in turkey tom diets allowed dietary phosphorus to decrease by .2 percentage units thus decreasing the amount of supplemental phosphorus in the diet and its potential environmental impact.
Publications
- Grimes, J., Noll, S., Brannon, J., Goodwin, J.L., Smith, J.C. and Rowland, R.D. 2004. Effect of a chelated calcium proteinate dietary supplement on the reproductive performance of large white turkey breeder hens. J. Applied Poult. Res. 13(4):639-649.
- Jirjis, F.F., Noll, S.L., Halvorson, D.A., Nagaraja, K.V., Martin, F. and Shaw, D.P. 2004. Effects of bacterial coinfection on the pathogenesis of avian pneumovirus infection in turkeys. Avian Dis. 48(1):34-49.
- Martinez Amezcua, C., Parsons, C.M. and Noll, S.L. 2004. Content and relative bioavailability of phosphorus in distillers dried grains with solubles in chicks. Poultry Sci. 83:971-976.
- Tucker, M.P., Nagle, N.J., Jennings, E.W., Ibsen, K.N., Aden, A., Nguyen, Q.A., Kim, K.H. and Noll, S.L. 2004. Conversion of distiller's grain into fuel alcohol and a higher-value animal feed by dilute-acid pretreatment. Appl Biochem Biotechnol. 113-116:1139-59.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Work continued in the area of nutrient composition of corn distiller grains with solubles (DDGs) into their feeding programs and an assessment of amino acid digestibility. Samples of corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGs) were collected to determine the extent of variation in digestible amino acid (DAA) content. A second objective was to determine if any correlation exists between color of the sample and its digestible amino acid content. Samples (N=22) were obtained from four different commercial plants in Minnesota during spring, 2002. Digestible amino acids were determined with cecectomized roosters. Color (L*(lightness), a*(redness), and b* (yellowness)) was measured with a Minolta Chroma Meter CR-300 (Minolta Co., Ramsey, NJ.) with five readings per sample. The DAA content and color was significantly (P<0.05) affected by source. Digestibility of all amino acids averaged 83.1% for all samples. Digestibility was lowest for lys, cys, and thr (71.0, 75.3,
and 76.3%, respectively). Among sources, DAA content was different (P > .05) except for leu and ser. Digestible lysine averaged .53% and source means ranged from .38 to .65%. Within sources, coefficient of variation (CV) for digestible lys ranged from 3.9 to 10.7% compared with a CV of 20.6% across all samples. Correlations (P<0.001) were found between digestible lys, cys, and thr and L* values (r = 0.67, 0.67, and 0.51, respectively) and b* values (r = 0.77, 0.74 and 0.58, respectively) but not with a* values. Lighter color (L*= 53.8) and more yellow color (b*=42.8) were associated with product averaging .65% digestible lysine while a darker color (L*=41.8) and less yellow (b*=32.9) was associated with product averaging .38% digestible lys. Digestible amino acid content was found to vary among sources but was relatively consistent within a particular source. Color (L*, b*) of the sample was a good predictor of lys, cys, and thr digestibility. These results confirm that color is a
quick and reliable method of determining corn distillers dried solubles quality used as feed ingredient in the poultry diet.
Impacts
An assessment of DDGs quality as indicated by amino acid digestibility was correlated with color measured as lightness or yellowness of the product. The color reading can be obtained quickly (instantly) and at less expense once the equipment has been purchased in comparison to in vivo digestibility measurements.
Publications
- Johnson, L.J., Noll, S., Renteria, A. and Shurson, J. 2003. Feeding by-products high in concentration of fiber to nonruminants. Proceedings "Third National Alternative Feeds Symposium", November, 2003, Kansas City, MO. Pages 169-186.
- Noll, S.L, 2003. Alternative Feed Ingredients for Poultry: Turkeys. Proceedings "50th Maryland Nutrition Conference for Feed Manufacturers. March 2003. University of Maryland. Pages 71-79.
- Noll, S.L., Abe, C. and Brannon, J. 2003. Nutrient composition of corn distiller dried grains with solubles. Poultry Sci. 82(Suppl. 1):71.
- Amezcus, C.M., Parsons, C.M. and Noll, S.L. 2003. Content and bioavailability in distillers dried grains with solubles. Poultry Sci. 82(Suppl. 1):36.
- Ergul, T., Amezcus, C.M., Parsons, C.M., Walters, B., Brannon, J. and Noll, S.L. 2003. Amino acid digestibility in corn distillers dried grains with solubles. Poultry Sci. 82(Suppl. 1):70.
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
For poultry nutritionists to optimally incorporate corn distiller grains with solubles (DDGs) into their feeding programs, data needs to be collected on the nutrient composition and digestibility of amino acids and energy of DDGs. One of the objectives of this research project was to determine the nutrient composition and extent of variation among product as influenced by processing source. In order to collect this information, DDGs samples were collected from five ethanol processors in Minnesota over a period of time during spring, 2002. Four representative samples were obtained from each ethanol processor. Each sample was analyzed chemically for proximate components (protein, fiber, fat, ash, moisture), amino acids, and minerals; and for in vivo determination of amino acid digestibility and true metabolizable energy. Results indicate that nutrient content of the DDGs varies among sources but is relatively consistent within processing source. Sources were found to
vary in proximate composition especially protein and fat content. Mineral content also varied among sources. Magnesium, sodium, potassium and phosphorus accounted for most of the inorganic component of the feed ingredient. As a protein supplement, digestibility of amino acids is of concern as the product is heat processed. Digestibility of several essential amino acids were affected, in particular that of lysine, threonine and cystine. The data indicate that while there are product differences among sources the product is relatively consistent for each source. * Protein quality of turkey diets containing DDGs was assessed by feeding diets formulated to three different protein levels (100, 95, and 90% NRC protein requirement) and compared to control diet series without DDGs. Diets were fed to market male turkeys from 8 wks to 19 wks of age. Body weight and breast meat yield were decreased as diet protein was reduced to the same extent regardless of ingredient content.
Impacts
Value of corn distiller grains with solubles (DDGs) is dependent on its digestible amino acid content. Product with high lysine digestibility is worth an additional 46 cents per hundred pounds of product in poultry diets as compared to product with low lysine digestibility. Turkey diets containing moderate levels of DDGs (5-10%) can be fed without an effect on performance. Depending on price and nutrient content, DDGs can decrease ration cost by $8-14 per ton of feed.
Publications
- Kalbfleisch, J.L. 2002. Lysine, threonine, and arginine supplementation and effects on performance and carcass yield of young tom turkeys raised in a summer environment. M.S. Thesis, University of Minnesota.
- Noll, S.L. 2002. Feeding for Live Performance and Breast Meat Yield. In Proceedings of the Multistate Poultry Nutrition and Feeding Conference. Universities of Kentucky, Illinois, Michigan State, Purdue and Ohio State Cooperating, Indianapolis, IN.
- Noll, S.L., Stangeland, V., Speers, G., Brannon, J. and Parsons, C. 2002. Utilization of corn dried distiller grains and threonine in market tom turkey diets - impact on performance and carcass yield. Gobbles 59 (8):20-21.
- Noll, S.L., Stangeland, V., Speers, G., Parsons, C. and Brannon, J. 2002. Utilization of canola meal and distiller grains with solubles in market turkey diets. Poultry Sci. 81(Supp. 1):92.
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
In Large White male market turkeys, the additivity in performance response (5-11 wks of age) to lysine, threonine, and arginine was determined under summer rearing conditions. The basal diet was formulated to 92% NRC (1994) threonine, 95%NRC lysine, and 110%NRC TSAA and all diets were supplemented with isoleucine, valine, and tryptophan. Amino acids were supplemented to the basal to attain the desired dietary treatments. A factorial arrangement was used with three levels of lysine (0,.12%,.24%), two levels of threonine (0,.075%),and two levels of arginine (0,.12%). At 11 wks of age, .12% supplemented lysine, representing 105%NRC lysine, improved weights compared to the basal lysine (95%NRC). Diets supplemented with threonine to 100%NRC improved weight and feed efficiency compared to 92%NRC threonine. Interactions among amino acid levels were not detected. * Large White male market turkeys were fed isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets varying in proportion of corn as
high oleic acid corn (HOAC) from day of age to market at 20 wks of age and carcass yield and composition determined. No significant differences were detected among treatments for live weight, carcass weight and parts weight. Breast meat yield (%) was greatest for the diet with HOAC as the only source of corn. Inclusion of HOAC had no effect on carcass composition (protein, fat, gross energy).* Distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) was evaluated as an alternative feed ingredient in diets with and without canola meal relative to amino acid balance and meat yield. Large White male market turkeys were fed DDGS and canola diet regimens from 5 to 19 wks of age. Amino acid balance was studied with cumulative additions of tryptophan, isoleucine and arginine in the diet containing both DDGS and canola. Live performance was unaffected by diet regimen. Breast meat yield was depressed with feeding of DDGS and canola meal in combination; yield was restored with amino acid supplementation.
Impacts
For young toms reared under warm environmental temperatures, NRC (1994) recommendations for lysine and threonine appear adequate to 11 wks of age. Breast meat yield was reduced when a significant portion of diet protein provided by soybean meal is replaced by alternative protein sources. Tryptophan was important in restoring breast meat yield. Inclusion of HOAC in place of normal corn produced equivalent carcass composition and tended to improve breast meat yield in market tom turkeys.
Publications
- Buttles, T.J., Kalbfleisch, J., Noll, S. L. and Walters, B. S. 2001. Influence of measurement position on the color values of turkey breast meat. Poultry Sci. 80 (Supplement 1):299.
- Ergul, T., Addis, P.B., Brannon, J., Endres, M.L. and Noll, S.L. 2001. High oleic acid corn in turkey diets: carcass composition and parts yield of market tom turkeys. Poultry Sci. 80 (Supplement 1):327.
- Kalbfleisch, J., Stangeland, V., Brannon, J. and Noll, S. 2001. Lysine, threonine, and arginine supplementation and effects on performance of young tom turkeys raised in a summer environment. Poultry Sci. 80 (Supplement 1):47.
- Noll, S. L., 2001. Turkey Husbandry Practices. Symposium Paper: The Science Behind Poultry Husbandry. Proceedings 52nd North Central Avian Disease Conference. Pages 2-6.
- Noll, S. L., 2001. Nutrition and management effects on growth and breast meat yield. In Proceedings 24th Technical Turkey Conference, Turkeys, Leyburn, England, Pages 47- 51.
- Noll, S.L., 2001. Value of DDGS in poultry diets. In Proceedings 62nd Minnesota Nutrition Conference. University of Minnesota Extension Service.
- Noll, S. L., Stangeland, V., Speers, G. and Brannon, J. 2001. Strategies to maximize breast meat yield in heavy toms- feeding distillers' grains with solubles. Gobbles 58 (8): 20-21.
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Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
Large White male market turkeys were fed diets varying in total sulfur amino acid (TSAA) content using supplemental methionine (met) to achieve levels of 90, 100, 110 and 120 percent of NRC (1994). Diets were fed as mash from 5 to 20 wks of age. In another set of diets, betaine (2 lbs/ton) was supplemented at all TSAA levels except at the 120 percent NRC level. The diets were composed primarily of corn, soy, canola and meat meal. Each diet was fed in two different environments designated as clean (facility cleaned and disinfected with new bedding) and dirty (no cleaning, previously used litter). Body weight was improved through 17 wks of age by the feeding 100 percent NRC TSAA during winter rearing conditions. Betaine improved weights in met deficient diet to 11 wks of age. Breast meat percentage was improved by 2.7 percent with betaine. Rearing environment affected performance with poorer weights in the dirty environment. Large White male market turkeys were fed
diets varying in proportion of corn as high oleic acid corn (HOC) from day of age to market at 20 wks of age. Meat samples were obtained after processing and were stored either cooked or uncooked at refrigerator or freezer temperatures. In uncooked breast meat, diet HOC decreased rancidity as measured by thio barbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) for samples refrigerated for 4 days or frozen for 3 months. For cooked breast meat, TBARs were reduced at the highest level of HOC substitution (100 percent) for all storage times. For uncooked thigh meat, TBARs were reduced in HOC groups after 4 days of refrigerated storage. Pathogenesis of avian pneumovirus (APV) infection was investigated by determining the minimum infectious of dose (MID) of APV in turkeys. Turkeys were inoculated (200 ul) with inoculum containing 10e1.3, 10e2.3, 10e3.3, 10e4.3, and 10e5.3 tissue culture infective dose 50 (TCID50) of APV per ml. Respiratory signs were seen between 2 and 12 days PI and seroconversion
was obtained in birds receiving greater than 10e2.3 TCID50/ml. MID that caused clinical signs and induced serological response was determined to be 10e3.3 TCID50/ml although clinical signs continued to increase in severity at higher doses.
Impacts
For winter reared turkey toms, diets containing in excess of 100 percent NRC TSAA did not improve live performance or meat yield. However, breast meat yield could be substantially increased by feeding betaine and yet easily recover its cost. Corn with high oleic acid could be used to improve the quality of breast meat by reducing the potential for rancidity to develop during storage and cooking.
Publications
- Ergul, T., Noll, S.L., Brannon, J. and Endres, M.I. 2000. The effect of high oleic acid corn in turkey diets: 1. Turkey tom performance. Poultry Sci. 79(Suppl. 1):30.
- Ergul, T., Addis, P.B., Noll, S.L. and Endres, M.I. 2000. The effect of high oleic acid corn in turkey diets: 2. Meat sensor evaluation and rancidity development in thigh and breast muscle. Poultry Sci. 79(Suppl. 1):26.
- Halvorson, D., Nagaraja, K.V., Shaw, D.P., Njenga, M.K., Goyal, S. and Noll, S. 2000. Control of Viral Respiratory Diseases of Turkeys. Gobbles 57(8):6, Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, St. Paul, MN.
- Jirjis, F.F., Noll, S.L., Halvorson, D.A., Nagaraja, K.V., Townsend, E.L., Sheikh, A.M. and Shaw, D.P. 2000. Avian Pneumovirus Infection in Minnesota Turkeys: Experimental Reproduction of the Disease. Avian Diseases 44:222-226.
- Jirjis, F.F., Noll, S.L., Halvorson, D.A., Nagaraja, K.V. and Shaw, D.P. 2000. Minimum Infectious Dose of Avian Pneumovirus in Turkeys. Poultry Sci. 79(Suppl. 1):23.
- Kalbfleisch, J., Noll, S., Stangeland, V., Speers, G. and Brannon, J. 2000. Amino acid and energy responses of male market turkeys: 2. Methionine and betaine responses by turkeys in clean or dirty environments. Poultry Sci. 79(Suppl. 1):26.
- Kalbfleisch, J., Erf, G.F., Noll, S. and Brannon, J. 2000. Effects of dietary Vitamin E supplementation in young male turkey poults: 1. Growth Performance and Lymphoid organ Characteristics. Poultry Sci. 79(Suppl. 1):116.
- Noll, S.L. 2000. Nutritional Influences on Meat Quality in Poultry. Proceedings '61st Minnesota Nutrition Conference', Pages 215-224. University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN.
- Noll, S.L., Stangeland, V., Speers, G. and Brannon, J. 2000. Amino acid and energy responses of male market turkeys: 1. Energy to amino acid ratio in mash and pelleted feed and influence of feed additives. Poultry Sci. 79(Suppl. 1):55.
- Shaw, D., Noll, S., Jirjis, F., Halvorson, D., Nagaraja, K.V., Goyal, S., Njenga, M.K. and Janni, K.A. 2000. Pathogenesis of Avian Pneumovirus Infection of Turkeys. Gobbles 57(8):22, Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, St. Paul, MN.
- Stangeland, V., Noll, S., Brannon, J. and Kalbfleisch, J. 2000. Methionine and Betaine in Diets for Market Toms. Gobbles 57(8):18, Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, St. Paul, MN.
- Waibel, P.E., Carlson, C.W., Brannon, J.A. and Noll, S.L. 2000. Limiting Amino Acids after Methionine and Lysine with Growing Turkeys Fed Low-Protein Diets. Poultry Sci. 78:1290-1298.
- Waibel, P.E., Carlson, C.W., Brannon, J.A. and Noll, S.L. 2000. Identification of Limiting Amino Acids in Methionine- and Lysine-Supplemented Low-Protein Diets for Turkeys. Poultry Sci. 78:1299-1305.
- Erf, G.F., Noll, S., Bersi, T.K., Wang, X., Kalbfleisch, J. and Bottje, W.G. 2000. Effects of dietary Vitamin E supplementation in young male turkey poults: 2. Tissue Levels of Vitamin E, proportions and concentrations of immune cells. Poultry Sci. 79(Suppl. 1):117.
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Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99
Outputs
Large White male market turkeys were fed diets varying in energy level (100, 104, and 108% NRC ME) and were fed as mash or expanded pellets from 5 to 20 wks of age. The diets were composed primarily of corn, soy, canola and meat meal with diet concentration of lysine, sulfur amino acids, and threonine held constant. Weights, feed conversion and breast meat yield were improved by feeding greater energy or as pellets. Depending on energy level, pelleted feed improved feed conversion by 4 to 6%, gains by 1.8 to 4.7%, and breast meat weight by 5.6 to 8.6% compared to mash feed. Economic analyses indicated greatest return over feed cost for the 108% ME mash diet, however, breast meat value was greatest for the pelleted diet at 100% ME. * Large White male market turkeys were fed diets varying in proportion of corn as high oleic acid corn from day of age to market at 20 wks of age. Diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Weights and feed conversion were not affected by
source of corn. Uncooked and cooked samples of thigh and breast meat were stored at both refrigerated and frozen temperatures. Rancidity measurements (TBARS) tended to decrease in meat from turkeys fed diets with high oleic acid corn. * Pathogenesis of avian pneumovirus (APV) infection was investigated. Clinical signs of the disease such as swollen sinuses were present by 2 days post inoculation and persisted until day 12. Antibodies to APV were detected by ELISA at 7 days post inoculation. The virus was located in the upper respiratory tract tissues. Clinical signs were less severe than those observed in commercial flocks.
Impacts
Diet energy and protein represent about 90% of the cost of feeding turkeys. This research resulted in feeding recommendations depending on the goals of production - to minimize feed cost in live bird production vs. added value of breast meat. The research also indicated that diet characteristics of the feed could be used to improve the quality of the meat by reducing the potential for rancidity to develop.
Publications
- Noll, S.L. 1999. Turkey Production: Maximizing Comfort and Production. Proceedings "Symposium of Poultry Management and Production". Pages 55-58. 42nd Annual Meeting of the American Association of Avian Pathologists, New Orleans, Louisiana, July.
- Shaw, D., Noll, S., Halvorson, D., Nagaraja, K.V., Goyal, S., Jirjis, F. and Sheikh, A. 1999. Pathogenesis of Avian Pneumovirus Infection of Turkeys. Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, St. Paul, MN. Gobbles 56(8):21.
- Halvorson, D., Nagaraja, K.V., Chiang, S.J., Dar, A., Goyal, S., Friendshub, K., Jirjis, F., Kapur, V., Lauer, D., Munir, S., Noll, S., Shaw, D. and Townsend, E. 1999. Control of Viral Respiratory Diseases of Turkeys. Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, St. Paul, MN. Gobbles 56 (8):7.
- Jirjis, F.F., Noll, S.L., Halvorson, D.A., Nagaraja, K.V. and Shaw, D.P. 1999. Avian Pneumovirus Infection in Turkeys. 136th Annual Meeting of AVMA, July 10-14.
- Jirjis, F.F., Noll, S.L., Halvorson, D.A., Nagaraja, K.V. and Shaw, D.P. 1999. Immunohistochemical Test to Detect Avian Pneumovirus. 50th Annual Meeting of the North Central Avian Disease Conference, October 3-5, p. 92.
- Stangeland, V., Noll, S., Speers, G. and Brannon, J. 1999. Limiting amino acids and energy utilization in market turkey diets. Proceedings "60th Minnesota Nutrition Conference", Pages 217-225. University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN.
- Sheikh, M., Dar, A., Jirjis, F., Munir, S., Goyal, S., Nagaraja, K.V., Halvorson, D., Shaw, D., Noll, S. and Kapur, V. 1999. Vaccination against Avian Pneumovirus of Turkeys. Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, St. Paul, MN. Gobbles 56(8):4.
- Stangeland, V., Noll, S., Speers, G. and Brannon, J. 1999. Energy sparing effects and energy to amino acid ratios for growing male turkeys. Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, St. Paul, MN. Gobbles 56(8):11-14.
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Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98
Outputs
Turkey (male, Large White strain) response to threonine (Thr) was assessed with intact protein diets and Thr supplementation of low protein diets during 8 to 17 wks of age. The isocaloric diets were composed primarily of corn, soybean meal, canola meal and meat bone meal. Diet protein level was set by the desired Thr level. Lysine, methionine, and tryptophan was supplemented in all diets. Arginine, isoleucine , and valine were supplemented in the low protein diets. In the intact protein diets, diets were formulated to 70, 76, 84, 92, 100 and 108% of the NRC. In the low protein diet (70% NRC Thr), supplemental Thr was used to increased Thr level to 76, 84, 92, and 100% NRC Thr. Market toms responded to changes in Thr level by altering growth rates and feed efficiency. At younger ages, Thr levels at 84 to 92% of NRC appeared sufficient for growth and feed efficiency. After 17 weeks of age, and perhaps reflecting an accumulated effect of prior feeding periods, Thr at
100% with intact protein resulted in the best performance. Breast meat yield was decreased as diet Thr was decreased to less that 100% NRC based on amount and percentage yield. * High oil corn (HOC) was fed as part of a complete feed to turkey breeder hens to assess its affect on reproductive performance and fatty acid composition of the turkey egg and hatchling in comparison to yellow dent corn. HOC did not improve egg production, egg weight, fertility or hatchability. Inclusion of HOC did tend to increase the linoleic acid content of the egg and in the residual yolk sac of the hatchling.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Waibel, P. E., C. W. Carlson, J. A. Brannon, and S. L. Noll, 1998. Use of alternative protein sources on a true available amino acid basis for growing turkeys. J. Appl. Poultry Res. 7:1-18.
- Morse, G. W, S. L. Noll, and I. Ha, 1998. Economic importance of Minnesota's Poultry Industry. Poultry Sci. 77(Suppl 1.):25.
- Jirjis, F, P. Walter, S. Noll, D. Halvorson, and D. Shaw, 1998.Use of ultrasonograph for determination and development of enlarged sternal bursa in turkeys. Poultry Sci. 77(Suppl 1.):58.
- Jirjis, F., S. Noll, D. Shaw, and D Halvorson, 1998. Gross and microscopic changes in enlarged sternal bursa of market male turkeys. Poultry Sci. 77(Suppl 1.):75.
- Halvorson, D. A., and S. Noll, 1998. Reducing air sac condemnations is priority of MTGA Condemnation Task Force. Gobbles 54(11): 1, 9.
- Noll, S., and D. A. Halvorson, 1998. Air Quality Parameters - Have they changed? Gobbles 54 (12):15, 17.
- Stangeland, V., G. Speers, J. Brannon and S. Noll, 1998. Threonine in diets for market toms. Gobbles 55(8):12, 14.
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Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97
Outputs
Alfalfa leaf meal (ALM) was examined as a potential feed ingredient in the diets of market and breeder turkeys. Alfalfa leaf meal is produced from a separation of alfalfa leaves from stems with the stems used as biomass for energy production. The ALM was found to have a greater protein content and energy digestibility in comparison to typical dehydrated alfalfa meal. True metabolizable energy content of the ALM was increased by 38% on a dry matter basis when compared to dehydrated alfalfa meal (16% protein). When ALM was included in the diets of growing male turkeys, early growth and feed intake were increased by 2.5% ALM. Flock profitability was greatest for the 2.5% ALM diet in comparison to inclusion levels of 0, 5 and 7.5% ALM. Inclusion of ALM alone and with other ingredients to enhance reproductive performance of turkey breeder hens was examined. Inclusion of 2.5% ALM into the breeder diet improved egg production and fertility. ALM feeding resulted in an
increase in the number of fertile eggs set by 6% in comparison to the control diet with no ALM.*Young turkeys (9 wks of age) were fasted (feed and water) for 36 hrs to determine its affect on blood chemistry at the end of the fast. Fasting increased hemoglobin but did not affect heterophil:lymphocyte ratio. Fasted turkeys showed lower concentrations of albumin, calcium, and triglycerides. Information will be used in assessing blood chemistry status in future studies.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Chen, F., 1997. Effects of dietary vitamin supplements on turkey breeder hen and progeny performance. Unpublished Ph. D. thesis.
- Kamyab, A., 1997. Studies on the etiology of enlarged sternal bursa and focal ulcerative dermatitis in market tom turkeys. Unpublished Ph. D. thesis. University of Minnesota.
- Noll, S.L., K. Janni, D. Halvorson, and C. Clanton, 1997. Market turkey performance, air quality and energy consumption affected by partial slotted flooring. Poultry Sci. 76:271-279.
- Duke, G. E., M. Basha, and S. L. Noll, 1997. Optimum duration of food and water removal prior to processing in order to reduce fecal contamination in turkeys. Poultry Sci. 76:516-522.
- Kamyab, A., S. Noll, D. Halvorson, K. Nagaraja, D. Shaw, and V. Sivanandan, 1997. Effect of floor, feed and water withdrawal, and bacterial injection on breast blisters in male turkeys. Poultry Sci.
- Waibel, P. E., C. W Carlson, J. A. Brannon, X. M. Yuan, F. F. Jirjis, and S. L. Noll, 1997. Limiting amino acids beyond methionine and lysine in low protein turkey diets. Poultry Sci 76 (Suppl 1): 63.
- El Halawani, M. and S. L. Noll, 1997. Effect of prebreeder lighting and nutrition on subsequent reproductive performance of female turkeys. Poultry Sci. 76 (Suppl 1):90.
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Progress 01/01/96 to 12/30/96
Outputs
A number of potential causative factors such as rate of weight gain, litter condition, and flooring type, have been identified in the development of breast blisters and buttons which decrease carcass quality. An area which has not been examined is the role of bacteria in development of the blister. Bacteremia has been shown to develop in response to stress in young turkeys and could lead to invasion of bacteria into various tissues such as the keel bursa, the site of blister development. To test this hypothesis, 9-wk old turkeys (male, Nicholas strain) were subjected to stress by short term withdrawal of feed and water. Turkeys were reared on litter and slotted flooring. At the end of the fast period, the turkeys were randomized into 5 treatments: a non-injected control and four groups injected with either E. coli or S. aureus and endotoxins. Injections were made either subcutaneously into the keel bursa or intravenously. Injection levels were selected so as to not
cause mortality or morbidity. Fasting temporarily reduced body weight with recovery by 10 weeks. Turkeys grown on slotted flooring had a higher incidence of blisters in comparison to litter reared turkeys (47 vs 38%). Conversely litter reared turkeys had a greater incidence of buttons (14 vs 4%). Fasting increased incidence of blisters at 12 weeks. Incidence of blisters on slotted flooring at 12 weeks was increased by the fast. Results indicate that stress may pre-dispose the turkey to development of blisters at an earlier age.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Noll, S., D. Halvorson, and D. Shaw. 1996. Trouble shooting poult performance problems - a decision case approach. Poultry Sci. (Supplement 1):80.
- Waibel, P. E., C.W. Carlson, J.A. Brannon, and S.L. Noll. 1996. Further studies on the need for threonine and other amino acids in low protein turkey grower diets. Poultry Sci. (Supplement 1):87.
- Janni, K. A., S. Noll, and D. Halvorson. 1996. Turkeys. In: Agricultural Buildings and Structures, Revised Edition, J. A. Lindley and J. H. Whitaker. ASAE, St. Joseph, MI, pp. 584-590.
- Kamyab, A., D. Shaw, S. Noll, and M. El Halawani. 1996. The effect of management on the occurrence of breast lesion in market tom turkeys. Poultry Sci. 75 (Supplement 1):6.
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Progress 01/01/95 to 12/30/95
Outputs
Carcass quality of male market turkeys has deteriorated due to an increased incidence of defects. Management and environmental conditions which affect bird behavior, growth pattern and litter condition may increase the incidence and severity of the lesions (breast button or breast blister). Litter characteristics, lighting regimen and dietary salt level were examined for their effect on turkey performance and carcass quality. Litter was sampled periodically for the determination of moisture, pH and ammonia content. A step lighting program designed to limit early growth and encourage greater activity resulted in significantly lowered body weight (2.8%) at 16 weeks of age in comparison to turkeys grown on an intermittent (IL) light program. However, incidence of breast buttons was greater in IL. Increasing supplemental salt to .8% of the diet depressed body weight and increased litter moisture as compared to lower salt levels of .1, .2, and .4%. Breast blister incidence
was affected by salt level and type of litter. Litter characteristics changed over time with increases in moisture and ammonia. *Turkey breeder hens were placed on phase-feeding regimens differing in dietary contents of protein. The control group was fed 15% protein for the 24 week production period. In the other groups, protein was incrementally decreased so that an 11% protein diet was fed for the last 4 wks of production. Egg production was unaffected by protein level indicating lower protein could be fed to older hens.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/94 to 12/30/94
Outputs
Reproductive performance of Large White female turkey breeders was shown to be affected by environmental temperature and dietary Vitamin C supplementation. Constant warm temperature (21 C) was shown to be more stressful then a cycling temperature regimen (10- 29 C) as egg production and hatchability were significantly decreased. Supplementation of the breeder diet with Vitamin C (200 ppm) improved egg production of hens by 6.5% in comparison to the non-supplemented control treatment. Supplementation was effective in improving egg production in both temperature environments. **Two experiments were conducted with Large White female turkey breeders to examine the interrelationship of the following vitamins-choline, folate and B12 relative to reproductive function and progeny performance. The three vitamins were supplemented to a purified diet alone or in combination to meet the dietary requirement. Egg weight was improved with vitamin supplementation especially that of
choline. Hatchability and progeny growth were increased with B12 supplementation primarily. Interactions in response among the three vitamins indicate the relative dietary level of each can alter performance.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/93 to 12/30/93
Outputs
Female turkey breeder candidates (Large White, Nicholas) were restricted in bodyweight through skip-day feeding initiated at 6 or 16 weeks of age and reared under one of three lighting programs: conventional, step down/step up (SDU) during 1-29 weeks of age and a modified SDU applied during 16-30 weeks of age. Skip-day feeding reduced hen weight by .45 to .7 kg without affecting poult production relative to the control treatment of full-fed hens. In comparison to the conventional lighting program, hens reared on SDU initiated lay 24 days earlier resulting in 13 more eggs per hen through 57 weeks of age. * Breeder tom diets supplemented with 200 ppm of Vitamin C during 49 to 57 weeks improved (P<.05) semen concentration and volume by 17% and 16%, respectively. Fewer breeder toms (2.2/100 hens) would be needed for insemination when diets were supplemented with Vitamin C. *Slotted flooring condition (unevenness and frame material) was suspected of increasing breast skin
defects in market toms. Breast blister incidence in Large White male turkeys was found to be unrelated to flooring condition and similar to the incidence observed in litter pens (3.3 vs 1.8%). Body weights were greater (P<.05) by .77 kg at 18 weeks of age in the flooring pens.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/92 to 12/30/92
Outputs
Six hundred male turkeys (Hybrid x Nicholas) which had been floor brooded to 5 weeks of age were randomized among four flooring and ventilation treatments: all litter floor (used wood shavings) at normal (100%) and reduced (80%) ventilation; and PVC slats/litter floor at normal and reduced ventilation. Turkeys reared on slats/litter weighed 1.86 kg more than those on the litter floors (P<.05) at 19 weeks of age. In contrast to past studies, incidence of breast blisters was greater (P<.05) for the turkeys reared on slats/litter (4.7% vs. 32%). Litter moisture and ammonia levels tended to be decreased in the slat/flooring treatments. Ventilation did not affect turkey performance. * Female turkey breeder candidates were restricted in body weight through controlled daily feed intake, skip-day, and low protein diets and reared under one of two prebreeder lighting programs (conventional or step-down/up). Restricting body weight did not improve reproductive performance.
Hens on the step-down/up lighting program initiated egg laying 20 days earlier.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/91 to 12/30/91
Outputs
Six hundred male turkeys (Hybrid strain) which had been cage brooded to 5 weeks of age were randomized among four flooring and ventilation treatments--all litter floor (used wood shavings) at normal (100%) and reduced (80%) ventilation; and, PVC slats/litter floor at normal and reduced (80%) ventilation. Turkeys reared on slats/litter weighed 1.3 kg more than those reared on litter floors (P<.05) at 18 weeks of age. Electric heaters in the slat/litter rooms at 80 and 100% ventilation ran at 39 and 67% of the time, respectivevly, relative to the time heaters were on for the litter 100% ventilation room. *Female turkey breeder candidates were restricted in body weight through controlled daily feed intake, skip-day, and low protein diets. Restricting body weight did not result in improved egg production. However, breeder diet significantly affected egg production. Increases of 20 and 8% were obtained by feeding a high protein (18%) or high energy (6% supplemental
fat), respectively, as compared to hens fed a corn-soybean meal based diet (15% protein).
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/90 to 12/30/90
Outputs
Performance of three strains of Large White female market turkeys (870 each) wascompared to 14 weeks to age. Each strain was fed one of two dietary regimes which consisted of low and high levels of supplemental fat during the finishing period (8-14 weeks of age). Body weight of Strains A and B were significantly greater than those of Strain C throughout the study. Body weights at 14 weeks of age averaged 7.16, 7.17, and 6.94 kg, respectively, for Strain A, B, and C. Feed conversion and body weight was unaffected by dietary regime.* Performance of progeny resulting from the study of the effect of pre-breeding rearing diets was measured to 18 weeks of age. Body weight of female progeny from hens fed low dietary protein as prebreeders was reduced at 4 and 8 weeks of age as compared to progeny from hens fed a control corn-soybean meal diet, a high nutrient density diet or restricted fed the control diet.* Large White male breeder turkeys (50 and 40 weeks of age) were
recycled by darkening for six weeks or using water and feed restriction in combination with darkening to result in 10 or 20% weight loss. Semen production ceased in all groups after 5-6 weeks. Following light stimulation, semen was obtained 4-6 weeks later. Use of feed and water restriction in the recycling procedure was not of benefit and decreased semen volume in the 50 week age group.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/89 to 12/30/89
Outputs
Performance of two strains of Large White male market turkeys (1,020 each) were compared to 19 weeks of age. Each strain was fed one of two breeder recommended feeding programs utilizing corn-soy based rations. Strain A had significantly heavier body weights to 12 weeks age (8.17 vs 7.78 kg) but no difference in weight was observed at 16 or 19 weeks of age. Similar body weights were achieved with the two feeding programs at 19 weeks of age. Strain differences in mortality rates were observed after 8 weeks of age. Mortality during 8-19 weeks of age averaged 13.23 and 6.78% for Strain A and B, respectively. Mortality from respiratory disease and perirenal hemorrhage was greater in Strain A as compared to Strain B. The study indicates mortality needs to be considered as well as other performance criteria in selection of a strain for production purposes. * Large White male breeder turkeys (75 weeks of age) were recycled by darkening for six weeks or using water and feed
restriction in combination with darkening to result in 10 or 20% weight loss. Semen production ceased in all groups after 4 weeks. Measurable amounts of semen were obtained 6 weeks following light stimulation. Use of feed and water restriction in the recycling procedure was not beneficial and may have been detrimental to subsequent semen production. A total time period of 12 weeks was expended in the recycling process. Study is being replicated in time.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/88 to 12/30/88
Outputs
Tom poults that had been floor or cage brooded to 4 weeks of age were randomizedamong 4 flooring treatments-all litter floor (wood shavings) and slats of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) piping, concrete or wood place underneath watering equipment. Body weights at 20 weeks of age average 15.45, 15.67, 15.62, and 15.68 kg, respectively for the 4 treatments. No differences were detected among treatment groups for conditions of foot pad dermatitis and breast blisters. Litter moisture averaged 29.6% with the all litter floor and 14.7% inthe slatter/litter floor treatments. Manure build-up did not occur with the PVC slats. * In reference to a suspected stray-voltage problem on a turkey farm, the sensitivity of turkey poults to electrical current was determined. The effect of current level (none, .25, .5, .75 and 1.0 milliamps) on body weight, water intake and mortality was measured in two experiments. A third experiment determined the resistance of the poult. Comparison of
non-treated and treated groups indicated a significant decrease in water intake in Experiments 1 (10%) and 2 (16%) and increased mortality (22%) in Experiment 2. In comparison to dairy cows, poults were more sensitive to current level. However, with their relatively high resistance (minimum of 35 kohms), exposure to voltages less than 8 volts would be unlikely to cause problems. Thus stray voltage problems in turkey production would be unlikely to occur unless a major electrical fault or leakage condition existed.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/87 to 12/30/87
Outputs
Tom poults that had been floor or cage brooded to three weeks of age were randomized among 4 flooring treatments - all litter floor (wood shavings), and slats of fiberglass, concrete, or wood placed underneath feeding and watering equipment. Body weights at 19 weeks averaged 13.03, 12.71, 12.46 and 13.04 kg, respectively. for the 4 treatments. Cage brooded poults tended to be heavier than floor brooded poults throughout the study (12.88 kg vs 12.76 kg at 19 weeks). Litter moisture was decreased by 50% with the use of the slats. *Alternative litter sources of shredded paper and sunflower hulls were compared to wood shavings for use in brooding. Body weights were greater for the paper litter but the paper resulted in wet and packed litter conditions. *Male breeder turkeys were fed low protein (LP) diets and kept under two light intensities (5.4 and 32.6 1x) from 20 to 60 weeks of age. Semen production (volume and sperm number) was lower at 32.6 1x. Body weights and
feed intakes averaged 21.0, 17.1 and 19.3 kg at 60 weeks and 434, 323, and 383 g/day for the control toms, restricted fed LP diet (10%), and full fed LP (8.6%) groups, respectively. Sperm number decreased slightly in both LP groups.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/86 to 12/30/86
Outputs
Temperature-light(TL) program and bird density affected tom growout and marketing performance at 20 weeks. The TL programs with intermittent light 2L:4D) were: cycling temperature(7.2 to 21.1 C) and constant temperature(7.2 or 21.1 C). A continuous lighting program(18L:6D) was tested with cycling temperature. Respective means for body weight (kg) were 13.51, 12.28, 13.82, and 13.06; for feed efficiency-3.05, 3.21, 2.94 and 3.11; and grade A carcasses-67, 68, 48, and 62%. Lowest levels of dust and ammonia were observed in the cycling temperature rooms or at 7.2 C. Increasing floor space from .214 to .455 sq m/bird increased body weights (12.70 vs 13.55 kg) and grade A carcasses (53.2 vs 69.5%). Carcass yields were not consistently affected by any one variable. The effect of placement time and brooding density(.093 vs .115 sq m/bird) on tom poult performance(0-8 weeks) showed that delayed placement of poults from 4 to 28 hours after hatching resulted in greater
mortality (1.46 vs 2.41%) and lower body weights(4.04 vs 3.90 kg). Crowding affected first but not 8 week body weights. The study continued during finishing at stocking densities of .278 and .325 sq m/bird. At 20 weeks the toms at .278 sq m/bird weighed .36 kg less and later placement time lowered weights by .18 kg. The feeding value of low bushel weight corn(21.8 vs 24.0 kg/bu) was tested after grinding in mash diets with 4% fat to 12 and 11 weeks of age for the toms and hens, respectively.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/85 to 12/30/85
Outputs
Three studies were conducted to determine effects of light intensity during intermittent lighting (2L:4D) on growth of commercial large white toms. Light intensity was 5 1x or 5 1x increased to 100 1x at 8, 12 or 16 weeks of age and maintained through 20 weeks of age. Body weights at 20 weeks of age averaged 11.8, 12.3, 11.9, and 11.8 kg, respectively. In another trial, high intensity light (100 1x) from 0-20 weeks decreased growth by 4.4% compared to the four programs listed above.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/84 to 12/30/84
Outputs
A study was conducted to investigate the effects of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) on growth hormone release, body weight and body weight gain of broiler chicks and male turkeys. Daily injection (0700, 1100, 1500 and 1900 hr) of TRH at dose levels of 0, 0.25, 2.5 and 25.0 mu g/kg resulted in body weights of 498.5 g, 571.7 g, 476.4 g and 528.1 g, respectively at 3 weeks of age for chickens, and 394.3 g, 336.2 g, 374.5 g and 360.3 g, respectively, for turkeys. The average daily gains of the broiler chicks were 21.7 g, 25.2 g, 21.7 g and 23.6 g, for the 0, 0.25, 2.5 and 25.0 mu g/kg dose levels of TRH, respectively. Turkey poults injected with TRH at dose levels of 0, 0.25, 2.5 and 25.0 mu g/kg gained 15.8 g, 13.2 g, 14.9 g and 14.1 g per day, respectively. All TRH doses increased serum growth hormone levels in a dose related manner.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/83 to 12/30/83
Outputs
The role of stressors caused by the environment for confinement turkeys is a subject of increasing concern. A study to improve the air quality for breeder turkey toms badly infected with aspergillosis was attempted by the introduction of negative ions. The room with the highest incidence of aspergillosis was ionized. Preliminary results indicate that ionization did not reduce the death loss. The effects of ionization on semen quality and serum hormone levels were also studied. Blood and semen samples were collected and analyzed. The results are given in the table. Even though there are no significant differences, there are two interesting observations. The sperm count increased and the luteinizing hormone remained high in the ionized group. This needs to be studied with birds with no disease problems.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/82 to 12/30/82
Outputs
Turkey toms were reared on intermittent incandescent and intermittent fluorescent light. To date, the best growth rate has been with 90 lux of incandescent light. Fluorescent lights were installed with a dimmer so the intensity could be controlled. The dimmer caused the fluorescent lights to flicker which disturbed the turkeys. Thus, we used the fluorescent lights without the dimmer at a level of 300 lux which is the level used by a few commercial growers. A comparison of intermittent light of 300 lux fluorescent with 90 lux incandescent gave these results in growth: three pens of toms on incandescent light had an average weight of 11.32, 11.43 and 11.88 kg. at 18 weeks 5 days. On fluorescent light the toms averaged 11.41, 11.43 and 11.32 kg. at the same age. *In a comparison of the wattage used in these trails there was saving of 60% for the fluorescent light. *The toms on the fluorescent ligh were flighty and more easily frightened while taking three weights
just before marketing. The first day after weighting toms on fluorescent light gained only 32 grams and to 113 grams the second day. Toms on incandescent light gained 145 grams and 118 grams. This indicates that turkeys on different lighting may respond differently to disturbances and how these birds are handled is very important. Further studies need to be conducted to determine how different stresses affect turkeys on different lighting programs.
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Progress 01/01/81 to 12/30/81
Outputs
An intermittent light program developed at the University of Minnesota has increased the rate of gain for confinement raised turkeys. Astudy was set-up to look at two levels of feeder space requirement in the brooder house and three levels in the rearing barn. Female turkeys (2500) were started on 3.9 cm of feeder space the first seven days to avoid a starve out problem. Six pens were maintained on 3.9 cm, the recommended feeder space requirement per bird, through the 8 week brooding period. The feeder space was reduced gradually in the other six pens to 1.3 cm by the end of the second week. After five trials with six replicates the 8 week results for 1.3 cm of feeder space showed an average mortality of 1.52% and an average body weight of 2184 gm. The turkeys given 3.9 cm of feeder space had an average mortality of 1.93% and an average weight of 2162 gm. At 8 weeks of age the birds were moved to the rearing barn on three levels of feed space per bird of 0.65,
1.3 and 1.95 cm. After repeating the test five times the average 16 week weight for all the trials was 6.63, 6.83 and 6.86 Kg for 0.65, 1.3 and 1.95 cm of feeder space respectively. The average mortality in the same order was 0.74, 0.68 and 0.68%. The feed efficiency was 3.03, 2.97 and 2.98 pounds of feed per pound of gain. As one considers the mortality, the feed efficiency, and the body weights it is safe to recommend 1.3 cm of feeder space for hen turkeys brooded and reared on an intermittent light program of two hours of light and four hours of darkness.
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Progress 01/01/80 to 12/30/80
Outputs
It has been demonstrated that male turkeys raised on intermittent bright light have heavier body weight than toms raised on a single daily photoperiod. A study showed that toms on intermittent light had approximately 3 times the level of growth hormone in their blood. To study the physiological stimulus that takes place with intermittent light several serotonergic agonists and antagonists, i.e. p-chlorophenylalanine, quipazine, cyproheptadine and 5-hydroxytryptamine were tested in a short term experiment for their effect on circulating growth hormone, luteinizing hormone and prolactin. *Cyproheptadine was found to increase circulating growth hormone 4.8 times in 5 week old turkeys on 16 hours of light and 8 hours of darkness. The growth hormone levels increased from 226 ng/ml to 1084 ng/ml by the first hour following injection. These levels were reduced to 714 ng/ml by the second hour after injection. This level is still 3 times the basal levels. The luteinizing
hormone and prolactin levels in the blood did not change as a result of the treatment. *The long term effects of the drug need to be studied.
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Progress 01/01/79 to 12/30/79
Outputs
Several experiments were conducted to compare the effect of intermittent light at low (3.9 lux) and high (97.2 lux) intensity on growth of market male turkeys. In addition to body weight measurements, circulating LH and GH levels were measured in two of the experiments. Body weight at 20 weeks of age of turkeys receiving high intensity light at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age were 11.71, 11.67, and 11.49 kg, respectively. In another experiment with similar design the body weights were 12.71, 12.04, and 12.03 kg for birds receiving high light intensity at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. The body weight increase observed when the birds received high intensity light at 8 weeks of age was found to be achieved by 16 weeks of age. When the intensity of light was reduced at 16-20 weeks of age, the body weight advantage obtained at 16 weeks of age was retained. Luteinizing hormone levels were found to increase by about 3-fold when high intensity light was applied to growing
turkeys, suggesting that sex hormones may be involved in the improved weights resulting from high intensity light. Growth hormone was also measured in birds subjected to either intermittent light or one photoperiod. Growth hormone levels were found to increase during the dark phase of the photoperiod. With intermittent light there were 3 dark phases compared to one dark phase in the other light program. The 24-hour average growth hormone level for intermittent light was 174.3 ng/ml compared to 61.14 ng/ml for the one photoperiod program.
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Progress 01/01/78 to 12/30/78
Outputs
Day old male turkeys were brooded on low intermittent light intensity (0.37 footcandles) for the first eight weeks. At eight weeks the birds were randomized into 4 pens with four different intermittent light intensities. The intermittent light program consisted of 2 hours of light and 4 hours of darkness. Group 1 remained on 0.37 foot candles throughout the growing period. Group 2 remained on 0.37-foot candles until 16 weeks of age. They were then given 9 foot candles of light to 20 weeks of age. Group 3 remained on low light intensity (0.37 foot candles) until 12 weeks of age then they were given 9 foot candles of light to 20 weeks of age. Group 4 was placed on 9 foot candles at 8 weeks of age. The results were as follows: Group 1 weighed 11.50 kg. Group 2 - 11.44 kg, Group 3 - 11.73 kg, and Group 4 - 12.09 kg at 20 weeks of age. This indicates that toms require a higher intensity of intermittent light during the rearing period to stimulate maximum growth.
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Progress 01/01/77 to 12/30/77
Outputs
Large type white tom poults were obtained to study the effect of different lightintensities on the rearing of toms in confinement. All birds were brooded to 8 wks of age under light intensities of 3 lux. At 8 wks of age the birds were randomized into 8 pens with four light treatments with all pens on intermittent light of 2 hrs of light and 4 hrs of darkness. The average weight of 20 wk old toms reared on light intensities of 3 lux, 10 lux, 12 lux and 21 lux were as follows: 11.2, 12.4, 12.3, and 13.0 kilograms. * Earlier work confirmed that turkey males do not need high light intensity during the brooding period for maximum growth. This experiment confirms that high light intensity does increase growth during the rearing period. * Another environmental factor affecting the growth of turkeys is high levels of ammonia in the room. The use of low levels of a dried saponin product from the yucca plant has given the following results at 16 wks of age even if the
treatment was discontinued at 8 wks of age. * The average of weight of hens at 16 wks of age on two levels of yucca saponin in the feed in 4 different trials was as follows: 6.42 kg, 6.47 kg, 6.60 kg for the control, 56.7 g and 113.5 g, respectively. Each trial consisted of 2500 large type females.
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Progress 01/01/76 to 12/30/76
Outputs
It has been difficult to obtain maximum growth of large type toms in total confinement programs. Preliminary work indicated light intensity played a role. This experiment demonstrated that toms at 8 weeks of age were heavier on dim intermittent light as compared to bright lights. The 8 week weights with four light intensities were as follows: 15 watts, 6.6; 40 watts, 6.4; 60 watts, 6.3; and 100 watts, 6.4 pounds. The best growth was with the dim light which is very similar to that of hens. The body weight at 20 weeks of age were as follows: 15 watts, 26.0; 40 watts, 27.4; 60 watts, 26.3; and 100 watts, 28.7 pounds. There is a reverse effect of light intensity with weight gain some- time after 8 weeks of age. This is the second trial which shows a distinct age and light interaction with dim lighting promoting the greater response for early growth and a high light intensity giving the most gain in the latter portion of the growing period. This may explain why
turkey toms on range have better gains. The use of bright intermittent light after 8 weeks of age in confinement as shown by this experiment will out gain range-reared toms.
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Progress 01/01/75 to 12/30/75
Outputs
Large type toms were obtained to study the effects of four light intensities combined with intermittent light program on growth, feed efficiency, and mortality. The light sources were 15 watt, 40 watt, 60 watt, and 100 watt bulbs as the only light in each pen. Performance records were taken between 8 and 19 weeks of age. The mortality for 15 watt, 40 watt, 60 watt, and 100 watt pens was4.5, 1.0, 3.3 and 2.6% respectively. In the same order the feed efficiency was 4.78, 4.64, 4.64 and 4.46 pounds of feed per pound of gain. The body weights were 21.6, 20.2, 21.2 and 23.1. The results were inconsistent, as the 40 watt intensity had the best livability, most uniform birds but the lowest average weight. While the 100 watt light pen averaged somewhat better, there is no clear cut difference among the four environments. The comparisons should be repeated as other unobserved environmental factors seem to influence these results. **Light intensities of 40 and 60 watts
were also used in the pens withdust control equipment. The mortality in these pens more than doubled as compared to similar light treatments. The mortality was 4.9 and 8.9%. The feed efficiency was much better at 4.00 and 4.02 with body weights of 22.6 and 23.6 pounds respectively. In previous trials only slight improvment in growth was apparent with dust control equipment, indicating that this comparison should be repeated.
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Progress 01/01/74 to 12/30/74
Outputs
Small white toms were obtained to study the effect of intermittent light, cages,and electric dust settling on the growth of toms. Light programs were compared from two weeks of age up until 17 weeks of age. The light treatment consisted of 8 hours of dim light (15 watt bulbs 10 feet off the floor), 8 hours of brightlight (100 watt bulbs 10 feet off the floor), intermittent dim light, intermittent bright lights of 2 hours of light and 4 hours of darkness on an intermittent basis. At eight weeks of age, the turkeys on intermittent light weighed 4.20 pounds as compared to 4.12 pounds for continuous light. At eight weeks the birds were distributed into pens with similar treatment with addition of dust settling added to an intermittent program. At 17 weeks of age, the average weight of the small toms was 11.65 for intermittent light, 11.65 for continuous light, 11.70 for intermittent light plus a dust settler, and 12.2 in cages. The bright lights produced slightly
heavier toms whereas the reverse is true with hens. This was true both on the intermittent program as well as the continuous light program. The bright lights also produced slightly better feed efficiency. Toms may respond very differently than hens to intermittent light. The dust settler produced a slightly heavier tom with the best feed efficiency. The differences are very small and must be repeated to determine if these differences are real.
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Progress 01/01/73 to 12/30/73
Outputs
Large white female turkey poults were raised to study some effects of intermittent light and electronic dust control on confinement rearing. Turkeys were brooded for two weeks with no room light but a 15 watt bulb, which was on continuously, placed under the hover. At two weeks of age the light under the hover was removed and room light was begun. Two pens were placed on 8 hours of continuous dim light and 16 hours of darkness. The other two pens were placed on intermittent light, 2 hours of light and 4 hours of darkness. Weight at 7 weeks of age was 4.00 pounds for intermittent light and 3.94 for continuous light. The same light program was continued through the rearing period (7 to 17weeks of age) with the following results: Mortality 0.67 and 1.0%, Body weight 14.90 and 14.13 pounds, feed efficiency 3.04 and 3.02 for intermittent light andcontinuous dim light, respectively. Along with intermittent light a ZYZZ systemof dust control was studied. The results
show a slight increase in body weight of 0.16 pounds and 0.14 pounds better feed conversion per pound of gain. This is not a great deal but it is positive.
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Progress 01/01/72 to 12/30/72
Outputs
Large Broad white turkey poults were brooded to study the effects of light and toe clipping on the confinement rearing of turkeys. Three light programs were compared from 7 weeks to 17 weeks and 2 days of age. The light treatments consisted of 8 hours of dim light (2, 7 1/2 watt bulbs 10 feet above the litter), 8 hours of bright light (2, 100 watt bulbs 10 feet above the litter) and intermittent light with the same intensity as the bright light. The intermittent light program consisted of a repetitious 2 hours of light and 4 hours of darkness. There were two pens of about 100 birds for each light environment comparison and in addition two pens were reared in cages on intermittent light. The results of the experiment show no difference in the growth of the toe clipped compared to the non-toe clipped birds. There was an over-all advantage for intermittent light of 0.5 pounds per bird. The average weights obtained were: 14.7 lb. for 8 hours of dim light, 14.6 lbs.
for 8 hours of bright light, 15.2 lbs. for intermittent light and 15.9 lbs. for intermittent light in cages. According to this trial, cages produce the largestturkeys but they all have a blister on their breast.
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Progress 01/01/71 to 12/30/71
Outputs
Large Broadwhite turkey breeder hens were housed in three methods of floor management: litter floors, slat floors, and cages. The pen birds were housed at4.57 sq. ft. per bird while the birds in cages had only 1.6 sq. ft. of space in the cage. Egg production was 44.1, 29.4, and 36.8 per cent for litter, slat floors and cages, respectively. This shows a 7.3 per cent advantage. The percentage of cracked eggs was 0.88, 6.32, and 13.32 for litter, slats, and cages. This is a real significant loss of eggs for cage management. The hatch of fertile eggs was as follows: 88.6, 88.5 and 80.1 for litter, slats, and cages. The hatch of fertile eggs has been consistently lower on previous trials.
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Progress 01/01/70 to 12/30/70
Outputs
Turkey breeder hens were housed on three methods of floor management: litter floors, slat floors, and cages. The pens on litter and slats contained 70 hens each at 4.57 sq. ft. per bird. The individual cages were 16" x 24". The 3-birdcages were 32" x 24". This allowed 1/3 more turkeys in the same space. Egg production was measured on a hen-day basis. Egg production was 51.7, 32.9, 49.7and 37.5% for litter, slat floors, single cages, and 3 birds in a cage, respectively. This gives a slight advantage to litter floor environment. Work of previous years showed an advantage for cages as compared to litter. The average fertility was 89.4, 89.8, 85.6, and 88.9 for litter, slat floors, singlecages and 3-bird cages, respectively. The hatch of fertile eggs has been consistently lower for cages and was as follows: 90.3, 88.3, 79.0, and 83.3.
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Progress 01/01/69 to 12/30/69
Outputs
Turkey breeder hens were housed on three different methods of floor management, - litter floors, slat floors, and cages, - the same as the previous year except one replicate was rotated in an attempt to control broodiness. Rotation did notsolve our broodiness problem but produced an indication that the lower hatchability of fertile eggs was present only for the birds held in cages duringthe holding period. Turkeys moved from cages to litter the hatchability increased 5 percent or almost as high as the controls. This indicates that something in cage management causes a depression in hatchability that is quicklycorrected by a transfer to litter. This must be re-checked. Turkeys held either on litter and slats prior to rotation showed no change in hatchability.
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Progress 01/01/68 to 12/30/68
Outputs
Turkey breeder hens were housed at three differenct methods of floor management,litter floors, slat floors, and cages. The pens on litter and slat floors contained 70 birds each at 4.57 sq. ft. per bird. The individual cages were 16"x 24" x 24" high. The 3 bird cages were 32" x 24" and 24" high. This allows one-third more birds in the same given area. The weight gain during the holdingperiod from market age to 30 weeks of age average slightly over a pound less for3 birds in the cage. This may be caused by the over consumption of water. It became necessary to limit the water supply to the caged birds. Egg production was measured on a hen day basis. Egg production was 35.6%, 31.7%, 37.5% and 38.7% for litter, slat floors, single cages, and 3 birds in a cage, respectively. This gives a slight advantage for cages if no attempt is made to control broodiness. The average fertility was 83.0, 85.0, 80.5 and 82.3 for litter, slats, single cages and 3 bird cages,
respectively. The hatch of fertileeggs was 80.6, 81.1, 72.7 and 76.2 for litter, slats, single cages, and 3 birds per cage. The lower hatch of fertile eggs was also reported by similar work done in California. Broodiness does develop in the cages but it is very difficult to detect and control. Therefore, cages will not become practical unless we can control the broodiness in cages.
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Progress 01/01/67 to 12/30/67
Outputs
Turkey breeders were housed at densities of 3, 4, and 5 sq. ft. per bird. The three densities were replicated on slat floors and dirt floors using wood shavings as litter. The low density pens had about 2% better egg production. There was a 6% difference in favor of litter floors over slats. There was a 4.5% better hatch of eggs set in favor of low density. Body weight gain during the holding period prior to egg production was 2.6, 2.3 and 2.5 lbs. for the high, medium, and low densities, respectively. These very slight differences indicate no real environmental influence on this trait. Egg production as measured on the percent hen/day basis was 39.0% for litter and 33.8% on slat floors. Egg production for the high, medium, and low densities was 35.0%, and 38.1%, respectively. While the low density pens reflect a slight advantage, it is not statistically significant. The percent hatch of eggs set was 62.8% for litter and 59.2% for slat floor pens. The high,
medium, and low density hatchability was 60.4, 61.9 and 60.1% respectively. Thus there was very little difference in various densities. Three years' results indicate that turkey breeders on litter produce 3% more eggs than birds on slats. Turkey breeder hens were housed satisfactorily in as little as 3 sq. ft. per bird. Thus in a given building the gross income can be increased by 63% with breeder hen densities at this level.
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