Self-selection of dietary protein and energy by turkey breeder hens.
1. An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of self-selection of dietary protein and energy by turkey hens on reproductive performance in a warm environment. 2. Dietary self-selection had no significant effect on egg production, egg weight, or body weight of turkey hens. 3. Fertility and hatchability of eggs produced by self-selecting hens were significantly reduced compared to eggs from control hens fed on a complete diet. 4. Protein intake was significantly reduced among self-selecting hens when compared to control hens fed on a complete diet (P less than or equal to 0.001). 5. Food and energy intake decreased as the ambient temperature increased. Nevertheless, protein intake of self-selecting hens increased over the course of egg production despite decreasing food intake. Therefore, self-selecting hens preferred a diet with a greater protein content (g protein/kg diet) in the last 10 weeks of egg production than during the first 10 weeks of egg production.
Emmerson
D E
DE
Department of Poultry Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061-0332.
Denbow
D M
DM
Hulet
R M
RM
Potter
L M
LM
van Krey
P
P
D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004435:Eating; D004531:Eggs / Q000592:standards; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D006358:Hot Temperature; D010058:Oviposition; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012098:Reproduction; D014422:Turkeys / Q000502:physiology*
D004044:Dietary Proteins