Role of protein and energy in the regulation of energy metabolism and reproductive performance of large white turkey hens.
An experiment was conducted with Nicholas Large White turkey hens to determine the roles of energy and protein in energy efficiency, reproductive performance, and in vitro metabolism. Hens were fed diets containing 2400 or 2850 kcal ME/kg and either 12 or 17% protein. The experiment was conducted in environmentally controlled rooms maintained at 21 C and 50% dew point. The efficiency of energy utilization for both egg and poult production was greater in the 2400 kcal diets, and the efficiency of protein utilization was greater in the 12% protein diets. In vitro lipogenesis was less and plasma uric acid was greater (P less than .05) in hens fed diets containing 17% protein. In contrast, plasma phosphorous and calcium were greater (P less than .05) in hens fed diets containing 2400 kcal ME/kg. Plasma zinc and copper were unaffected by either dietary energy or protein levels. Because the 2400 kcal diets contained 30% wheat middlings, the higher metal levels observed in hens may be related to some component in middlings. Broodiness and mortality were also lower (P less than .05) in the groups fed diets containing 2400 kcal ME/kg.
D000818:Animals; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000378:metabolism; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002149:Energy Intake; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005260:Female; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007521:Isocitrate Dehydrogenase / Q000378:metabolism; D050356:Lipid Metabolism; D008099:Liver / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism; D012098:Reproduction; D014422:Turkeys / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*
D004044:Dietary Proteins; D007521:Isocitrate Dehydrogenase; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases