Feeding and Nutrition of breeding turkeys (flock replacement turkeys and layers)

Question 1

Phases of the rearing period of flock replacement turkeys

Answer 1

Starter: 0-4 wks

Grower 1: 4-8 wks

Grower 2: 8-12 wks

Grower 3: 12-16 wks

Rearer: 16-29 wks

Question 2

What are the different nutrient requirements and their trends during the rearing period of flock replacement turkeys

Answer 2

1. CP: this decr from stage to stage
2. ME: this decr from stage to stage until REARER! as more E is needed for maint
3. Ca: decr
4. P: decr

Question 3

Control of nutrients (5)

Answer 3

1. Observe BW at each week- if too thin then delay the next phase, if too fat then decr the E
2. Ad lib- to ensure isometric growth
3. Restrict nutrient density- to delay egg prod
4. Decr protein to delay sexual maturity- to delay the onset of egg prod
5. Give Ca when want to induce egg prod (important for bone development and growth)

Question 4

Laying tukeys- how long do they lay for?

Answer 4

20-24 wks

Question 5

Timeline for laying turkeys

Answer 5

*remember are rearing until 29 wks*

• 30-34 wks: layer one- higher prod
• 34-40 wks: peak production of 70-80% (I think this is still under layer 1)
• 40-50/54 wks: layer 2, lower prod. are slaughtered at the end of this period

Question 6

Turkey eggs

Answer 6

Remember they are used for breeding and not foe Hu consumption

100-120 eggs (less than hens)- are v. valuable because of the long rearing period

Weigh 80-90g

Question 7

Laying turkeys- the different physical forms of feeds

Answer 7

Layer 1 from30-40 wks: give pellet feed

Layer 2 from 40-50/54 wks: give mash feed

Question 8

Nutrient requirement differences between layer 1 and layer 2

Answer 8

CP %: 16.5 vs 15

E (MJ/kg): 11.8 vs 12

Ca (g/kg): 25 vs 28

Question 9

What are flock replacement turkeys equivalent to

Answer 9

Pullets in broilers