Self-selection of dietary protein and energy by turkey breeder hens

Br Poult Sci. 1991 Jul;32(3):555-64. doi: 10.1080/00071669108417380.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

  • Animal Feed
  • Animals
  • Body Weight
  • Dietary Proteins / administration & dosage*
  • Eating*
  • Eggs / standards
  • Energy Intake*
  • Female
  • Fertility
  • Hot Temperature
  • Oviposition
  • Regression Analysis
  • Reproduction*
  • Turkeys / physiology*

Substances

  • Dietary Proteins