Enhancing growth performance, feed efficiency, and economic feasibility of turkey production through the incorporation of zootech feed fortifier in a high-fiber turkey diet

Abstract

AbstractThis study evaluated the impact of incorporating Zootech feed fortifier mix into a graded ration of sawdust and palm kernel cake (PKC); a high fibre diet, on the growth performance, carcass, organoleptic, and bio-economics of turkey birds. This eight-week feeding trial involved 320 unsexed indigenous strains of turkey poults brooded in deep litter and assigned to four dietary treatments (T1, T2, T3, and T4). The experimental design involved four treatments with four replicates, with a total of twenty birds per replicate. The treatment diets/groups were as follows: T1 (farmer’s practice turkey diet/standard turkey feed), T2 (5% sawdust/18% PKC), T3 (10% sawdust/13% PKC), and T4 (15% sawdust/8% PKC). It was revealed from this study that turkeys fed T4 diets exhibited significantly higher differences (p < 0.01) in final weight gain and average daily weight gain compared to other treatments. At the same time, T1 (control) had the lowest weight gain. Average daily feed intake had a significantly higher difference (p < 0.01) in turkeys fed T4 diets, with the lowest intake in the control group. Turkeys fed T4 and control diets achieved the best feed conversion ratio, while T2 and T3 groups were less efficient. Carcass traits and internal organ proportions were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in turkeys fed T4 diets. The organoleptic assessment indicated superior meat quality (p < 0.05) in treatment four  groups . Economic analysis revealed significantly lower costs per kilogram of feed and total feed consumed in T2, T3, and T4 groups  compared to the control (p < 0.05) groups. In summary, incorporating a Zootech feed fortifier into a sawdust/palm kernel diet positively influenced turkey growth, feed efficiency, carcass traits, tastes, and economic viability.