THE RESPONSE OF TURKEY BROILERS TO THE USE OF FLAVOMYCIN AS A GROWTH PROMOTER

Abstract

Three thousand six hundred turkey poults were used to determine the effects of flavomycin as a growth promoter when incorporated in feed at levels of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 mg kg−1. There were no significant (P > 0.05) treatment effects on mortality, carcass composition and monetary indices (economic gain) at 28, 56 and 84 d of age or upon body weights at 56 and 84 d of age. A significant (P < 0.001) effect for body weight was demonstrated at 28 d but was attributed to the lighter weight of poults fed the 6 mg flavomycin kg−1 diet. Similarly, feed conversion up to 28 d was significantly (P <0.001) improved for some treatment levels but this did not persist to 56 or 84 d of age. It is concluded that flavomycin is not effective as a growth promoter under all circumstances of turkey production, particularly those where optimum diets are coupled with modern housing and health management. Key words: Flavomycin, bambermycins, growth promoter, turkey broilers