THE EFFECT OF ENERGY IN STARTER-GROWER DIETS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF TURKEY BROILERS

Abstract

Two thousand four hundred poults (1200 of each sex) of the Diamond White strain were housed in 48 pens to evaluate the effect on performance and monetary returns of six different energy levels in each of six starter (11.30–12.35 MJ/kg ME) and six grower (12.14–13.19 MJ/kg ME) diets. Starter and grower diets were isonitrogenous at 29 and 24% protein, respectively. The common finisher diet had 18% protein and 13.60 MJ/kg ME. Feed conversion and monetary returns increased (P < 0.05) with increased dietary energy. Optimum overall performance based on liveweight, feed conversion and monetary returns was achieved with a starter-grower-finisher regimen with 12.35, 13.19 and 13.60 MJ/kg metabolizable energy. Key words: Energy, starter and grower diets, turkey broilers