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Use of ecologically produced protein carriers in the turkey
Project
Project code: 03OE451
Contract period: 15.08.2004
- 30.11.2006
Budget: 94,397 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
wo trials, examined at the Applied University of Weihenstephan, demonstrated the feasibility of organic turkey-raising (EEC regulations 2092/91) with common hybrids. Due to poultry's ability to compensate lower feed energy content (ME) by higher feed intake, feed mixtures with reduced ME as well as a lower content of essential Amino Acids (EAA) - at a constant ratio of amino acid:metabolizable energy (EAA:ME) - resulted in similar live weights. Two genotypes (BUT (BIG 6); KELLY (BBB)) were kept for 18 (females) and 22 weeks (toms), respectively. The first trial compared feed mixtures with high (H) and medium (M), the second medium (M) and low (L) feed energy content. The nutrient balanced feed mixtures (four phases) with organic ingredients, matching the regulations 2092/91, differ in content ME and EAA. Feeding group H were established according common recommendations, however reduced in ME and EAA for about 10% and 5%, respectively. In contrast a lowered content (5% to 8%) of ME (< 12 MF ME/kg) and EAA were prepared for feeding group M. Another decrease in ME for feed mixture L (approx. 11 MJ ME/kg) allow a protein saving approx. 20% for lysine and methionine. Due to higher daily feed intake of treatment M (approx. 6%) a similar final body weight were determined in treatment H and M. Males and females within treatment L were unable to compensate the lower ME, compared to M they realised a live weight of 87% and 92%, respectively. The superior growth potential of fast growing turkeys (BIG 6) were similar to expected body weights described by breed company (conventional feed mixtures). No interactions between strain and feeding variations were obtained.
Section overview
Subjects
- Animal Husbandry
- Animal nutrition
- Special animal species
Framework programme
Federal Organic Farming Scheme and other forms of sustainable agriculture (BÖLN)
