The Influence of the Grower Diet and Fat in the Layer Diet on Performance of Turkey Hens

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of the composition of the grower diet and fat in the layer diet on Broad Breasted Large White turkey hens. In Experiment 1, the turkey hens were fed corn-soybean meal diets containing zero and 3% added fat from 12 to 32 weeks of age. In Experiment 2, they were fed a corn-soybean meal basal and a high fiber diet containing 26% wheat bran. In Experiment 1, during the laying phase, hens were fed a corn-soybean meal basal. This diet was also fed in Experiment 2; however, one-half of the hens on each diet were fed a breeder diet with 8% added fat. The addition of fat to the grower diet in Experiment 1 increased hatchability of fertile eggs. The feeding of the high fiber diet in Experiment 2 decreased body weight at 29 weeks. Feed intake and body weight were increased in the laying house when hens were grown on the high fiber diet. However, other production parameters were not affected by grower diet. The addition of fat to the layer diet resulted in increased egg production, fertility, and body weight. Other production parameters were not affected.