Evaluation of Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles in Diets of Turkey Hens

Two experiments were conducted to test reproductive parameters in Broad Breasted Large White turkey hens fed varying levels of dietary phosphorus, calcium, distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), and fat. No significant (P<.05) improvement in egg production or hatchability of fertile eggs was obtained from feeding 3.0% DDGS, high levels of calcium (3.50%), or phosphorus in excess of .45%. A numerical decrease in production and hatchability of fertile eggs was observed when hens were fed 3.50% calcium. However, hatchability of fertile eggs increased with each increase of dietary phosphorus level, suggesting that at least .60% total phosphorus is required for turkey hens. Adding 4.0% fat did not significantly improve egg production or hatchability of fertile eggs. However, there were numerical increases in both parameters that approached statistical significance (P<.05). Fat numerically increased feed consumption when no DDGS was fed but not when DDGS was present in the diet.