Early Feed Restriction in Male Turkeys: Growth Pattern, Feed Efficiency, and Body Composition

The effects of early feed restriction in male turkeys on growth, feed efficiency, and carcass composition at marketing age were evaluated. In a series of four trials, optimal age and duration of feed restriction were determined, and interaction of feed restriction with diet form (pellets vs. mash) was investigated. Except for one case where a low-protein diet was fed, turkeys received during the restriction period an amount of feed calculated to support maintenance only. Early feed restriction generally resulted in an improvement of the 21 to 23-wk feed efficiency, and in some cases resulted in an increase in final body weight, without affecting the proportions of carcass muscle or fat. In terms of overall performance, the optimal age for the start of the restriction period was found to be 7 days, and the optimal length of restriction, when applied at this age, was 6 to 10 days. The severe restrictions of either total feed or protein for a period of 1 wk were equally effective in causing an improvement in feed efficiency for the entire 23-wk growth period. Feeding pellets resulted in an increased body weight at 22 wk of age, without interacting with feed restriction.