Feed Preference Responses of Several Avian Species Fed Alfalfa Meal, High- And Low-Saponin Alfalfa, and Quinine Sulfate

The response of male geese, turkeys, Japanese quail and chickens to dietary levels of 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 30% alfalfa meal was measured, using a two-choice feed preference test. At each alfalfa level, the birds were given a choice between the alfalfa-containing diet and an alfalfa-free diet. At levels of 10% or more alfalfa meal, all species showed a significant (P < 0.05) preference for the alfalfa-free diet. At a dietary level of 5% alfalfa meal, all species except chickens discriminated against the alfalfa-containing diet and preferred the alfalfa-free diet. Geese discriminated against the alfalfa-containing diet at 2.5% alfalfa, while no species showed discrimination at alfalfa levels of 0.5 and 1%. The birds did not discriminate between low- saponin and high- saponin alfalfa-containing diets, each compared at alfalfa levels of 1, 5, 10 and 20%. Quinine sulfate was included at levels of 0.01, 0.05 and 0.1% of the diet; discrimination against the quinine-containing diets was noted, indicating that poultry can detect substances in the diet perceived as bitter by humans.