Feeding turkeys is an important aspect of economic activity aimed at raising these birds for meat or eggs. Turkeys are one of the main sources of meat in many countries, and their proper diet at the chick stage plays an important role in achieving high productivity and product quality. In this article, we will look at the optimal diet for turkeys and details on the selection of feed and supplements.
Proper feeding plays a crucial role in ensuring the health and growth of turkeys. Insufficient or incorrect nutrition can lead to slow growth, deterioration of the quality of meat or eggs, and also increase the risk of diseases. The optimal diet of turkeys not only provides them with the necessary nutrients for maximum weight gain and reproductive function, but also helps reduce feeding costs and increase farm profitability. In this article, we will look at specific aspects of the optimal diet, feed selection, and supplementation for turkeys in order to achieve the best results.
Optimal diet for turkeys by age
Feeding turkeys affects their growth and development. Here we will consider the optimal diet for turkeys at different substages:
- Age 1-2 weeks: At the beginning of their life, turkey chicks need a high-protein diet, as active growth takes place during this period. If turkeys are raised for meat, the ration consists of a combination of broiler feed and feed with a high protein content (approximately 24-28%). The total amount of feed that should be given to turkey poults is approximately 40-50 grams per head per day. Usually at this age turkeys are fed twice a day. Divide the daily amount of food into two meals, which are evenly distributed throughout the day.
- Age 3-6 weeks: necessary changes in the diet. After 2 weeks of age, the turkeys can be gradually transferred to compound feed for broilers with a lower protein content (approximately 20-22%). It is important to gradually adapt them to the new diet in order to avoid stress and reduce weight gain. The total amount of feed can increase to 70-80 grams per head per day as turkeys become more active and need more energy to grow.
When turkeys reach the age of 7 to 18 weeks, the diet is determined depending on the gender and future role of the birds.
- 7-18 weeks of age: At this stage of development, turkeys require less high-protein feed and the diet can contain approximately 18-20% protein. It is important to consider that male turkeys and female turkeys may require different diets. The total amount of feed can be about 100-120 grams per head per day for male turkeys and about 80-100 grams for female turkeys.
- Features of feeding female turkeys to increase egg production. If the goal is to raise female turkeys for eggs, the diet should be prepared in such a way as to ensure sufficient calcium and other minerals necessary for bone health and egg production. Adding additional sources of calcium to the diet becomes important at this stage.
Selection of feed for broiler turkeys
The correct choice of feed for broilers is crucial for their growth and development. Here are some of the main types of feed and their characteristics:
- Compound feed for broilers: This type of feed is specially designed for rapid growth of broilers. It usually contains a high protein content (about 22-24%), as well as essential vitamins and minerals. Combined fodder is easily available and convenient for feeding.
- Grain feeds: Grains such as corn and soybeans can be an important part of broiler diets. They provide energy and supplement the protein diet. However, grain feed should be added to the diet carefully and calculated to balance the diet.
Calculation of the ration for broilers involves taking into account several factors, such as age, weight, sex, temperature and growth rate. The main principles include:
- The diet should provide a sufficient amount of protein for growth. The diet for young broilers (1-2 weeks) should be higher in protein, after which the protein content may decrease.
- Taking into account the amount of energy that broilers get from feed. This is important to ensure the correct balance of the diet.
- Use of tables and calculators to determine the required amount of feed per head depending on weight and age.
Selection of feed for male and female turkeys
The choice of feed for female turkeys and male turkeys can vary depending on their future role.
- Female turkeys, which will later grow eggs, need additional sources of calcium and minerals to support bone health and reproductive function.
- Male turkeys intended for meat production can receive a diet close to that of broilers because they do not require a high calcium content.
When choosing feed for turkeys, it is important to consider their needs depending on the stage of growth and sex, and to use a balanced diet to achieve the best results in feeding these birds.
What vitamins and how to give
Adding the right vitamins to the diet of turkey chicks is critical to their health, growth and development. Below is a list of the main vitamins that turkeys should receive and how they should be administered:
Vitamin A:
- Role: Vitamin A is important for growth, development of optic nerves, maintaining healthy skin and respiratory tract.
- Administration: Vitamin A can be given through a feed supplement or by including foods high in vitamin A in the diet, such as carrots, pumpkin or greens.
Vitamin D:
- Role: Vitamin D contributes to the normal absorption of calcium, which is important for the development and health of bones.
- Administration: Vitamin D can be given by including fish oil in the diet or using special supplements, if there are not enough natural sources.
Vitamin E:
- Role: Vitamin E is an antioxidant and affects muscle health and the immune system.
- Administration: Vitamin E can be added to the diet through a feed supplement or by giving turkeys access to coarse grains such as corn or wheat that may contain vitamin E.
B vitamins (including B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12):
- Role: B vitamins are important for energy metabolism, nervous system support and healthy growth.
- Feeding: Turkeys can get most of their B vitamins from natural sources, such as corn kernels and soybeans. However, if necessary, you can use feed supplements that contain these vitamins.
Vitamin C:
- Role: Vitamin C is an antioxidant and supports the immune system.
- Administration: Turkeys can get vitamin C from vegetables and fruits, such as oranges, apples and cucumbers, or through a feed supplement.
Vitamin K:
- Role: Vitamin K is important for proper blood formation and bone strengthening.
- Administration: Vitamin K can be added to the diet through feed supplements or the inclusion of green vegetables in the diet.
For the exact determination of doses and methods of administration of vitamins, a veterinarian or a specialist in the field of poultry should be consulted. It is also important to follow the recommendations and take into account the individual needs of turkeys.
What minerals and how to give
Adding the necessary minerals to the diet of turkeys is an important aspect for their health, growth and development. Key minerals and ways of their presentation are listed below:
Calcium:
- Role: Calcium is necessary for the formation of bones and eggshells in the case of female turkeys. It also affects the health of the muscles and the nervous system.
- Administration: Calcium is given through calcium supplements to the feed or by adding mushrooms, calcium carbonate or ground shingles to the diet.
Phosphorus:
- Role: Phosphorus is important for bone growth and health. It is also involved in the functions of the nervous system and metabolism.
- Administration: Phosphorus can be provided through phosphate supplements in the diet or through the inclusion of feed sources such as grain.
Iron:
- Role: Iron affects the transport of oxygen in the body and can affect hemoglobin. Important to prevent anemia.
- Administration: Iron can be provided through feed supplements or through iron soil or sand that turkeys can lick.
Zinc:
- Role: Zinc is important for the immune system and growth of turkeys. Affects the functions of the stomach and intestines.
- Administration: Zinc can be provided through zinc supplements in the diet.
Sulfur:
- Role: Sulfur is a component of amino acids important for the growth and development of turkeys.
- Administration: Turkeys can get sulfur from special feed sources or through protein supplements.
Potassium and sodium:
- Role: Potassium and sodium are important for maintaining water and electrolyte balance in the body.
- Administration: Potassium and sodium can be provided by adding special additives to the feed or through salt.
It is important to consult with a veterinarian or a poultry specialist to determine the exact dosage of minerals and how to provide them in the diet of turkeys. Lack or excess of minerals in the diet can lead to problems with the health of turkeys.
Probiotics and antibiotics
The administration of probiotics and antibiotics to turkey chicks should be justified and carried out only in specific cases according to the recommendations of a veterinary specialist. Below are common cases where probiotics and antibiotics may be worth considering:
Probiotics:
- To support the health of the gastrointestinal system: Probiotics can be useful for turkeys, especially during times of stress or changes in the diet, to support the normal microflora of the gastrointestinal tract.
- After antibiotics: If turkeys have been on antibiotics to treat infections, probiotics can be helpful in restoring normal gut microflora, as antibiotics can affect beneficial bacteria.
- During times of stress: Stressful situations, such as moving or moving, can cause changes in gastrointestinal function. Probiotics can help reduce the effects of stress on the digestive system.
Antibiotics:
- Treatment of bacterial infections: Antibiotics are used to treat serious bacterial infections, such as respiratory infections, salmonellosis, or other bacterial diseases. They must be prescribed by a veterinarian, and the dosage and duration of treatment must be strictly followed.
- Prophylaxis before starting new birds: In some cases, before adding new turkeys to the farm, they may be given antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent possible bacterial diseases.
- Treatment of individual infections: Occasionally, turkeys can contract bacterial infections, and antibiotics may be prescribed to treat specific cases.
It is important to remember that the use of antibiotics must be thoroughly justified and carried out in accordance with the prescription of a veterinary specialist, as well as follow the rules for the use of antibiotics to prevent bacterial resistance. Probiotics, on the contrary, can be useful for maintaining the health of the gastrointestinal system, presumably for prevention.
Monitoring and correction of the diet
It is important to keep and keep a detailed log containing information about feed consumption and the state of health of the turkeys. This helps monitor how the turkeys are responding to the diet and detect any problems or changes in their condition in a timely manner.
- Record daily feed intake: Record the amount and type of feed your turkeys consume each day. This will help determine if they are getting the right amount of nutrients.
- Health Monitoring: Record any changes in the turkey’s health, such as illness, diarrhea, or other symptoms. This will help to respond to problems in a timely manner and take measures quickly.
Monitoring the turkeys and the feed log allows you to adjust the diet to ensure optimal health and growth. Following these steps will help you make changes to your diet:
- Consumption Log Analysis: Evaluate the feed consumption log to determine if the turkeys are getting the required amount of calories, protein, vitamins and minerals.
- Identifying problems: If the log shows insufficient or excessive consumption, or if health problems occur, find the cause of these problems and correct them.
- Prepare for change: Develop a new diet based on identified problems and needs of the turkeys. Consider their age, gender and physiological needs.
- Gradual introduction of changes: Introduce changes in diet gradually, allowing the turkeys to adapt to the new diet. Watch their reaction and monitor their health.
- Regular monitoring: Continue to log and monitor turkeys after diet changes to ensure they are doing well and achieving expected results.
Thanks to systematic monitoring and correct correction of the diet, you will be able to ensure optimal health and growth of turkeys on your farm.
Conclusion
Feeding turkeys is a complex and important aspect of their care and rearing. An optimal diet plays a key role in ensuring the health, growth and productivity of these birds. It is important to consider the different life stages of turkeys, such as broilers and replacements, and provide them with the required amount of calories, protein, vitamins and minerals.
It is important to pay attention to the quality and type of feed, as well as to ration their nutrition at different stages of growth. Adherence to proper feeding promotes the health of turkeys, prevents disease and ensures optimal weight gain and development.
Monitoring and adjusting diet based on observations is an important part of turkey care. Keeping a log of feed consumption and health status allows you to identify problems in time and make the necessary changes to maintain the optimal condition of the birds.
Sources
- National Turkey Federation. (2021). Nutrition and Feeding Management in Commercial Turkey Production.
- University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. (2021). Feeding Turkeys.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. (2021). Poultry: Feeding and Nutrition.
- Poultry Hub. (2021). Turkey Nutrition.
- Oregon State University. (2021). Raising Turkeys for Meat.