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Implementation of different feed withdrawal times and water temperatures in managing turkeys during heat stress

Research Authors
Farghly M. F. A., Kh. M. Mahrose, A. E. Glaal, Reham M. Ali, Enas A. M. Ahmad Z. Rehman and C. Ding
Research Abstract

The current investigation aimed to study the effects of feed withdrawal times, water temperature and their interaction on growth performance, carcass traits, blood parameters and health aspects of native turkeys. 180 one-day old of native turkey chicks, of 4 weeks of age, were used in current work. Turkeys were divided into six equal treatments in a 3×2 factorial arrangement. Birds were allocated in three main groups according to feed withdrawal times (ad libitum, feed withdrawal during 8.00 to 14.00 h; FW8-14, and feed withdrawal during 14.00 to 20.00 h; FW14-20) and then each main group was divided into two sub-groups corresponded to water temperature (ordinary and chilled water). Results indicated that birds reared under FW14-20 had the highest body weight (BW) and body weight gain (BWG) when compared with the other groups. Turkeys drank chilled water recorded higher BW than those had ordinary water. Turkeys reared under FW8-14 and drank chilled water had the highest BW at marketing and BWG during 4-16 weeks of age as compared with the other groups of the interaction. Turkeys kept off feed FW14-20 had the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) when compared with the other groups. Birds reared under FW14-20 and got chilled water had the highest feed efficiency. Feed withdrawal schedules, water temperature and their interaction did not significantly influence carcass traits. Meat color score for birds drank chilled water was higher than those got ordinary water. Birds kept off feed FW14-20 followed by those fed ad libitum had higher values of tenderness and juiciness than the other group. Birds reared under FW14-20 had the highest values of A/ G ratio and glucose, while they had the lowest values of globulin and AST. Turkeys kept under FW14-20 and drank chilled water had the lowest corticosterone concentration as compared with the other groups. Turkeys reared under FW14-20 had the lowest body temperature in comparison with the other groups. Birds drank chilled water had lower body temperature than those got ordinary water. Turkeys fed ad libitum and drank chilled water had the lowest body temperature, while those kept off feed FW8-14 and got ordinary water had the highest one. From these results, it could be concluded that, using feed withdrawal and cold water as managerial alternatives for raising local turkey during summer season is highly recommended.

Research Department
Research Journal
Poultry Science
Research Member
Research Publisher
NULL
Research Rank
3
Research Vol
0
Research Website
http://dx.doi.org/10.3382/ps/pey173
Research Year
2018
Research Pages
1-7