A total number of 180 one-day old of native turkey chicks were chosen in this study, for evaluating the impacts of using different attracting colors and forms of the offered feed on growth performance, carcass traits and some of health aspects, in a 3×2 factorial experimental design. The birds were allocated into three main groups according to feed color (non-colored, orange and green feeds), then each main group was divided to three sub-groups corresponded to feed form (mash and crumbles feed), respectively. The obtained results indicated that feed colors and forms changed significantly the final body weight, body weight gain, feed conversion, gizzard percentage, meat juiciness, plumage conditions and mortality rate. However, there were no significant differences among the treatments in carcass traits, meat quality (percentages of heart, liver, abdominal fat color, flavor and tenderness) and body temperature. Significant interactions of feed colors × forms groups were existed in most studied traits except in feed consumption, giblets, meat quality traits, plumage conditions and body temperature. Finally, considering the obtained results, it was observed that the native turkeys prefer green feed as crumbles over non colored or mash feed. Consequently, feeds for turkey chicks should be in green mash or crumbles during the growing period to maximize the profit.
Research Abstract
Research Department
Research Journal
Journal Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition
Research Member
Research Publisher
Journal Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition
Research Rank
1
Research Vol
1
Research Website
wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/jpn
Research Year
2018
Research Pages
69-76