Original scientific paper
Reduced level of protein and free-choice feeding in Zagorje turkey nutrition
Stjepan Mužić
Zlatko Janječić
Jasna Pintar
Ksenija Gazić
Damir Županić
Abstract
Zagorje turkey breed is becoming more and more interesting for so called alternative or organic production of poultry meat in Croatia. Technology of breeding and feeding of Zagorje turkey breed is far from defined, so considerable effort is taken to find as simple and inexpensive solutions as possible. In that sense we set our examination of effects of lowered protein levels in feeds and free-choice feeding on the productive performance of free-range Zagorje turkey. Turkeys fed lower levels of protein (25 and 23% CP) during the first 8 weeks achieved body weight ranging from 1469-1483 g (male birds) and 1201-1208 g (females), which is not much lower than performance of zagorje turkeys fed protein-richer feeds kept in similar conditions. In the following 4-month period, turkeys grazing on pastures with supplemental free-choice feeding, reached a finishing body weight of 5882 g (male group P-a); 5752 g (male group P-b) and 3841 g (female group P-a); 3723 g (female group P-b). Physical form of corn grain (whole grain vs. ground) had no effect on the finishing body weight of Zagorje turkey. FCR over the whole 4-month period was similar in all of the experimental groups (2,34-2,49 kg/kg). Under the conditions of free-range production, turkeys of both experimental groups consumed similar amount of feeds per kg of gain: corn 4,7-5,0 kg and soybean meal 2,24-2,47 kg. Soybean meal consumption was 31.9-33.1 % of total supplemental feed consumed. Dressing percentage was similar in both groups, ranging between 65.6-66.6%.
Keywords
Zagorje turkey breed; nutrition; free-choice feeding
Hrčak ID:
2168
URI
Publication date:
5.7.2005.
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