Growth performance and carcass characteristics of turkey poults maintained at different protein and energy levels during winter

An experiment was conducted to study the requirements of protein and energy during starter (0–6 wk) and growing period (7–8 wk) of small white turkey poults. In the starter diet, three protein (24, 26 and 28%) and three energy levels (2600, 2800 and 3000 Kcal/kg diet) in a 3x3 factorial design were studied. In grower diet, protein levels were reduced to 22, 24 and 26% whereas energy levels remained same as that during starter period. Weekly body weight and feed intake were recorded. At the end of the 8th week, carcass parameters were studied. During 0–6 week period, poults receiving higher protein (P<0.01) and higher energy (P<0.05) had significantly higher weight gain. The protein and energy interaction also had significant effect (P<0.05) on body weight gain. Feed intake also increased significantly (P<0.01) with an increase in protein content of the diet. However, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) did not vary significantly (P<0.05). Neither protein nor the energy content affected the body weight gain, feed intake and FCR during 6–8 week of age of the poults. The 8th week body weight was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the poults receiving high protein and medium energy. The different calorie: protein ratio had no influence on carcass traits.