The usefulness of different commercial strains of slaughter turkey females for extensive system of management and feeding

Abstract

The aim of this study was to estimate the usefulness of turkey females derived from two commercial strains for the extensive system of feeding and management. The experiment included 100 female turkeys from each of two commercial lines, BUT9 and BIG6, which, after the 6th week of rearing, were randomly divided into two groups: the control (C) and the extensive (E), with five replications in each. In the 7th week of life, birds from the E groups were transferred to a building with an open access to runs. All birds were given balanced diets appropriate to their age. Birds from the E group were fed the balanced diets diluted with crushed wheat in various proportions and were additionally given green fodder and steamed potatoes. During the experiment, the production effects of birds: body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and survival rate were registered. Turkeys were slaughtered after 16 weeks of rearing. Before slaughter, blood samples were collected for haematological and serum biochemical indices determination. The European efficiency factor, protein conversion ratio and the mean cost of feeding were calculated. Significantly smaller body weight gains were observed in the heavier line in treatment E, suggesting the lighter birds may be more useful for the extensive rearing system. This fact could show better usefulness of middle heavy turkeys for the extensive rearing system. The influence of the rearing system on haematological parameters of turkey blood, demonstrated by a bigger number of red blood cells and the decrease of mean corpuscular volume in the blood of experimental birds, was stated. As well as the rearing conditions influenced level of aspartate, total protein and glucose; their level was higher, whereas the levels of lactate dehydrogenase, cholesterol, uric acid, phosphorous and iron were lower in the blood serum of birds from the E groups.